******

The Henna Garden North African Ensemble

(The Pasha Band)

Friday July 6, 6:45-8:45 at the deYoung

 

Gaultier was deeply inspired by North Africa. Journey to the markets of Marrakesh with Bay Area master musicians and be transported to the land that Gaultier loved. The Henna Garden North African Ensemble will present North African/Arabic/fusion music.  Instrumentation to include: oud, kanun, violin, doumbek, and tambourine.That means Husain, Jalal, Younes, Susu and Amina.

After you shake your hips, we invite you to celebrate the evening and the region with a Gaultier-inspired Henna Garden henna tattoo. 

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Zadiel - Well known Turkish Dancer from Berlin
teaches 2 Turkish Workshops
Sunday, July 15 from 12 - 4:30 pm
at Mobu Studio 1605 Church St. San Francisco 941311
2 - 2 pm Turkish Cabaret Style Bellydance with and without Zills
It's Bellydance to a Turkish instrumental song
2 - 2:30 break
2:30-4:30 pm Turkish Roma 9/8 rhythm - Karsilama

$65 for both classes - $35/per class - early bird by June 25
$75 for both class - $40/per class - late bird by July 12
or $45 cash only per class at door
Send checks to Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. SF CA 94114
Paypal to aminajune@aol.com (Please add $3 for their fee)
No refunds - but transferrable

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Raqia Hassan teaches July 20-22

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Carnival of Stars August 4 -5, 2012
Join the Side Show at COS- music, dancing, classes
New Additions at Side Show - zeffa-muled
Shop 'til you drop - Dance and/or be entertained-
Costume Contest!

How to Dance to a Drum Solo with Atlantis - Sunday August 5, 2012

contact Amina for details or check back for more details

Atlantis will also be dancing Sunday evening at Al Masri with the Pasha Band

Atlantis of BDUC teaches Travelling Drum Solo
Sunday, August 5 from 11am-1pm  

Early Bird  $40 by July 1 
$45 July 2 to August 1 - $60 after August 1  
(Paypal add $4 to registration fee)

includes admission to COS

performance spot at After Party at Al Masri

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Susu teaches Rhythms for Dancers 

with hands on frame drum

(accompanied by Amina)

Sunday, August 5 from 1pm-2:30pm 
(does not include admission to COS)
$25 advance by August 1
$30 at door
(Paypal add $2 to registration fee)

To reserve Atlantis or Susu workshops
Mail checks to Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco CA 94114
or if paypal - email to aminajune@aol..com

Amina teaches free"Dellae" workshop at COS Sunday, August 5 from 2:30pm-3:20pm

Need to email Amina with rsvp if you want a hand-out

It's best to email Amina to reserve a spot at any of the the 3 above workshops

**********

Pasha Band at

Bird & Beckett Bookstore

Sunday August 19, 2012

653 Chenery St. near Diamond in San Francisco

FREE

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**********

Sahra Saeeda Workshops FILLED TO CAPACITY
Saturday and Sunday June 9 and 10

****
 
Ala’ Wahda wa Noss: Musical Interpretation for Oriental Dancers
 
Amina Goodyear and Debbie Smith bring you the seventh in their series of workshops with a cultural context

About the Workshop: SOLD OUT!
Have you ever wondered what you were dancing to? About the meaning of the song, or how to interpret the music?  How to make sense of the complex rhythmic changes and melodic phrasing of Arabic music? Let two perpetual students of Egyptian Arabic language, music and dance share their experience with you.
In a weekend of cultural exploration, two classic Arabic songs will be used as a base for learning to listen to the words, the rhythms, the instruments, the phrasing and more. You will also learn about the lives of the singers and composers.  Then we’ll move from theory to practice, with two special dance classes that will use the same songs to illustrate two different but complementary approaches to musical interpretation through movement: improvisation and choreography. This workshop is suited for dance students of all levels. Students will receive a packet with translations, vocabulary, drum rhythms, and a CD.
 
Workshop Schedule:
Saturday, March 10: 10-5 (lunch break from 1-2 pm)
Amina and Debbie will introduce you to new tools for listening, understanding and interpreting Arabic songs, by introducing the basic structural elements of the music, and in-depth musical breakdown of the composition and line by line translation of the lyrics and meaning of each song.
Guest artists Georges Lammam and Susu Pampanin will give you a musician’s point of view on the important elements of the songs, including an introduction to the Arabic maqam system and to the most commonly heard rhythms. Both the overall structure of the selected songs and their individual rhythmic and melodic elements will be introduced by these master musicians.
 
