TFBD May-June 2010 Series: Class 4 Notes

Have you noticed the different rhythms so far?
In the first class, we covered Malfuf rhythm which has two beats to the bar with Dum on the 1 and 2. This is a fast rhythm, with a cyclical feeling, often used by belly dancers to make an entry or exit. The basic structure: Dum, tak-tak, dum, tak-tak

In the second class, we covered Fallahi rhythm which is also a two beat rhythm with the Dum on the 1 and 2. The word "Fallahi" means anything that is done by "Fallahine" who are the Egyptian farmers. The farmers use this rhythm in their songs of celebration. It has two beats to the bar. The basic structure is: Dum-tak-tak, dum-tak

In the third class, we introduced the Saaidi rhythm which has four beats to the bar with the Dum on the 1, (+) of 2, and 3. The Saaidi rhythm comes from El Saaid which is in upper Egypt. It is traditionally used in the martial arts, fighting dance with a stick called the 'Tahteeb' and in the Arabian horse dance. So, from these two descriptions, you can see how this rhythm has a gallant and earthy feel. The basic structure is: Dum-tak, dum-dum tak

This week, we cover the Ayoub rhythm which has two beats to the bar with the Dum on the 1 and 2. It is also known as the "Zaar", which is in reference to the Zaar dance which is a dance to drive away evil spirits or what we would call a "trance dance". The rhythm can sound a little "spooky". The basic structure is: Dum, ,tak-dum, tak

As you can hear from the music we're using, there is the base rhythm and then there are the decoration (extra taks, etc.) which help create a more intricate sound.

Moving forward on the Choreography to "Kholkhal Taheyya"...

Movements
1. Interior hip circle
2. Chest circle
3. Double time hip singles on the ball
4. Up to down figure 8
5. Down to up figure 8

Movements for the choreography
Music - 1:31
Interior hip circle (Front Right Back Left); accent chest lift.
Chest circle (Front Right Back Left); accent pelvic front.
Interior hip circle (Front Left Back Right); accent chest lift.
Chest circle (Front Left Back Right); pelvic front, and back.
4 x 4


Music - 1:38
Double time hip singles
4 x 4


Music - 1:45
Up to down Figure 8
2 x 8


1:59 Down to Up Figure 8
2 x 8

2:12 Up to Down and Down to Up Figure 8; alternating
2 x 8


Happy Praticing!