Raqs Caravan Showcase Preview: Sa’idi

December 15, 2009 11:04 AM

With their vibrant red Beledi dresses and lively folk footwork, the ladies of Monica’s Sa’idi performance class will bring some early holiday cheer to the winter Raqs Caravan Showcase audience.

Sa’idi is a traditional dance that originates from the Sa’id region of Upper Egypt. “Sa’idi” refers to this countryside region, as well as to an ethnic group, language and music. The dance style is described as cheerful and often incorporates light jumping and kicking movements. The mizmar, rababa (a type of traditional violin), tabla and other percussion instruments are commonly used to create Sa’idi music.

Some of Monica’s students will perform with the assaya, which is a slender, lightweight cane. The assaya is a variation of the Tahtihb, a heavy stick used in an Egyptian martial art that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs. Men often perform with these heavy sticks to imitate this ancient martial art. When women perform Raqs Al Assaya, their movements are typically playful and flirtatious.

The students will be dressed in floor-length vermillion Beledi dresses. These costumes are traditional for folkloric-style performances. Beledi means “my country” or “my village” in Arabic, and is also a type of folk rhythm.

Famous Sa’idi musicians include Metqal Qenawi’s Les Musiciens du Nil, Ahmad Ismail, and Omar Gharzaw.

The Sa’idi performance will take place during the 8:00 pm show.

Purchase tickets online!

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