Phaedra Darwish's Classes
Biography
Coming from a background in instrumental and vocal music and musical theatre, Phaedra Darwish was mesmerized by Arabic dance and music after studying different types of dance from around the world. She feels that these art forms are beautiful ways to share the culture of her heritage.
She has been performing and teaching workshops and classes in Chicago and throughout the US for the past 14 years, as well as producing and taking part in cultural events, community fundraisers, and dance festivals as both a musician and dancer. Through active engagement, maintaining a high standard of execution, and participation in quality programming, Phaedra hopes to spread enthusiasm and respect for Middle Eastern dance as more and more people get acquainted with its health benefits and enchanted by its beauty.
With its lively music and rich historic tradition, oriental dance, or raqs sharqi, brings with it more than just dance moves. By examining the music, regions, and cultural aspects behind the movement in her classes and performing Arabic dance at a professional level both inside and outside of its traditional environment, Phaedra seeks to fulfill her mission as an artist: to increase cultural awareness, appreciation, and understanding by sharing the dances of her heritage with as large a population as possible.
Raqs & Rhythm
Let's go beyond the basics! Listen, learn, and play some of the rarer rhythms in raqs sharqi, and then practice them in combinations within the context of famous belly dance tunes.
Participants will walk away from this workshop having internalized the rhythms so they are able to identify and feel them immediately in other settings.
Participants will be playing on their stomachs, so no need for a drum unless you have one!
Cost $75
B is for Baladi (taqsim)
This workshop will explore the musical structure and embodiment of the baladi taqsim progression, an improvisatory style of movement and music that is such a distinct part Egyptian dance style repertoire.
The physical exercises and practice methods contained herein are going to help the participants to be ready to engage in an authentic and musical way while maintaining the magic that exists while moving spontaneously in the moment.
Cost $75