Autumn Ward: Egyptian Dance

I've been reading on the internet that I am "a ballerina who made a belly dance video," or that I no longer perform traditional bellydance. This is not so! Here's a video of a performance of mine from earlier this year. This clip includes cane (slightly constrained by the low ceiling), starting at 3:12. The music is "Saidi Routine," from the CD Sahra Saeeda. (Available for purchase here: http://www.layaliyasmine.com/Music.html )

The dance in this video is an upbeat interpretation of raqs sharqi, Egyptian belly dance. Although it has a folklore feeling, it is a mixture of both traditional and modern. I designed this piece for venues where the audience has some distractions, such as parties, or where the audience is simply less of a "belly dance" crowd, less attuned to softness or subtlety, and best able to appreciate high energy and a feeling of fun.

This performance was filmed on April 24, 2010, at Je'Bon in New York City. I danced as part of a showcase, "Disco Al Sharq: Al Rabia," hosted by Mark Balahadia ( http://www.markbalahadia.com) and Leela (http://www.leeladance.com)

For students and others curious to learn more, I've posted a short article with detailed production notes here: http://autumnward.blogspot.com/2010/08/ive-been-reading-on-internet-that-i-am... .

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Autumn
• Ward
• Egyptian
• belly
• dance
• dancing
• bellydance
• bellydancing
• cane
• assaya
• folklore
• saidi
• baladi
• sagat
• zills
• cymbals

[Farasha210]

I just want to know when you are coming to Houston? You are at the top of my list of teachers whose workshops I would love to take.

[AutumnWard]

@Farasha210 I am coming as soon as you invite me! :-)

[alittlebitofperil]

Well, its no insult, since the most famous 'authentic' egyptian greats had ballet training before they went into the egyptian movies!! Samaia Gamal I believe was one of them...

People forget that fusion has happened since the dawn of time and since we started dancing - people saw a move they liked, copied it and took it and made it their own. Long may that last...

[AutumnWard]

@alittlebitofperil I agree! Self-expression is a defining component of Middle-Eastern dance, and the variety that it introduces into our vocabulary keeps the form vital and relevant.

[SultrySeeker]

I am delighted to see you upload a video after over a one year hiatus.

[AutumnWard]

@SultrySeeker Thank you! I will try to make it not so long until the next upload. :-)

[NightsMuse]

Hey, a new video. Lovely job!

[choco8372]

Who's she?

[KatiaBelly]

I'm so glad that I can see your new video. You are a genius.I'm so sad that probably I won't participate in your workshop in Bochnia (but surely I will come to see the show).

[bellydancejunkie]

Your dancing is truly a joy, you are one of my all time favorites. Your ballet training truly enhances your technique, wish you were teaching here in the SF Bay Area.

[alittlebitofperil]

@AutumnWard - Exactly - wouldn't it be dull if we all danced the same? Its like all the dancers who copy their favourites - its fine for a while, but to pretend to be someone else? not good - i mean, why not be yourself right?

I mean, as a stage art it is so new - the roots of it were never for public consumption! I've got to get back to it - i've not danced for seven months... about time i got back to peforming!!

[AutumnWard]

@amiraalleyla Thank you for your comments. I think everyone likes Saidi best of all! :-) I'm glad to give you your favorite rhythm.

[AutumnWard]

@Cleopatra82 Ciao from New York! Thank you for supporting the Tarot video, and I am very happy to hear that you liked my dance.