Bint Al Balad – A Contemporary Interpretation of Tradition
“Bint Al Balad” a new show expressing the art of Egyptian dance and music will premiere in London, this autumn.
Described as “an innovative exploration of the traditional Baladi style of Egyptian music and dance in a contemporary theatrical setting”, Bint Al Balad is the first production of multi-cultural dance company Raqs Wa Musica Masraya (lit. Dance and Music of Egypt). The company unites a culturally diverse group of 5 musicians and 5 dancers of European and Middle-Eastern backgrounds.
Loosely based on the journey of a country girl (bint al balad) to the city, the show features much improvisation and is primarily focussed on the interaction between musician and dancer - at times expressive and soulful, at others, inspiring and uplifting.
Raqs Wa Musica dancer, choreographer and artistic director, Sara Kahan describes Egyptian Baladi as being “characterised by re-interpretations of folk melodies and rhythms from the countryside on cosmopolitan musical instruments; this being mirrored by a sophisticated, expressive dance style which developed among the streets and social gatherings of Cairo.”
The four female dancers, from Egypt, Britain and Italy are all leading performers and teachers each with their own distinctive style. The company also includes a male dancer performing the masculine style of Egyptian dance which is generally underrepresented in performances of Egyptian or Middle-Eastern dance.
Musically, the company brings together legendary Egyptian Baladi masters alongside top contemporary Arabic musicians. Multi-percussionist, stick dancer and musical director Guy Schalom said: “We wanted a fresh and original sound, convincingly rooted in tradition.”
The band features percussion master Ibrahim El Minyawi whose work with Suraya Hilal and numerous recorded performances established him, worldwide, as amongst the finest drummers to accompany Egyptian dance; and Sheik Taha, credited with being one of the creators of the urban Baladi style and a seminal figure in the development of the Quarter-tone accordion (a keyboard accordion, altered to accommodate the soulful and emotive Arabic scales).
The cast of Bint Al Balad come from Egypt, Israel, Syria, Italy, France and England and are united by their passion for Egyptian music and dance. They believe this art form represents Arab culture as joyful, tolerant and life enhancing – qualities often lost or overlooked during times of conflict. The spirit of co-operation and respect that informs their work together, they hope may act as an example in uniting disparate communities the world over.
Alongside the performances will be workshops with live music for dancers and a music workshop offering a unique opportunity for musicians to learn Arabic music from the masters. The workshops will range from introductory “taster” sessions in Egyptian drumming and dance to advanced classes.
Bint Al Balad will premiere at Jackson’s Lane Theatre in Highgate on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th September. More information can be found by visiting www.raqswamusica.com or calling Jackson’s Lane Box Office: 020 8341 4421.