Saturday night: Video Party from 6-9 pm at Amina’s Studio (optional)
A look at the great soloists of Egyptian dance, to get an overview of the diversity and range of personal expression in each dancer’s unique interpretation of the music. Taken from an extensive collection of videotapes, DVDs and recorded broadcasts, these treasures will bring the class discussions to life.
 
Sunday, March 11: 11-4 (break from 1-2 pm)
In this dance workshop, learn how to add the movements and meaning to your dance that will make it a truly “Egyptian” expression. Both known for their deep understanding of Egyptian music and their interpretive ability, Debbie and Amina will share their unique, individual uses Oriental dance as a form of authentic expression through movement. Using two different approaches, Amina and Debbie will each present a two-hour class that explores in depth two contrasting ways of using instrumentation, rhythmic changes, and personal expression to create different moods within a performance. Amina will give you the tools to learn the art of improvisation, a vital skill for the Oriental dancer, and to create your own, highly individual response to the music. Debbie will contrast this with a choreography that provides a more structured framework for finding the musical and emotional heart of the music.
 
Extra - Sunday: 7 pm, Show at  Pena Pachamama $30 includes dinner, tax, tip & cover charge

Please note: PenaPachamama has raised their prices to us for the New Year

Debbie,  Amina and other local artists performing to the live Arabic music of the Georges Lammam Ensemble (limited dance slots available) at one of North Beach’s most beloved cultural institutions.
 
Workshop Locations: TBA
 
Registration: Advance registration only, very limited enrollment!
Early Bird: $150 by January 15, 2012 workshop only -  $175 includes Pachamama
Late Bird: $175 by February 15, 2012 workshop only - $200 includes Pachamama
Last day to enroll $200 by March 5, 2012 workshop only - $230 includes Pachamama
Please send checks payable to The Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114
Paypal? - Please add $5 to above prices for their fees - (pay to aminajune@aol.com)
For more information: 415-282-7910

******

BELLY DANCE OF THE UNIVERSE

Celebrate BDUC'S 22nd year with Amina in Long Beach California

Amina teaches How to Dance to Om Kalthoum workshop at BDUC Sunday February 19, 2012

Join Amina and others in performance, workshops, competitions and shopping

President's Weekend February 17, 18, 2012

Amina performs Friday and Saturday February 17 and 18

Competitions all day and evening Saturday and Sunday February 18 and 19 2012

******

Giza Film Festival

October 28, November 18 and December 3, 2011

 

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ASWAT PERFORMS SUNDAY 11/20/2011

Sunday
November 20, 2011
3:00 – 6:00 PM
The Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California
1433 Madison Street, downtown Oakland
(near 12th St. BART)
Families Welcome!
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door, $10 low-income/students/children under 12. $50 priority reserved seating also supports the Maia Project.
Buy tickets online through Brown Paper Tickets or call 1-800-838-3006 to place your order

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Party at Al Masri December 11, 2011
Live Music with Jalal, Husain, Younes, Susu and Amina

$25 Buffet dinner

****

The Georges Lammam Band

at The Seahorse - 305 Harbor - Sausalito

Friday, December 16, 2011

Guest dancers Hana, Rebecca and Sherry Brier's 2 troupes

****

The Georges Lammam Band

at PenaPachamama

*Christmas Party Dinner Show*

Sunday, December 18, at 8:15 pm

1630 Powell St. San Francisco (between Union & Green, near Columbus)

$28 includes cover charge, choice of Chicken(grilled or spicy), Chef's Sampler or Vegan dinner, tax & tip

To reserve $28 special, please mail check payable to

The Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. San Franicsco, CA 94114

or paypal $30 to aminajune@aol.com

Great line up of dancers!!!!!

To reserve or for more information contact Amina

****

From Mohamed Ali Street to Ezbekiya Park

workshop given by Amina and Debbie Feb. 6, 2011 - SOLD OUT!

We will spend the day talking about music and dance, doing some dancing and watching historical videos (biographical movie clips not just dance clips) on Cairo's Golden Age.
The Music - The Dancers - The Lives and The Times of those who created the music and dance we know.

Learn about Badia, Shafiqa, Bamba, Samia, Taheyya, Naima, Munira, and the musicians and composers of the time of  King Faruk and before.

Discussion on where did they all go and what happened to?

Although this will not be a dance class, you will do a few basic movements and dance to the music of the time.

