As dancers, whether we are students or
professionals, we often look for validation, from the audience; our peers are
the musicians we work with. No matter
what level we’re at, we wonder if what we are doing has merit, if it has value.
Sometimes we even wonder WHY we continue to dance…and belly dancers in particular
also question our own presentation and the artistic license we take while
performing the dances of cultures that are not our own…
What you are about to read below is a
beautiful essay on this very subject, but it wasn’t actually planned to be an
article! It is a heartfelt and possibly spur-of-the-moment Facebook post by
musician Jonatan Gomes Derbaq. Jonatan is Brazilian, but his knowledge of
Arabic music and his brilliant oud and tabla playing know no cultural
boundaries!
Jonatan is as eloquent in expressing his love
of belly dance as he is when he’s playing Arabic music, and I thought you might
be as inspired by his beautiful thoughts as I was.
Here’s his writing- enjoy!
What is Raqs
Sharqi (Belly Dance) to you? Is it some form of erotic display of the feminine
that should only be reserved for the intimate confines man and woman on a
wedding day? Is it dance that has been saturated with negative connotations for
centuries, only to now develop into a legitimate and sophisticated art form
that continues to evolve? Is it a means for trashy women to lure men into a web
of debauchery? Is it a fever that has stuck the Occidental mind and become
convoluted with absurdities, or is it a fever that has struck the Occidental
mind and allowed it to strengthen and grow and explore new artistic forms of self-expression?
No doubt, it is certainly all of the above,
depending on the individual who choses which form.
But just me personally, as a musician who has
fallen in love with the Artistry which was defined by the Egyptian Masters
during the Cinematic Golden age such as Naima Akef, Taheya, Samia Gamal, Fifi
Abdou, Nagwa Foaud etc. Choreographers like Mahmoud Reda and composers like
Mohamed Abdel Wahab shaped it, and it has grown and evolved, taken new shapes
and turns in the means of artistic self-expression.
One hand, the Golden Cinematic Age helped to
explore and develop new and progressive ways to empower and strengthen the
woman in society, while in other ways, because certain viewpoints had already
been shaped by the negative social connotations, it only served to enhance
preconceived notions...either way, no matter, this is “the here and now” I am
talking about...and in the here and now, what I see in my work with the many dancers
that I’ve worked with and have the great fortune to call my friends and
sisters, belly dance is an art form that
extends far beyond self expression and
even the artistic representation of beautiful music.
In no way could it ever be confused for
anything less that an absolute perfect representation of musical ingenuity with
the highest level of class and dignity. To me, it extends beyond this even.
Over the years I have witnessed so many beautiful women of all types and
cultural demographics find confidence, strength, comfort and a means to express themselves and learn to
appreciate the beautiful essence that makes them who they are through this art.
I express
my deepest gratitude to ALL OF THEM; we are of same heart...
#
 |
| Jonatan Gomes Derbaq |
Jonatan Gomes Derbaq, Amani Jabril and I are
appearing in Memphis, Tennessee August
1-3, 2014 doing workshops and shows!
Our show is August 1 at The Rumba Room, and the workshops will be
Saturday and Sunday.
 |
| With the beautiful Amani Jabril |
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