Raqs we Mazika School Authentic Arabic Drumming & Dance
Welcome to the Raqs we Mazika School, based in Reading, Berks we offer a range of classes including Egyptian dance technique, rhythm analysis, music translation and tabla courses with master drummer Farouk El Safi.
This term's courses (October-December 2009)
Dance course with Nadine plus 1to1 sessions 1to1 sessions with Kathryn Drumming course with Farouk El Safi
Course details: Developing fundamental principles in Egyptian Bellydance
Group Sessions with Nadine
Classes of 90 mins each (Oct-Dec 2009) including:
Working on different Arabic Music Rhythm Styles: <> Complete foot position and the pyramid's three points as per Nadine's perception, <> Learn how to execute the weight shift in order to achieve smouth changes of the feet and directions, <> Control of different techniques with correct timing for basic dom and tack..
Working on translating different Music Instruments: <> Working on different combinations starting with weight on both feet before shifting, <> Practice exercises on keeping correct position with shoulders and hips parallel to each other and the floor, <> Translating individual instruments and working on different combinations and transitions, <> Improve your own dance style in order to look comfortable and increase dynamism.
We will be learning a new choreography, to be presented at the Bellydance Christmas Show Sunday 13th December 2009
Nadine always covers interpretation of rhythms and music. This includes the music capacity, element, length, proportions, size, time and volume. The different styles, movements, directions, links, transitions, bridges and finishes.
- "N1": Develop your personal dance style and master the cultural area of body movements: * Use your cleverness and your competence in order to have what to say through your movements, * Add artistry to your movements so that they show creative use of the elements of the Egyptian Dance, * Think about moving softly and effortlessly with a firm body, just like a fish.
- "N2": Learn to relate to the music exactly as a musician by learning to: * Speak the language of each instrument, * Interpret each rhythm of the Egyptian Tabla style while moving your body from one beat to another, * Listen to different pieces, know the beats and nuances and become a musician as you dance,
- "N3": Develop a choreography with a good ability to: * Feel the music and have the rhythm in your body, * Play the tune you know on your instrument that's your body, * Try to respond with your body to all the doms and taqs of the tabla with good interpretation of the music with graceful and feminine movements.
Course dates as before - individual lessons to be arranged. Price on application. Lessons can centre on technique or choreography
1to1 with Kathryn Email Kathryn at bellydancer@btinternet.com to book your sessions - "K1": Get a choreography tailored to your favourite piece of music: * Learn step by step your new choreography to the piece of music you have chosen, * Master the combinations and the different movements until you have learnt all the steps, * Practice all your steps to perform your own style with confidence.
- "K2": Upgrade your existing choreography (x 2 sessions of 90 mins). * Go through your existing choreography steps and deal with any difficult technique, * Work through its combinations and transitions, * Practice the new version until you feel comfortable to perform your solo.
- "K3": Learn the different Egyptian bellydance moves using:(x 2 of 90 mins) * Several techniques and links * Different styles and combinations. * The moves you have difficulties with.
Drumming Course Egyptian Classical Techniques & Rhythms from Beginner to Professional Level Classes with Farouk El Safi are recommended for all drummers keen to start or improve their technique and correct any bad habit.
LEARN TO PLAY TABLA Classes with the Master Egyptian Percusionist Farouk El Safi
Venue: Southcote Farm Lane, Reading, Berkshire RG30 3EA From London to Reading: 45 minutes (by car M4) or 30 minutes (by train) At Raqswebass School (Nadine' Studio). Please feel free to ask for directions.
Beginner Level: Instrument position, hands flexibility with practice exercises. Control of different rhythm's techniques with right timing for basic dom and tack..
Intermediate Level: Main focus on the techniques using different rhythms variations and speeds.
Advanced Level: Entire focus in all different rhythm styles and the different types of drum solos within musical arrangement and for dance performers.
'Tabla Course one' of five classes' Five fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours From 11:00 to 12:30pm. Course of £75.00.
{Private study with Farouk El Safi available after the group class}
To join, please email raqswebass@yahoo.co.uk or call 07881814453.
Few spaces available.
If you prefer to own your own drum, we have Tablas available to purchase ~~~~~~~
About Farouk El Safi:
Born in Cairo, Egypt in the very known area called SHOBRA in the 1950's. By the age of 4, Farouk El Safi found himself drawn to music and his parents discovered he had a talent for it. When he was 15 years old, he went on a family picnic and someone within the group brought along a tabla (darbucka), this was the first time Farouk played a tabla, he found his true calling that day!
Not long after the family picnic Farouk had a new desire to work with musicans, he was drawn to music like it was a part of his soul. He met new friends in the Shobra area who played keyboard, accordian, nay and duf. Farouk and his new found friends played and practiced together for a year until another Nay player introduced him to a drummer who played for Oum Kolthoum. His name was Sabr El Falha. Mr El Falha was the most famous drummer at his time, he was a key musican to Oum Kolthoum's orchestra. Farouk El Safi was asked to play the Riq within the orchestra, this position lasted a year until Mr Al Falha left, Farouk then took his place and led Oum Kolthoum's orchestra for 4 years.
During Farouk's time working with Oum Kolthoum's orchestra, he encouraged the progression of the orchestra to reach new heights, they were well known not only for being Oum Kolthoum's orchestra but one of the best ones around! Sadly the orchestra disbanded, but Farouk El Safi remained friend with the accordionist, Farouk Salama. Together they joined forces to create their own band and ended up playing for famous singers such as; Warda Al Jazairia, Farid El Attrash, Abdul Halim Hafiz, Shadia, Hani Shaker (his early career), Adaweya, Sheriffa Fadel and more...
Farouk El Safi traveled to Lebanon and played with Sabra for the top singers of that time.
During Farouk's career he also had the pleasure of playing for Samia Gamal, Nehad Sabri, Fifi Abdu, Mona Said, Lucy, Zinaat Elwy and other known Bellydancers in Egypt and abroad.
In 1994, Farouk El Safi was a member of the Arabian musicians who were invited by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (Ex-Led Zeppelin) to work on their reunion album. Farouk was rewarded both GOLD and PLATINIUM discs.
In 1982 in London, Farouk El Safi was approached by the BBC to record his music alongside with violinst Abdul Ali. The interviewer for the BBC asked Farouk, Abdul Ali and Naht Sabr to play arabic music for the first time on television (British TV). After this Farouk was asked to play at the Royal Albert Hall and Elzabeth Queen Theatre, London for famous Arabic singers.
Farouk is a classical Egyptian Tabla virtuoso and one of the famous tabla players in London today. His contribution in the field of percussion and in the music world at large is highly appreciated.
