UPPER EGYPT SAIDI WEEKEND
with
Mohamed Shahin and Karim Nagi

Its more earthy and heavy than urban Cairo music. The scratchy cry of the rababa and the swirling shout of the mizmar, inspire a strong yet playful dance. The canes twirl and strike to the pounding Saidi beat of the huge Tabla Baladi. All the women and men of Southern Egypt enjoin in the optimistic tradition of Upper Egyptian dance. Their long galabayya flows with the song. The altitude is high, but the center of gravity is low !!

Mohamed Shahin and Karim Nagi are the perfect native Egyptian instructor team. Mohamed brings his Reda training, folkloric dance background, and international workshop experience to the classroom. Karim delivers his 2 decades of Arabic music knowledge and performance skills, plus his intimacy with the application of music for dance.

For a weekend, these two dynamic and educated performers will transform the NYC classroom into a Southern Egyptian Saidi ritual. Together they will teach the rhythms, lyrics, melodies, cane techniques, and two choreographies to Upper Egyptian music. Teaching both Raqs Assaya and Tahteeb from the cities of Luxor, Aswan, Qena, and Sohag, Karim and Mohamed will bring the earthiness back to bellydance.

Perfect for cabaret, tribal and folklore dancers, Saidi is at the core of Egyptian dance. Learn about the music and movement from two young Egyptians who are modern enough to educate, and traditional enough to demonstrate.

When:
June 4: 7-10pm

Karim Nagi will explain what Saidi music is (maqam and melody), rhythm, instruments (rababa, mizmar, kawala), and the general history pertaining to Upper Egypt.

Mohamed Shahin will teach Saidi technique and demonstrate the difference between male and female movements. 
This evening will be a mix of lecture and movement, please bring a notebook,assaya (cane ) and sagat the entire weekend.

June 5: 12-5pm

Karim Nagi will teach the most famous Saidi songs (music, lyrics, and rhythms). "Dayyati Maali, Binti Bayda, Luxor Baladna".

Mohamed Shahin will teach Saidi Technique & Saidi Choreography

June 6: 12-5pm

Karim Nagi will teach Sagat & Rhythms used in Upper Egypt with Sagat & Review Ghawazi Sonbat

Mohamed Shahin will teach Ghawazi Technique & Choreography.

Location: Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th ave, 16th floor
NY, NY 10018

Cost:
Friday- $75 / Saturday-$100 / Sunday-$100
Early bird postmarked by April 1st, 2010! Early bird package $250
After early bird $125 per day at the door space permitting! Package at door $325

Register:
online- click here
mail- send payment to:
Sharif Productions
38-01 23rd Avenue Suite 405
Astoria, NY 11105