Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarik Sultan
Hey Pops:
Like others have told you, there is no difference between the movements that women do. The movement vocabulary is the same. There is only one DVD out that is specifically geared to men and I do not recommend it. The people who made it are well intentioned, but they have no connection or exposure to the real culture or how men from that culture actually dance.
The basic foundation of the professional dance is the social dance which is done by both sexes. I must say though that what makes egyptian dance what it is, is the emotional quality which drives the movements. Both men and women are supposed to be sensual, sexy, fun, joyous and have a playful sense of humor. You have to be fluid and relaxed in your body so that you can express not only your emotions, but the texture, feeling and spirit of the music. Rather that being rigid and strictly isolating the movements, allow the energy of the movements to flow through your body. I've included my playlist of Middle Eastern men dancing as well as professional dancers. All these clips are of guys who have a positive male vibe that you can relate to, with out being stiff and unnatural. They will help to give you an Idea of what the moves look like on a male body as well as how men in the culture actually express the emotional quality that gives the dance its identity. and if you have any questions, you can always contact me.
First check out this interview
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. |
'' Pops '' ?
Thankyou , to both yourself, Zorba and the fairest sex here who have offered both words of encouragement and welcome. Things are as they are here in my country, but things are changing slowly and for the better, not only in terms of artistic expression. The immigration that we have here I see as a good thing as it dilutes the rigid and conservative though process of much of the country. It also brings different culture which I feel for one, we need. It is with this thought that with hope in areas where there is a strong populace of immigrants from North Africa and the orient more opportunities may well become available for all.
With this desire to learn ME dance, I do seek what you mention, the fluidity of form, the expression of my soul. I have never danced, but always longed to, that side of me which was always held in check by the perceived rigidity of my society. I have since left that side of me and adopted an artistic lifestyle where I express my creativity through art and craft, this of course has brought a relaxation of thought and I see dance as my next step. Why ME, well I have always played the music, it contains an air of the evocative that lures the human in me, I do enjoy many things which could be called oriental in nature, the art, their food the nargile and oh so delicious turkish coffee. So ME dance appeals on so many levels.
My beliefs are that both sexes, male and female are just part of the whole as humans, therefore aside from obvious activities specific to gender, there should be no bar on expression and the learning of that expression.
Women I believe want to see more male dancers, then they are effectively instrumental in creating that possibility by being more open minded and actively encouraging classes with a male contingent.
I do also understand the reservations of women when they say a 'male free zone', but rest assured not all males see learning to do something as an excuse to date or otherwise pursue the opposite sex. In fact for the minor numbers of males that might be present in a class, as a minority engaged in what some in Britain might call a woman's pastime, they are pretty couragous to be there, and being there is not a statement on their masculinity as the west sees it. I am for a male am wholly comfortable with myself and follow no one else's ideals. I defy the typical male stereotypes and do what makes me feel good, basically, I see myself as free.
A class would be an ideal, but, for now, I will content myself with video instruction.
I am aware of the teacher up there in Bideford, North Devon, but as I lack transport at the present, that perhaps will have to wait for the future with me.
Oh of course of my country, there is a national dance of sorts but I do no think Morris Dancing is my thing.