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Lifting the Veil of Time
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Lifting the Veil Of Time is a film adaptation of the performance
presented by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission
at Harmony Hall in Prince George’s County, Maryland entitled Dance and
Music of the Middle East. Our goal was to present these very ancient and
diversified dances in a visual form that would allow the viewer to
follow it’s evolutionary history.
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN AND GREEK DANCE by Artemis
This interpretive piece is based on extensive research of the ancient
dances of Egypt and Greece. These are but two of the many roots for what
is currently called Oriental dance.
PERSIAN COURT DANCE by Kawakib
This dance was inspired by the art of the Middle Ages. The music is in a
6/8 time signature, popular at that time. The second piece is a modern
rendition of this form of dance, famous for it’s intricate footwork,
graceful postures and flowing arm and hand work.
VEIL by Artemis
The ancient Greek women danced with veils. This mesmerizing art was introduced into Oriental dance in the 20th century.
SAUDI ARABIAN WOMEN’S DANCE by Latifa
In Saudi Arabia, where social events are sexually segregated, there is a
rich tradition of women entertaining women. Imagine a room draped with
carpets and hazy with incense smoke. Laughter fills the air. Women are
chatting, sipping small cups of heavy, perfumed coffee and eating
delicate pastries. The music begins and one or more women rise to dance…
TURKISH SPOON DANCE by Amira Yasmine
As early as the 18th century, Turkish dancers have performed with
hand-held percussion instruments such as clappers, finger cymbals and
wooden spoons. The choreography is based on folkloric steps from
Anatolian Turkey.
FINGER CYMBAL SOLO by Kawakib
The syncopated rhythms of the Middle East are highlighted in this combination of dance and percussion.
EGYPTIAN CANE DANCE by Yasmin
This dance originated as an imitation of the male stick dance. It
quickly took hold in the cabarets at the turn of the century when the
dancers would pass among the tables and playfully use objects belonging
to the customers (canes, swords, drinking glass, etc.) as props.
ORIENTAL SWORD DANCE by Adena
In a world where women carry heavy bundles and water jugs on their
heads, it is not surprising that they are adept at balancing objects.
Besides in the cabaret dances, the sword was also used as part of a
wedding tradition where the bride would dance with it to signify cutting
the ties with her family of origin as she united with the family of her
husband.
GYPSY SKIRT DANCE or KARSILAMA by Artemis
This fiery dance is an interpretation of the early gypsy dances of
Turkey. The rhythm, called karsilama, is in a 9/8 time signature. It was
said that these dancers could "melt a stone" with their swirling
skirts, shimmying hips and fast paced finger cymbals.
EGYPTIAN STYLE ORIENTAL CABARET DANCE by Yasmin
An example of a modern day dance number from a night club performance.
TURKISH GYPSY DANCE by Artemis
The gypsies first appeared in Turkey in the 11th century. With their
passionate music and dance they soon became an integral part of Turkish
daily life. At social events and in the coffee houses, baths and public
parks, gypsy boys and girls what is commonly known as "floorwork," where
the performer descends to the floor while continuing to dance.
"Floorwork" was incorporated into the Oriental dance of other countries.
However, with the recent rise of Islamic fundamentalism, it has been
banned from public performance in many places.
DRUM SOLO by the entire cast
Rhythm is the heart of Africa. As the dance made its way from the desert
to the world of the theater, the love for the drumbeat persisted. Now,
the drum solo is an integral part of all cabaret performances.
For more about this film click here.
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Learn Turkish style belly dance from the expert! Award winning teacher and performer teaches the basics in a fun, easy to follow 2 hour DVD.
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Artemis' first feature video, with footage from all stages of her career.
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Live performance shot at the Casablanca restaurant in 1995 starring Artemis Mourat, Yasmin Henkesh, Habiba of Philadelphia and many more.
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Cymbals Speak Part 1 - Learn how to play Turkish / American finger cymbals from a master zillist. Artemis has been teaching and playing cymbals for over 35 years. Instruction includes music theory, a break-down of rhythms and a zill solo.
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Product Reviews
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