Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla Lecture: From the Village to the Stage, Arab Music and Dance - Then and Now!! April 29, 2007

This lecture will illustrate the function and setting of dance and music in the Arab world over the past 100 years. It is wide in scope, and will attempt to differentiate between dance and music in ritual settings, vs. entertainment and cabaret forms. The music ensembles and compositional styles will be explained, with listening examples. This includes an overview of the different instruments used, and how the band sound and look has changed over a century. We will also discuss how dance performances evolve when transported from village to urban settings, including the introduction of choreography. The controversial role and status of the Dancer in society will be illuminated. Dance and music in the different regions in the Arab world (Egypt, Gulf, Levant and North Africa) will be compared with one another. The talk will conclude with an analysis on the effect video and mass media distribution have on the art form and Arab society.

Cost: $45
Special early bird pricing available!

Official Website: http://saharadance.com/workshops/