Journey Through Egypt Training
24-30 October 2024

Kawai Purapura retreat centre, Auckland

We are bringing Sahra Saeeda back to NZ! Why? You’ve learned the dance (or at least you’re starting too), but what about the history? The culture? The people? The origins? Shouldn’t we know just as much about those things as the dance itself? How does knowing about the context of the dance affect our dance practice?

It makes us better dancers!

It also makes us more culturally aware, and respectful, which is never a bad thing. Sahra studied Dance Ethnology at UCLA, during which time she spent 6 years in Egypt researching and writing her master’s thesis. She offers 5 levels of training - Level 1 and 2 are happening right here in New Zealand. Levels 3,4, and 5 take place in EGYPT!

WHAT IS JOURNEY THROUGH EGYPT?

Journey Through Egypt Level 1 & 2 are each 20 hour intensives and are presented with a multi-media approach including lectures, viewing films and footage captured during research trips to Egypt, study materials, stories, trying on traditional costumes, and experiencing the various dances covered in each intensive.

Recipients will receive certification for completing each of the 20 hour courses.

JOURNEY THROUGH EGYPT 1 - Introduction to the core folkloric styles

Journey Through Egypt 1 is an overview on the movement, posture, clothing, history, and cultural diffusion in the 7 dance zones of Egypt. Sahra’s unique perspective follows how the dance transforms from the homes of the people to the sparkling stages of Cairo. The dances studied include:

• Bedouin

• Ghawazee

• Cairo

• Sa’idi

• Nubian

• Haggallah

• Suez Canal

• Fellahin

These dances are put into the context of the local culture and histories. Their transformation from homestyle to the stage is also covered in depth. The students break from lecture to stretch their muscles and learn the movements that can traditionally be found in these dances. The way that these dances have been interpreted and adapted for the stage is also discussed and shown.

The course also covers many of the ceremonial rights and rituals that can be found throughout Egypt, such as zeffah, zars, and moulids. Whenever possible, these rituals are described and explained with video Sahra has taken on one of her own research journeys to Egypt.

JOURNEY THROUGH EGYPT 2 – DEEPER INTO THE DANCE ZONES

We aim to study and understand each dance zone’s movement with the perspectives of:

• authentic non-professional “home-style” dance,

• local indigenous professional performers,

• regional governate troupes,

• national government theatre-stage troupes: both Reda and Kowmeyya,

• as represented in Cairo’s Night Club Orientale Dance shows.

In addition to addressing movement and culture, we are introduced to core Dance Ethnography concepts. Sahra brings to JtE Intensive Courses concepts and experiments taught to her by her professors, pioneers in the field of Dance Ethnology, at the University of California, Los Angeles.

This 20-Hour Intensive Workshop includes dance and ritual movement of the “Dance Zones of Egypt” with special work in a variety of dances, such as:

• Awalem Shamadan Farrah style,

• Cairo examples of Hassaballah,

• Beja Bravery Dance of the Eastern Desert,

• Bamboteyya of the Suez Canal,

• Awlad Ali Bedouin Hagallah dance,

• Zaggala of Siwa,

• Saidi Assaya,

• Firqit Zeffah,

• and much more.

dates, Pricing and INCLUSIONS:

Dates:

• Journey Through Egypt 1:

  • Starts 6pm Thu 24 October - Ends 3:30pm Sun 27 October 2024 (registration desk open from 5pm 24 Oct)

• Journey Through Egypt 2:

  • Starts 6pm Sun 27 October - Ends 3:30pm Wed 30 October 2024 (registration desk open from 5pm 30 Oct)

Location:

• Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre, 14 Mills Lane, Albany, Auckland

Each participant will receive:

• 20 Hours of practical and theoretical training with Sahra Saeeda per level (40 hours for both levels)

• A digital DVD of “Journey Through Egypt” with Ya Amar! dance company as a future reference for students on the dances of the regions discussed in the course.

• A digital download of music from each of the regions for academic purposes.

• A binder with printed study guides and maps.

• Certificate of completion per 20 hour course.

• Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided.

• All participants have free access to use the venue’s swimming pool, sauna and spa pool.

Not Included:

• Accommodation - Affordable accomodation, camping, and marae style sleeping is available on site at Kawai Purapura retreat venue, or Ramada Hotel is located across the road at Albany Mega Centre.

• Meals - The venue has kitchen facilities, and Albany Mall and Mega Centre is located across the road.

• Transport - Not included. Direct buses go to Albany Mall. We can connect you with other dancers to carpool.

*Space is strictly limited to only 25 students to maintain quality and time for everyone’s questions. First preference for registration is open to participants in both JtE 1 & 2.

**If you have attended JtE 1 training with us before please let us know as we can offer you a discount to repeat Level 1.

FAQs

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email within a few days, any updates leading up to Journey Through Egypt, and a detailed information pack at least 2 weeks before the event. This will include travel information, a suggested packing list, schedule, and any other final details. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Past Teachers

Testimonials