Celebration of Dance featuring Nisaa
Schedule
Sat, 13 Sep, 2025 at 09:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
Ritz Midtown | Paducah, KY
Advertisement
Zerdali Dance Co is excited to welcome Nisaa to Paducah, KY!Registration is open!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCCpbYWSrg6TmPAQaG-3xPfdRE6MUuT3EMNA9cZ2TepfWSJg/viewform
Getting to Know the Ghawazi: A Crash Course in the Upper Egyptian vs. Lower Egyptian Ghawazi Traditions
The ghawazi are a class of female entertainers from the rural towns and villages of Upper and Lower Egypt. For generations, they have provided singing and dancing at important social occasions such as weddings and festivals. Though united by the role they play in Egyptian traditional entertainment, the ghawazi of these two regions differ profoundly in their technique, musical accompaniment, and costuming. Nisaa has been working toward a deeper understanding of these differences, both through direct encounters with ghawazi in Upper and Lower Egypt, as well as examinations of texts, images, and videos. In this workshop, Nisaa will share what she has learned in her ongoing research, and in the process, she will dispel many myths and misconceptions that continue to circulate on the workshop and festival circuit. Through a combination of lecture and movement practice, you will experience the ghawazi traditions of Upper and Lower Egypt based on firsthand research that centers the perspectives of these remarkable women! Finger cymbals encouraged, but not required.
Improvisation in Egyptian Belly Dance
Improvisation is an important and valued skill in Egyptian music and dance. Through improvisation, the musician or dancer can fully immerse in the moment and allow feeling to flow through their performance. However, improvisation is a skill that must be honed, and it depends on a solid understanding of Egyptian music. In this intensive workshop, Nisaa will guide you through a range of exercises designed to improve your ability to improvise effectively to Egyptian music. Special attention will be paid to the types of music that are appropriate for raqs sharqi performance, and how your improvisation must be tailored to fit each musical style.
Doors open 9am
9:30 am Ghawazi of Upper and Lower Egypt
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Improvisation in Egyptian Belly Dance
Show starts at 7pm
Early bird rate of $90 until May 1, after May 1 $110 or $60 per class
Workshop registration includes refreshments and show ticket.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Ritz Midtown, 2201 Broadway Street,Paducah, Kentucky, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
