What is it about pure Egyptian native Baladi music that draws us in? Is it the seductive improvisational melody that tickles our imagination? Or is it the deep, soulful base of the rhythm that we feel from our belly down into the very roots of the Earth!

 

How do we express that in dance, to embrace the soul of Egypt, so that the music flows through us? How do we honor the sensual feel, the grounded energy, and the enchanting undulations that we hear pulsing in the music?

 

Join us in this exploration of all this and more, from Valeriia, an award-winning dancer who spent time dancing and studying ‘over there’. We’ll start with Baladi theory and practice, basic movements, combos, and choreography. Discover how to feel the character of Baladi dance and learn how to dance like a native Egyptian!

First, the theoretical part, where Valeriia will talk about the history of Baladi dance, its different styles, main characteristics, musical structure, traditional instruments, and costumes.