Raqs Sharki, Egyptian Dance and Music

By Sara Kahan and Guy Schalom

 

Sara and Guy retrace the history and describe the different styles of this fascinating dance and music.

 

Raqs Sharqi

 

Raqs Sharqi literally translated as eastern dance has developed its fullest _expression in Egypt. The dance is thought to have roots reaching back into antiquity and it is claimed to have had ritual or religious significance.

Different styles have developed in different contexts within Egypt. The ‘Ghawazi’, or gypsies maintained a traditional style of dance commonly performed at rural celebrations.  A classical style of the dance developed in the courts during the Golden Age of Islam and the Ottoman era. These dances were performed by ‘Awalim’ educated women who danced, sang and recited poetry. 

 

Dance developed alongside music as a visual representation of its rhythm and melodic lines.  It is abstract rather than narrative and is essentially improvised; although the modern cabaret style often involves highly choreographed routines.   

During the 1940’s and 50’s The popularity of Egyptian cinema made dancers such as Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca and Naima Akif into celebrities throughout the Arab world and in recent years it Raqs Sharqi has become more widely appreciated in the west as a complex and subtle dance form.

 

Egyptian Music

 

The three main strands of Egyptian music used to accompany Raqs Sharqi dance are “Classical”, “Popular” and “Folk”. 

Classical music or “Sharqi” refers to orchestral, concert or film music.  Lyrics utilise the classical Arabic language of the Kuran.  Common instruments are violins and string sections, the “Kanun” (plucked zither), “Ney” (bamboo flute), “Oud” (Arabic lute) and the “Riq” (Arabic tambourine).  Notable artists include Mohammed Abdel Wahab and legendary singer Oum Koulthoum. 

 

Folk songs, sung in local Egyptian dialects often feature emotive, meter-less, vocal introductions known as “Mawawil”.  The “Rababa” (spike fiddle), “Mizmar” (shawm), “Arghul” (double oboe) and “Tabla Baladi” (Barrel drum) are the typical instruments.  Famous artists are Metqal El Qenawi and Les Musiciens Du Nil. 

 

Cairean popular music developed from “Baladi” - the structured, yet improvised genre, fusing elements of Classical and Folk.  Typical Arabic percussion – namely the “Darabuka”, today used in all Egyptian styles, is found alongside the western accordion, saxophone and trumpet.  With the rise of singer Ahmed Adaweia, light-hearted songs sung in colloquial Egyptian Arabic rapidly gained popularity as they resonated with the working classes.