The Egyptian Panorama is being billed as a: "Belly Dance Journey through Egypt at a Time of Change"
To translate this into everyday-average-people terms, this means that the production is a story that is narrated and enacted through dance and song. The main theme is the by-now-famous "Egyptian Spring". Hopefully you have been following the recent and ongoing Middle Eastern revolution in the media and online and are well aware of exactly how world-rocking and not just hip-shaking this story is.
I don't know about you, but it strikes me that having a cast of all women performing this story makes it all the more poignant and powerful.
But wait you say, these women don't look like the belly dancers I see in my favourite Greek/Turkish/Moroccan/Egyptian restaurant...
Well that's because this production isn't just about a bunch of women's "gyrating hips" as the popular press so often loves to grind out over and over (Le Grande Sigh), and which makes so many true Middle Eastern Dance artists cringe when they read it (again and again and again, infinitum, sort of like a figure 8...)
No. It has a real message, a meaning and a story to tell (but more about that in detail later).
It is true that it is "Magical * Revolutionary * Sensational"! - just like the professional publicity bills say.
That sounds pretty exciting doesn't it? I think so. But then perhaps I'm biased because I get to actually study under some of the artists in The Egyptian Dance Company, and as a result I think they are pretty amazing. As a student of just two years so far, I'm starting to get some sense of how many years, how many classes, how many extra workshops, how many extra days and nights of practice, rehearsal, passion, dedication, sweat and study, (and personal financial expense) actually goes into learning this incredibly intricate and ancient art of dance. To take it up for fun and fitness is one thing, but to become a serious professional is a majorly impressive commitment, commanding my sober and awe-filled respect.
These are the hard-working dancers of the Egyptian Dance Company:
These are the hard-working dancers of the Egyptian Dance Company:
The Egyptian Panorama that they will be performing in, is in the real tradition of Egyptian dance -- meaning that it includes authentic Egyptian dance, theatre, and singing. There is true human story and real pathos that any human being can relate to, connect to and take seriously. An evening with the Egyptian Panorama is an evening of true entertainment performance, not something flighty and easily dismissed with the toss of a few flimsy, gold-veneered coins.
This is not the typical belly dancing that you can see in just any club or restaurant, and it doesn't conform to any common, superficial stereotypes. While it's rooted in ancient traditional authenticity, it's not stuck on replay on scratched vinyl way back in the past. This latest production is perched right on the breaking edge of the future wave of Egyptian belly dance as it spills out across the world, bringing an irresistable surge of change along in its wake this spring 2012.
Rise up from the roots of all humanity! Take action from the core! Feel renewed, energized, inspired and transformed by the latest surge in passionate, artistic, revolution in belly dance innovation right here in Toronto on March 31st at the Betty Oliphant Theatre!
I think Egyptians, Egyptian-Canadians, and Canadians from all walks of life and all origins should be proud and excited to have such an amazing artistic and cultural event happening right here in Toronto, Canada this spring. I believe that its message is to give hope to all humans that all of us can make positive change happen, if we truly want it.
For me personally, this message of hope and change resonates powerfully. It is in great part due to my involvement with this studio, and it's positive influence that I was able to lose 80lbs, build lean muscle, tone and flexibility, heal damage done to my sense of self-esteem as a feminine being, reduce anti-depressants I was prescribed, and begin to come back from the depths of a terrible depression. I can see the proof within myself and my own life, that great change is possible when you work with people who truly care and support you. If one belly dance studio can help change one person's life, what else can it do for others?
For me personally, this message of hope and change resonates powerfully. It is in great part due to my involvement with this studio, and it's positive influence that I was able to lose 80lbs, build lean muscle, tone and flexibility, heal damage done to my sense of self-esteem as a feminine being, reduce anti-depressants I was prescribed, and begin to come back from the depths of a terrible depression. I can see the proof within myself and my own life, that great change is possible when you work with people who truly care and support you. If one belly dance studio can help change one person's life, what else can it do for others?
Details Follow:
March 31, 2012
Betty Oliphant Theatre 400 Jarvis Street Toronto tickets: $30 to $45
Phone: 416-462-3498
To buy tickets online: http://hannandance.com/store/
To see the theatre seating plan: http://www.discoverbellydance.com/Seating.html
I can hardly wait to see the dance company wow the audience this Saturday, March 31st at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, here in Toronto!
No comments:
Post a Comment