Workshops
Understanding how to dance to Middle Eastern Rhythms
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (no instruments needed)
Ancient Middle Eastern melodies are known for drawing us out of our seats to dance. Issam will teach why the structure of these rhythms are important to Middle Eastern music and calls us to dance. Understanding Middle Eastern rhythms allows dancers to move from emotion and connect with the music. Practice short combinations that accentuates the music and gives dancers a feel for the rhythms. Ideal for both improvisational and choreographed dancing.
Zill while you dance
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (zills required)
Where the musician and the movement meet. There are so many ways to play the finger cymbals – what is the right way for you? Learn the history of finger cymbals, different techniques and sounds to enhance your dancing. Gain insight on appropriate times to play the finger cymbals and when to pause, when to interact with the drummer and when to be the spot light. Practice techniques for incorporating zill playing into your dance. Ideal for dancers and musicians.
How to dance to a live drummer
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (no instruments needed)
Get to know your Middle Eastern Instruments (Formerly Beginner Drum)
(Includes beginner Tabla, Riqq (tambourine) and Duff)
The interaction between a drummer and a dancer should be intense yet joyful. As a dancer, how do you know what to dance to with a live drummer? How do you know when he is going to change rhythms? Should you cue the drummer? As a musician, how long should you repeat a phrase? Should you control the dancer's direction? Find out the answers to these questions and much more at this unique interactive workshop featuring Aziza and Issam. Ideal for dancers and musicians
Beginner level (no dancing)
Middle Eastern music creates mystery and movement through its many rhythmic instruments. Knowing your rhythmic instruments helps dancers center their movements towards the pulse of the duff, the shimmy of the riqq and the liveliness of the tabla. Learn how to listen for these instruments in various Middle Eastern music and to play them in order to better your dancing and be consistent musicians. Understanding the instruments makes Middle Eastern music less confusing and allows dancers and musicians to bring the richness of the music alive without being overwhelming. Learn basic technique and rhythms for the tabla drum, riqq (tambourine) and duff drum. Great for musicians and dancers.
Taking your Tabla skills to the next level
(Intermediate/Advance Drum) Intermediate/Advance levels (no dancing)
Got tabla skills? Put them to work to create music! Learn new hand strokes for tabla players, new Middle Eastern rhythms, and techniques to creating a drum solo. Practice Issam's approach to tabla artistry for consistent sounds, moving volume and intricate music. (Basic tabla skills required for this workshop)
