Raqs Sharqi is linked to other oriental
skills like martial arts or yoga (power of hips,
focused on the lower part of the body). In term
of concept vocabulary, Raqs Sharqi is defined
by a diversity of contrasts which make the complexity
and the richness of that dance, smoothness/powerful
accents, control/letting go, spirituality/sensuality,
to name a few.
The specificity of this technique relies on
an in depth body work based on posture, suppleness
and strength of the dancer. The lesson starts
with a 40 minutes preparation to open, stretch
and strengthen the back and the tommy, essential
elements of this work. Three different styles
are approached in the lesson, the Shaabi (rural traditional
style), the Baladi (urban popular style) and
the Sharqi (classical style).
It is important to stress that
Raqs Sharqi, in a research of authenticity and
respect of tradition is far from pictures of
belly dancing and other flashy entertaining.
It concerns people who want to develop the possibilities
of their body, willing to see inside themselves
in order to appreciate the real nature of that
dance. A large place is made to the pleasure
of improvisation and interpretation of oriental
music (tightly linked to the dance) which enables
each dancer to develop her own creativity.
Vocabulary
Shaabi:
This name includes 2
differents aspects: The saidi, music of southern
egypt, with heavy rythm and complex melody,
and the shaabi which comes from country villages
and the small towns in the whole of Egypt. Shaabi
is part of the life of peasants. Shaabi style
is rural and proud. The gravity center is based
in the lower part of the body, putting the accent
on the country aspect of the dance.
Baladi :
It is the urbanised
style which has it’s origin in the songs
of the countryside. It developed in Egypt at
the beginning of the century, when the economical
crisis forced the peasants to go near the towns.
From this exil, a music expressing passion joy
and pain was borned. The baladi style is between
tradition and modernity and reflects with sensitivity
the egyptian soul. The movements of the hips
are strong and fluid. The energy is more contained
that in shaabi. The baladi shows an earthy sensuality,
made of power and emotion.
Sharqi :
The sharqi or
classical form was brought up to court dance
in the royal arab palace of the Xth and XIth
centuries, during the Ottoman period, in the
XVIIIth century.
The sharqi was very famous in the years 40-50
through Egypt cinema which promoted stars like
Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca and Naima Akef.
The sharqi is recognisable because of its lyrical
character. It is expressed by expanded movements,
graceful arabesques and a great fluidity.
