The Qabila Project proudly presents our 2023 online education series ROOTS!!!
We are honored to be hosting Khadijah for our first ROOTS series with a four week course exploring Khalleeji dance.
Saturdays 10-11:30am pst
ONLINE ONLY
1/7-1/28
Classes will be held on zoom, recordings will be available for limited time thereafter for registered students only.
Single class $25
4 class series $85
To register, email qabilafoundation@gmail.com
Class 1 (1/7/23)
Khaleej 101: "get to know the culture before you get to know the dance" basic class: Khaleeji is more than just what the West think it is.This includes mannerisms/cultural etiquette, khaleej dance etiquette, religious aspects , historical information, proper attire and various styles of dress. Getting to know other regions of the gulf and everyday khaleej life. Please bring a notebook, a pen for note taking and a snack if you like as this will be part lecture and discussion also!
Class 2 (1/14/23)
Khaleeji Musicality: I love the music but how do I move to it? How to recognize and develop a listening ear for khaleej rhythm patterns and instrumentation. The Khaleej has THOUSANDS of rhythms and maqams from region to region. We hear the music but how do we interpret the music from a dancer's perspective by using specific movements that correspond to the music. We will take the top 5 most common Khaleeji rhythms (maybe more depending on how much time we have) and dissect them to get to know the roots, region and how to stay on beat with your music even when you get lost in it. **** Warning: This class is entirely listening and developing the musical ear for khaleeji rhythms and NOT much of khaleeji dance technique / movement!!****
Class 3 (1/21/23)
Khaleeji technique, mannerisms and movement: So now we know the khaleej dance etiquette (even down to the traditions in how the dance is performed) and the basics of the movement. In this class we will go beyond the basics to put together a series of movements and dance patterns (I do not want to call this a choreography) to create a beautiful piece. I will be introducing some intricate "fancy" footwork with upper "layering" khaleej techniques by using mannerisms to help create deeper feeling/connection to a Khaleeji song. Hair patterns and SAFE head/heck movements will be introduced in this session, as the hair is only a small portion of the dance!
Class 4 (1/28/23)
"The Khaleej to Masriya, Masriya to the Khaleej and the others in between": Egyptian music incorporating khaleej rhythms (especially in 2/4 rhythms) and how to properly execute movements within Raqsa sharqi style performance: Cultures from various parts of Africa , to Iraq , to south of Iran (Bandar Abbas) and more uses distinctive hair tosses and mannerisms similar to those of the Khaleej. In this class we will go beyond the Khaleej. We will discuss the differences between these regions / cultures to differentiate what is Khaleeji and what is not. I will also demonstrate how to properly approach and execute rhythms specifically in an Egyptian song.
To REGISTER, email qabilafoundation@gmail.com
ABOUT Khadijah~
"Teacher, dancer, ethnologist of African in origin dances and choreographer for 22 years. I am very thankful to be considered one of the most influential names in Arabic dance and folklore. I am based in Denver, CO (USA), I am of Kenyan descent born in KSA. I am known for having unique didactics of Afro-Arabian Folklore, music and its cultural aspects. In fortunate addition to being highly sought after in the Denver community I can be seen performing live in Denver's top establishments. I am thankful to have been invited in the past and current to teach and perform in various US states and abroad. I continue to perfect my dance education by studying with great masters and composers of Afro-Arabian Dances worldwide. I constantly travel to improve my approach, stylization, technique and cultural aspects of the dances and the culture embedded deep within the foundations of the African diaspora. I am the Owner and creator of various online platforms that already have students, dancers and musicians from all over the world to enjoy."
www.thedancerkhadijah.info
Khadijah: International Instructor, Performer and Ethnologist of Afro-Arabian dance, music and beyond.