Caravan

CaravanExploring the Arab World through Music & Dance

22 Arabic Speaking Countriesbooks!

MoroccoAlgeriaTunisiaLibyaEgyptSaudi ArabiaJordanSyriaLebanonOmanAnd 12 more....

1.There are 22 Arabic speaking countries, each with their own unique culture. Some of these countries are included in the area referred to as the Middle East, others are in North Africa. Middle East does not = Arab as there also several non-Arab countries in the Middle East- they include Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan for example.

You can visit the countries through books

I started my journey in to the Arab world through their music and dances, but books opened even more doors to understanding their culture and language. Books can do the same for you!

Today, we will visit through dance!

This morning I will take you on a journey through parts of the Arab World via their music and dance. From the mens stick dance in Egypt to the womens party dance in Saudi Arabia to the line dances of the Levant, you will hear the traditional rhythms, see the colorful folk wear, and experience the expressive dance traditions in their cultural context. It is a celebration of life!

Tarab EnchantmentIts about the music.

Music, singing, dancing, is very important. So important they have a special word for when the music, singer, dancer, and audience become so wrapped up in the experience together..it is called tarab The closest word in English is Enchantment.

Drums The Heartbeat

RiqTablaTarDuvalDaf4/4 Beledi8/4 Masmoudi2/4 Ayoub

1.First, experience its heart beat- the drum. They come in all sizes and shapes and produce 2 main sounds- the DUM, and the TEC. How these 2 sounds are arranged produce the rhythm. Even though some rhythms share the time signature, each is unique- examples: a.2/4: Ayoub DD, T, Malfouf- D, TT,b.4/4: Beladi DD,T,D,T, Saidi D,T,DD,T

String Instruments

RababaViolinOudQanunBuzuq

1.Melodic Instruments include-- Stringsa.Classical: Qanun & Oudb.Folk : Rababa & Buzukc.Modern: Violin

Wind Instruments

MizwizZurnaNay

1.Wind Instruments Include:a.Classical: Nayb.Folk: Zurna, Mizwiz

Luxor Band

Filmed on one of my trips to Egypt, you see the rebaba, riq, and tabla.

Why do they dance? To celebrate daily activitiesFor entertainment

Dance celebrates every day life, from battles, to farming, to fishing, to daily tasks.

Entertainment with Friends and Family

It is a form of entertainment with friends, family..

When do they dance?

At celebrationsAt weddingsAt parties

And also for celebrations from weddings to holidays.

Weddings

In Egypt, weddings take place at night. Here is a wedding being celebrated in the streets of Cairo.

KhalijiSaudi Arabia

Dances can vary between men and women, within a country, and between countries.

Tanoura

EgyptGhawazeeTahtib

Some dances are for entertainment by professionals.

Guedra

SheikhatMorocco

Gnawa

Some dances are for healing.

Tunisia

Most dances celebrate some aspect of the peoples lives.

Lebanon, Syria, PalestineLevant

Some dances are done by men and women together.

Dances from the Levant to Morocco

Here is a sample of just a few dances fpund in the Arab world

Dance in the Middle East is a celebration of life!

Dance is fun!!!

Iftah Ya Sim-Sim!Open SesameExploring the rich culture of the Arab world through music and dancecopyright 2009 Zulaika 425-652-6994, www.zulaika.net, zulaikaraqs@gmail.com

Thank you