Realize that much of the music that we use today is really "cover music" from yesterday.

- occasional dance/stretching/snack breaks -

cookies & juice provided - bring your own sandwiches

For more information and to rsvp contact amina@aol.com

Please rsvp as we will be making out hand-outs/CDs

To register send $40 check to  The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. S..F. CA 94114 ($50/door)

****

January 22

Amina - Student Showcase at Al Masri

****

If you always wanted to go to Egypt to experience the real deal and learn the dances first hand

but couldn't because of time or money,

Now you can, if you can commit to just one or two weekends in January.

No visa required - Just our passport to Giza aka Amina's Studio in San Francisco

Our travel guide, world renown Sahra Saeeda,

 

Sahra teaches Journey to Egypt 1 and 2

at Amina's studio and Dance Mission

January 2011 - Must be registered before January 2011

Journey to Egypt 1 - January 7, 8 & 9 2011

Journey to Egypt 2 - January 14, 15, 16 2011(must have completed JtE 1)

Enrollment limited to ensure very personalized attention.

"Journey through Egypt-1" January 7, 8, 9 2011
20-hr Course & Certificate
JtE-1 introduces the students to the wide variety of dance styles in Egypt; an overview of movement, costume, historical diffusion & geographical locatio

"Journey through Egypt-2" January 14, 15, 16 2011
20-hr Course & Certificate
JtE-2 continues the investigation of the dances of Egypt, encourages student specialization, notes differences between home style, local entertainers, regional government troupes and Cairo-based National Troupes.

Optional events:

Dancers Showcase - Live music with Georges Lammam Band at Penapachamama Friday Jan 7&14

Folkloric Show + Open Stage and Dinner at Al Masri Sunday Jan 9 and 16

Click below for detailed information

DETAILS

*******

BELLY DANCE OF THE UNIVERSE BECOMES "LEGAL"

Celebrate BDUC'S 21st Birthday with Amina in Long Beach California

Amina teaches Shaabi workshop at BDUC

Workshop Description

HOW TO DANCE TO EGYPTIAN SHAABI MUSIC
 Shaabi music is the music of the "popular" or working class people in Egypt. It is the voice of the street and is full of feeling, double entendres and social commentary. This workshop will show you how to move and dance to Egyptian Shaabi music as well as give a little background and history of its roots. A short choreography will be taught as an aid to learning how to dance to the music. Song translation included.

Register here BELLY DANCE OF THE UNIVERSE

And we'll see you there!

Shaabi History & Songs

*****

Giza Club - filled to capacity

Saturday September 26, 2009 1-5 pm

*****

Giza Awards filled to capacity

Sunday November 1, 2009 1 pm

*****

Keda? Keda Ho! SOLD OUT!
Amina Goodyear and Debbie Smith present
A Two-Day Workshop on Shaabi Music & Dance
Oct. 3 & 4, 2009 12-4:30

This workshop covered the who, what, where's and why's of Shaabi music.

A brief review of what was covered in our last Keda? Keda Ho! workshop, plus a discussion on the importance of the other Shaabi singers and their songs, how Shaabi music is changing and the latest trends.

The literal origin of the word Shaabi (Sha’bi) in Egyptian Arabic: Of the common people.

Debbie Smith and Amina Goodyear share with you decades of knowledge about Egyptian Shaabi.
You will be given an in-depth look at Shaabi music and its place in Egyptian culture- from a historical, social and artistic perspective.

Through looking at the great Shaabi singers of the past and present, we will explore dimensions of class, neighborhood, and urban life unique to Cairo, and the movements you can use to bring the spirit of Egyptian Shaabi music to your dance.

This class is a "must attend" if  you want to dance to songs by Ahmed Adaweya, Hakim, Saad el Soghayr, Ameina, Abdel Basset Ha mouda,Hasan al Asmar, Mahmoud el Leisy, Mohamed Huseiny and the new crop of Shaabi singers. We will help you understand the words to the songs.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
In addition to learning about Shaabi and how to recognize Shaabi music vs Pop, you will be treated to many visual aids in the form of video clips taken from Egyptian movies and Satellite TV. These clips were (and are continued to be) made by Amina. They are unique in that 1,000's of hours have been spent viewing and compiling these clips showing Egyptian Shaabi history, neighborhood life, and its singers and its dancers. This is the next best thing to living in Egypt. You will see the Shaabi culture as a native. Tourists usually do not get to experience this.

