Sharqi (Classical)
Raqs Sharqi Society 'Sharqi' or 'Classical' Egyptian
dance expresses the rich and beautiful traditions of
Egyptian Arabic classical music. The Society emphasises
'musicality' in Egyptian dance: movements take on new
qualities to express the melodies, rhythms, moods and
instrumentation of the music. In other words the movement
conventions reflect the music. The Society distinguishes
two forms of Sharqi Egyptian dance: 'Traditional' or
'Courtly' Sharqi and 'Modern' Sharqi.
‘Traditional’ or ‘Courtly’
Sharqi
This is danced to ‘traditional’ or ‘courtly’
style Egyptian classical music – originally Turkish-inspired
Egyptian art music of the late 19th century. It
was played by small ensembles of highly trained musicians,
mainly in the homes of wealthy or ‘aristocratic’
families, as private entertainment.
The music was refined and exquisite, following set
patterns, creating a feeling of ‘Tarab’
or ‘enchantment’ – and performances
could last for hours. Performances were usually for
men, but women would have been familiar with the music,
having heard it filtering through from the men’s
quarters or possibly as versions played by professional
female musicians (‘Awalim’) on occasions
in the women’s private quarters.
'Modern' Sharqi
This is danced to Egyptian classical music composed during the mid-20th century and played by large orchestras that sometimes included western musical instruments such as the cello and double bass. The music was innovative and confident, expansive and sweeping, with strong rhythmic lines and lyrical melodies. Key composers of this period include Mohammed Abdul Wahab and Farid el Atrash - look out for recordings by them. Their compositions are still hugely acclaimed.
The movement conventions reflect the music: expansive use of space and body line and varied qualities of movements ranging from powerful to refined through which the dancer can express the rhythm and 'feel' of the melodies. The taqasim sections (solo instrumental improvisations) offer rich opportunities for interpretation.
Modern Sharqi is the most contemporary form of Egyptian dance. It embodies influences from the film star Samia Gamal and her ballet training and has been developed for theatre performance in the UK and rest of Europe. The Raqs Sharqi Society has contributed to the creative development of Modern Sharqi through innovative but careful introductions of choreographic principles to the authentic movement language, in order to strengthen the dance and enhance its contemporary expressive power.
Obviously, there are no moving images available of dance
in women’s private domains, but this form of Egyptian
classical music has become a valued part of Raqs Sharqi
performances in a western concert or theatre venue.
The Society defines the dance conventions of ‘traditional’
or ‘courtly’ Sharqi as being refined and delicate
with contained use of body and floor space - reflecting
the essential qualities of the music. The ‘taqasim’
(solo improvisation by a single musical instrument, expressed
by the dancer) is a feature. The Society has contributed
carefully to the development of this lovely form in a
modern idiom. Look in ‘Sales’ for Sharqi
CDs featuring traditional Sharqi pieces.
