Published in The Shimmy - Newsletter for the Organisation of Middle Eastern Dance in Australia - April 2013.
In December 2012 I travelled to Egypt to participate in two very different dance programs. I love the Middle East and have visited many times. This was my second visit to Egypt and I was extremely excited.
At the time there was a political situation in Egypt, and some dancers decided not to travel there. I did my research and, although I cancelled a scuba diving trip off the Sinai Peninsula, I kept my plans to attend the dance programs and felt safe during the time I was there.
Sphinx Festival 2012 – Red Sea Odyssey
The first program I participated in was the Sphinx Festival held at the beautiful coastal resort town of El Gouna, five hours drive from Cairo. Here the sun was shining every day, the water was turquoise blue and the sand was a dazzling white.
Keti Sharif organised the festival with the theme of “Water” expressing fluidity and flow in Egyptian dance. Workshop instructors included Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Liza Laziza and Essam Said.
In December 2012 I travelled to Egypt to participate in two very different dance programs. I love the Middle East and have visited many times. This was my second visit to Egypt and I was extremely excited.
At the time there was a political situation in Egypt, and some dancers decided not to travel there. I did my research and, although I cancelled a scuba diving trip off the Sinai Peninsula, I kept my plans to attend the dance programs and felt safe during the time I was there.
Sphinx Festival 2012 – Red Sea Odyssey
The first program I participated in was the Sphinx Festival held at the beautiful coastal resort town of El Gouna, five hours drive from Cairo. Here the sun was shining every day, the water was turquoise blue and the sand was a dazzling white.
Keti Sharif organised the festival with the theme of “Water” expressing fluidity and flow in Egyptian dance. Workshop instructors included Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Liza Laziza and Essam Said.
Sphinx Festival - Participants
A busy schedule filled the five-day program with morning yoga, dance workshops, cooking classes, costuming talks, a beach photo shoot, Bedouin music under the stars, a boat trip on the Red Sea, dance performances and cultural tours. I didn’t want to miss anything … so I did everything!
The majority of the dance workshops consisted of technically challenging choreography. I particularly enjoyed learning Mahmoud Reda’s “Ahsan Nas” choreography which includes various folk styles. I bought the DVD so I could revisit it once I returned home. I also really enjoyed Liza’s workshops, which covered improvisation using emotion and expression.
The majority of the dance workshops consisted of technically challenging choreography. I particularly enjoyed learning Mahmoud Reda’s “Ahsan Nas” choreography which includes various folk styles. I bought the DVD so I could revisit it once I returned home. I also really enjoyed Liza’s workshops, which covered improvisation using emotion and expression.
Sphinx Festival - Mahmoud Reda Workshop
I took the opportunity to perform at the Poolside Bellydance Party for festival participants and residents of El Gouna. It was an honour to perform before Farida and Liza sitting in the front row.
After the festival I stayed for an extra rest day at El Gouna where I booked a Hamam – a luxurious Turkish bath, and a sunset camel ride to take in the final views of the Red Sea.
After the festival I stayed for an extra rest day at El Gouna where I booked a Hamam – a luxurious Turkish bath, and a sunset camel ride to take in the final views of the Red Sea.
Spinx Festival - Beach Filming
Embodied Bellydance Intensive – Return to the Source
The second program was Return to the Source held in the village of Abu Sir, an hour out of Cairo near the pyramids – a five-day program organised by Maria Sangiorgi.
Here we participated in activities that included a camel ride to the pyramids, dance workshops, exploring village life, a tour to Saqqara Pyramid, a private show by a Baladi band, meditations by the pyramids and a session with the Mazaher Ensemble.
The second program was Return to the Source held in the village of Abu Sir, an hour out of Cairo near the pyramids – a five-day program organised by Maria Sangiorgi.
Here we participated in activities that included a camel ride to the pyramids, dance workshops, exploring village life, a tour to Saqqara Pyramid, a private show by a Baladi band, meditations by the pyramids and a session with the Mazaher Ensemble.
Return to Source - Camel ride to Pyramids
All the participants stayed in a large family guest house with a dance area covered by a beautiful dome-shaped roof. The family were very friendly and welcoming, though the women were still a little shy with guests. We were treated to some delicious home cooked food.
Return to Source - Workshop in the Dome
The dance sessions were focused on learning to understand the body to create movement and individual artistry. We worked with a lot of world music to find expression, and with Baladi progression music for improvised dance. The techniques we learned were useful for helping to better understand my body, connect with my dancing, and allow me to open up emotionally.
Return to Source - Participants
My trip to Egypt was certainly challenging, particularly when I was sick for several days with a head cold and stomach upset. The weather too was much colder than I expected. But I understood that this was part of my journey and it soon passed.
What I will always remember, apart from the dancing, is being part of a gathering of amazing women from around the world.
What I will always remember, apart from the dancing, is being part of a gathering of amazing women from around the world.
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