Since the Saturday workshop is in Amina's studio, space is limited. It is necessary to RSVP to hold a spot for this workshop.

We do not believe that Shaabi is a dance. It is a Dance Style; therefore we do not want anyone to attend Sunday's dance class
unless they have first attended our Keda? Keda Ho! workshop and understand what Shaabi is.

If you cannot come on Saturday, but attended our last Keda? Keda Ho! workshop, you can take the Sunday class without taking Saturday.

Registration:
Both Days $85 by Sept. 20, Saturday Only, $40
After Sept. 20 - Both Days $100, Saturday Only - $45
NO Sunday Only Enrollment- unless you attended  Keda? Keda Ho! #1
(if you did - Sunday only is $55)

Send Checks payable to
The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. S.F. CA 94114
 Email Amina to RSVP please

Saturday Oct. 3: 12-4:30, at Amina's Studio (829 Elizabeth St., S.F.)
Historical overview, discussion and analysis of Shaabi music: roots, musical structure, and words (including translation), a look at the singers who have defined Shaabi music over the last few decades, and the "cassette culture" that spread their popularity. An investigation of the social, historical, and class structures of Cairo and its population that created a new genre of popular music in Egypt, including rare footage from Amina's extensive collection of film and video.
 
Sunday Oct. 4, 12-4:30, location TBA
In this dance workshop, learn how to add the movements and meaning to your dance that will make it a truly "Egyptian" expression. Both k nown for their deep understanding of Egyptian music and their interpretive ability, Debbie and Amina will bring their unique, individual approaches to Shaabi song and dance as a for m of authentic expression through movement, rather that just another choreography or set of steps.
 
See What Our Past Workshop Attendees Have Said:  
"I wanted to tell you again that I LOVED your Workshop yesterday! My only critique is that you need to have these workshops more often! It would be great if you could put together one of these workshops once a quarter, choosing a different Egyptian song each time participants can study through the translation and how dancers and musicians interpret the song. I certainly have a much better appreciation of Arabic dance, language and music that I did prior to taking these workshops so I want to sincerely thank you both for deepening my knowledge."
 "I loved the class you guys did yesterday. It was informative and fun."
"Just a line to say that your mini-course in Arabic language and music was first class (as is usual for everything you do), and the hand-out materials most generous. Anyway, thanks a lot for all your work; and I enjoyed your informal presentation of Egyptian history - it was just enough for people to get an overall idea of what's been going on there."
"I just want to thank you again for=2 0putting together what I consider to be the best workshop of its kind! I'm sure as other dancers hear about it they will be asking you to do a repeat! Your Special Language and Music Workshop for Middle Eastern Dance rs was excellent; both you and Debbie were most informative  and the handouts prepared obviously took a lot of thought and will be very  useful. A lot of time and effort was put into yesterday's workshop and it is most appreciated." 

Astryd Astryd, a contributing member of The Giza Club, shares in our desire to preserve the movements, attitudes and style of traditional Egyptian dance from the Golden Age to the present. If Egypt and Egyptian dancers choose to westernize their dance, it is up to us to work on maintaining and preserving its eastern roots. Astryd Farah passes on her knowledge by teaching precise, defined technique as the vehicle to express the emotional aspects of the music - her warmth and clarity in teaching has inspired hundreds of students. When she's not busy "bringing Cairo to you", she "brings you to Cairo", by hosting personalized tours for dancers desiring to travel to and study in Egypt: www.BellydanceTours.com. .For more information about Astryd Farah Visit her website at www.DanceAstryd

**** Astryd Farah teaches - The Latest from Cairo - August 30, 2009 at Dance Mission SF 3316 24th Street at MissionSan Francisco, CA Sunday, August 30, 12:30 - 5 pm ** 12:30-2:30 pm Pure Egyptian Dance from Cairo Steps and feelings of a time now past. We will revisit the old nightclubs with music and movement of authentic Egypt. Tarab, baladi and shaabi. Techniques, transitions, gestures. Notes included - Music available for sale. 2:30-3:00 pm - lunch break 3-5 pm - Classic & Modern Choreography: TBA A luscious Old Cairo nightclub-style choreography with a lovely song by one of Egypt's most heartfelt modern singers. Authentic technique and feelings create the mood for this piece. Notes and lyric translation included - Music available for sale. Advance price before August 25: $40/one - $75/both - $85 incl.party Send checks payable to: The Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. S.F., CA 94114 At the door: $45 for one or $80 for both. After Party at Amina's Studio filled to capacity 6 - 9:30 pm - $12 Bring a costume and dance Your musicians Husain Dixon, Angela Ramsey, Feisal Zidan, & Amina (Featuring the soulful singing of Husain Dixon) Contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com (415) 282-7910 for further info

