Raks al-Sa’id (2009)

12 minutes • Dance of Upper Egypt • Choreographed by Samara • Music: Mustafa Hamido

The rich folkloric traditions and cultural characteristics of Al-Sa’id (Upper Egypt) are exuberantly presented in this exciting piece which uses the 2/4 fellahi and ayoub rhythms, both synonomous with Upper Egypt. After a lively opening, the dancers, portraying village women at the marketplace, engage in a bit of gossip and greet the central character during the mahwal (vocal improv). The dance then incorporates use of signature dance “props” of Upper Egypt: the balas (water jug), the assaya (cane), ending in a joyous finale with sagat (finger cymbals).

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Raks Assaya (2005)

4 minutes • Women’s Cane Dance of Upper Egypt • Choreographed by Samara
Music: Traditional Sa’idi, arr. Abbud Abdel Aal

The cane dance of Upper Egypt, one of Egypt’s most popular folkloric dances, is a perfect example of how art imitates life. Derived from the use of the stick as a weapon, the moves of the men’s stick dance,” the tahktib, are choreographed fights. The women’s version of the cane dance imitates the men’s martial moves and incorporates playful manipulation of the cane-as-shepherd’s-crook used in the everyday herding of livestock.

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Moulid (2003)

6 minutes • Egyptian Festival Dance • Choreographed by Samara • Music: Ahmed Abdul Fattah

The moulid is an Egyptian village dance of celebration, traditionally in honor of the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday. It is characterized by a heavy percussive rhythm, emphasized not only by the drum, but also by the accent instruments of the finger cymbals (sagat) and the frame drum (bendir) carried by the women. The spirit is uplifted and the entire village joins in the festivities.

Click to watch an excerpt.