This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a lovely dancer/student with whom I share wonderful dance & laughter moments. She informed me of two new trends I was not aware of as I don´t follow most Oriental Dance events and video clips.
It seems that there is a fashion for "Pop baladi" or "New Baladi" as well as "Tarab style" (???).
First of all, let us assume my ignorance. Secondly, after six years of performing in Cairo with some of the most experienced and talented musicians of this market, I NEVER heard of such things.
Baladi is BALADI. It is not POP or NEW. It s old, very old, in fact. And ETERNAL. The only new thing you can add to it is your own personal touch to the movements and way of interpreting the music but you cannot escape its roots, basic meaning, mood, way of expression and specific SOUL.
Regarding the confusing subject of "tarab" all I can add is: there is no such thing as "TARAB DANCE STYLE". The "tarab" is a state of mind, heart, soul that is achieved by musicians, dancers and/or audience through the MUSIC/MOVEMENT/RECOGNITION of souls that, for some moments, are UNITED with the DIVINE realm of LIFE. The phenomenon of "tarab" can occur in different dance styles, it is NOT a dance style in itself. I´ve enjoyed deep moments of flight/tarab while doing a "baladi" taksim, or a classical song, even an inspired tabla solo.
"Tarab" is a kind of ecstasy feeling - similar to the effect some drugs may have on people, I imagine...- that takes place when several factors are present: The Music, the dancer´s mood, self-confidence, sensibility, vulnerability, open heart and the audience´s participation. It is an EGOless state when ALL we are come together and we enter a meditative realm where EVERYTHING is peaceful, pleasureable, COMPLETE. Like an ORGASM (of the body, mind, heart and soul...all at the same time) with no limits or end multiplied by many (outch!).
Hard to describe through words, WONDERFUL to experience.
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