KEYNOTE LECTURE

Friday, November 19, 2010

For the Love of the Craft: A Thoughtful Approach to Our Dance Legacy

Donna Mejia is the first to hold a position in Tribal Fusion in the higher education system and will overview her provocative research regarding the ethics of dance fusion. The exploration of ethnic/cultural dance fusion mandates that artists reconcile the values of indigenous dance traditions with agendas of the entertainment world. This presentation will explore the inevitable transformation of old and new dance traditions in performance, and seek to define what responsibility choreographers/performers have as cultural ambassadors in a “cut and paste” environment. With her usual candor and humor, Donna will address the very controversial issues we have all encountered at one time or another in our love for, and dedication to, this genre.

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DANCE WORKSHOPS

Donna Mejia

Saturday - November 20, 2010

Beyond Stationary Practice: Near Eastern/Electronica Fusion in Full-Blown Motion

This workshop re-visions the practice of fixed feet and unmoving isolations to an exploration of dynamic traveling progressions. Donna Mejia will present a stimulating class involving strong cardio/pulmonary engagement, firestorm drills, short moving combinations across the floor, and bi-directional/asymmetrical use of the limbs. Donna’s practice sessions offer a globetrotting transnational dance experience, referencing movements from India, West/North/East Africa, Brazil, China, Latin America, and Donna’s own roots in America’s Creole South. This workshop may be best suited for dancers with at least 2 consistent years of experience in Near Eastern dance. However, adjustments and accommodations will be plentiful for participants with less experience. Athletic attire will work best, and optional footwear (flat dance shoes) and knee pads may be helpful for those with sensitive knees and feet.

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Sunday - November 21, 2010

“How Do You DO That!?”: Donna Mejia’s Curves, Slides, Waves and Hits

In this workshop, Smith College faculty member Donna Mejia details signature moves dialogue African and Arabic vernacular movement with American Hip Hop and Electronica. After a vigorous warm up and substantial stretching, dancers will receive a variety of stationary and moving progressions that are intended to give heavy emphasis to the end of musical phrases and powerful downbeat accents. This workshop is all about responding to and punctuating the percussiveness in the music we enjoy.

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Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla

Karim Nagi

Saturday - November 20, 2010

Dancer - Drummer Communication

This workshops bridges the gap between the two diciplines. Students will learn how interpret sound into movement by aligning body parts and motions with drum sounds and riffs. Once the movement-to-sound coorespondence is established, students will prepare to perform to drum solos. The six-part drum-solo will be explained, theme by theme. Students will then perform to any combination of these 6 major drum solo themes. Students will learn how to both lead and follow the drummer by maintaining the common language. Improvisation skills will be encouraged, and the daunting prospect of dancing to a LIVE drum solo will be demystified. This dance workshop can also be configured to include drummers as well.

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Sunday - November 21, 2010

Musicality For Dancers

Despite any mastery of technique and bodily dexterity, true dance expression requires musicality. The best dancers are those who emulate the music into their own movement. Karim will demystify Arab music for the dancer. Several recurring themes in Arab music will be identified (using recorded examples) and explained in emotive, non musical terms. The class will cover Taksim, Melodic Themes, Vocal vs Instrumental Songs, Rhythms & Rhythmic Changes, Melodic Modulation, Song Structure, Orchestration and Instrumentation. Karim will guide the students through several songs and lead them in dancing to each of these themes. This is a movement class that will help the dancer become the physical personification of the music.