Astryd Astryd Farah deMichele splits her time between Egypt, Europe and the United States, performing and teaching Egyptian Oriental dance professionally. For over a decade she has spent time living, studying and traveling throughout the Middle East; touring not only Egypt, but also Jordan, Syria, Lebanon,Morocco and Turkey. Performing in Cairo, Egypt, she has been showcased at Royal Gardens Hotels, as well as in weddingsand parties, and in past years she's worked at other locations in both Cairoand Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. When in the United States, Astryd Farah is adjunct faculty for The University of Oregon, instructing Middle Eastern dance with an emphasis on Egyptian styling, and travels nationally instructing workshops and giving performances. Astryd Farah's powerful technique and stunning interpretation of Arabic music delights audiences East to West -- her extended time in the Middle East having integrated into her body a profound understanding of this beautiful art form. She is one ofthe featured dancers in top Egyptian choreographer Raqia Hassan's technique videos (volumes 7 & 9); Raqia is one of Astryd Farah's main instructors of the dance form. She has had the pleasure of studying under many other distinguished Egyptian choreographers as well -- developing her dance technique as and her understanding of the music she love

****

Amina Goodyear and Debbie Smith present

The Third in a Series - Yanni Eh? Eh Da? sold out

A Special Language & Music workshop for Middle Eastern Dancers

Have you ever wondered what you were dancing to? The meaning of the song or how to dance to the music - the drums - the phrasing or the instrumental changes?

Let two perpetual students of Egyptian Arabic language, music and dance share their experience with you.

Two classic songs, Baeed Annak (Om Kalsoum) and Tab Wana Mali (Warda), will be used as a base for learning to listen to the words, the rhythms, the instruments, the phrasing and more.

You will also learn about the lives of these great singers and of the legendary composer Beligh Hamdi, who composed the music for these and numberless other Egyptian standards.

This workshop is suited for dance and music students of all levels.

Pre-registered Students will receive a packet with translations, vocabulary, drum rhythms, and a CD.

When: Saturday, August 1, 1-4 pm
Where:  Amina's Studio, 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114
Registration: $30 advance, received by July 27- $35 at the door.
Make checks payable to: The Aswan Dancers
For more information please call 415-282-7910
 

See What Past Workshop Attendees Have Said: 

"I wanted to tell you again that I LOVED your Yanni Eh-Eh Da Workshop yesterday! My only critique is that you need to have these workshops more often! It would be great if you could put together one of these workshops once a quarter, choosing a different Egyptian song each time participants can study through the translation and how dancers and musicians interpret the song. I certainly have a much better appreciation of Arabic dance, language and music that I did prior to taking these workshops so I want to sincerely thank you both for deepening my knowledge."

 "I loved the class you guys did yesterday. It was informative and fun."
"Just a line to say that your mini-course in Arabic language and music was first class (as is usual for everything you do), and the hand-out materials most generous. Anyway, thanks a lot for all your work; and I enjoyed your informal presentation of Egyptian history - it was just enough for people to get an overall idea of what's been going on there."

"I just want to thank you again for putting together what I consider to be the best workshop of its kind! I'm sure as other dancers hear about it they will be asking you to do a repeat! Your Special Language and Music Workshop for Middle Eastern Dancers was excellent; both you and Debbie were most informative  and the handouts prepared obviously took a lot of thought and will be very  useful. A lot of time and effort was put into yesterday's workshop and it is most appreciated."

 

******

Amina teaches an all inclusive workshop 12 - 5 Saturday, July 11, 2009

12noon - 3 pm

Rhythms, Phrasing, Instrumentation, Lyrics (Arabic and English translation). video clip,

dance combinations, mannerisms and a mini-choreography for Abdul Halim's song

Gana al Hawa

This mini-workshop will give you the tools to understanding Arabic songs so that you can interpret and choreograph other songs for your pleasure or performance.

3 pm - 5 pm

Relax and watch the movie My Father up a Tree Starring Abdul Halim Hafez

(includes the song Gana al Hawa)

The movie provides great cultural insights.

Class at Amina's studio 892 Elizabeth St. - limited enrollment - Reserve now.

$25 - at door -- $20 by July 6

mail check to: The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114

****

Keda? Keda Ho!