Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp

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Middle Eastern Camp Mother Earth Cabaret
Middle Eastern Camp Mother Earth Cabaret
On special nights, we magically transform part of the dining hall into the "Mother Earth Caberet" where a more intimate atmosphere prevails. Middle Eastern Camp Features Ethnic Cuisine
Ethnic Cuisine at Middle Eastern Camp
The kitchen provides three delicious meals daily, as well as snacks, with an ethnic flavor. Concerts at Middle Eastern Camp
Concerts at Middle Eastern Camp
There are informal talks on folklore, music, and dance, as well as concerts featuring our extraordinarily talented staff. Singing at Middle Eastern Camp
Singing at Middle Eastern Camp
We have classes and/or informal opportunities to learn Turkish, Armenian, Greek, Persian and Arabic folk singing.
Music & Dance Camp at Mendocino Woodlands
Middle Eastern Camp at Mendocino, August 18-25, 2002
Mendocino Woodlands is located in a beautiful redwood forest near the California coast, inland from the town of Mendocino, 175 miles north of San Francisco. Our camp has 4-person enclosed cabins with fireplaces and balconies, and spacious dining and dance halls. If you prefer to tent, there is ample open space and of course, the woods provide their own pleasures.

Tour to Turkey

Join us for an exciting adventure which includes: ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS, BOAT TRIPS, SHOPPING TRIPS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

Our workshop offers a program covering a broad spectrum of music and dance traditions from this tremendously diverse geographical region. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity and join us in a nurturing and informal environment.

  • Middle Eastern folk dance classes
  • Belly dance classes
  • Instruction on Middle Eastern classical and folk instruments
  • Parties with live music
  • Ensemble coaching, performances
  • Ethnic cuisine


RHYTHM & MOVEMENT WORKSHOPS

(Presented by Souhail Kaspar with Bahia Sultan)

This traditional Egyptian workshop focuses on how the movements for dance and the part of the body used are different for each of the 3 elements of music: rhythm, melody, instrumentation. The student learns how to interpret Middle East music for the dance style Raqs al-Sharqi by portraying these 3 elements simultaneously to give a complete visual presentation of the music. The dancer appears to conduct the music with her (his) body! With his degree in Arabic Music & Performance, from Aleppo, Syria, Souhail brings cultural insights and integrity to this beautiful "dance of the East."

When properly performed the rhythm and the melody can be read on the dancers’ body; the dancer portrays the instrumentation.

  •  Rhythms: Downbeats, Accents, Personality

  •  How to use your body to show the above

  •  History/Costumes/Cultural Expectations

  •  How to work with musicians & instrumentation

  •  How to work with a drum solo

  •  Music Interpretation: Andah Alaik

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED

  • Personal check, cashier check, money order.

  • Credit card.

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Beginners Welcome at Middle Eastern Camp
Beginners are welcome at Middle Eastern Camp
Beginners are welcome with dance and instrument instruction offered at all levels of experience.
Dancing at Middle Eastern Camp
Dancing at Middle Eastern Camp
Traditional dances of Turkiye, Armenia, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran and Greece are taught with each of our six dance instructors teaching twice a day. In the evening, dance parties with live music exclusively continue long into the night. If you're used to recordings, you don't know what an experience this can be. Instrument Playing at Middle Eastern Camp
Rich selection of Instruments at Middle Eastern Camp
We offer small-group instruction on the following traditional instruments: saz and oud (lutes), riqq (tambourine), darbuka (hand drum), kanun (zither), nay (flute), violin, and clarinet, with Turkish, Armenian, and Arabic styles taught. We will offer daily classes for those who wish to participate in ensembles. In addition, we will have on-going sessions in maqam (modal theory) for those experienced players who wish to learn improvisatory techniques.