Donna Mejia Ballet/Eastern Improvisation, (Spirit of the Tribal). September 2010

Improvisation danced by Donna Mejia on Friday, September 24, 2010 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Event hosted by Ombellyco (Ombellyco.com) Video filmed by Jayne of JP Productions

Program Notes:

Hab't Halwa (A Grain of Sweet) by Donna Mejia

Music: "Gnossienne" Composed by French musician Erik Satie in 1890. Re-interpreted by Lebanese violinist Claude Chalhoub.

Dance Style: Persian and Arabic classical vernacular in dialog with Ballet as it was codified by the French

Program Notes:
Although Ballet and other Euro-centric dance forms have a well-documented influence on the commercial presentation of Near Eastern dance, most audiences are not aware that Ballet was initially influenced, strongly, by dances of the East. Many European royals would hire Eastern dancers and musicians for entertaining their courts. Ballet, initially developed in the royal courts of Italy in the 15th century, was popularized/codified by the French, English and Russian courts. In fact, one of the signature movements of Ballet references its Eastern source material directly in title: "arabesque" (a position of sweeping the leg up behind the body to create an elongated line). This choreography is an exploration of Ballet with it's Arabic and Persian references prominently prioritized and highlighted.

www.donnamejiadance.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Donna Mejia
• fusion dance
• tribal fusion
• ballet
• Eastern dance
• ombellyco
• claude chalhoub

[LadyViola5]

@sophaloaf3 Claude Chalhoub

[anewalsh]

Fantastic tribal dancer!

I am a fan.

[sophaloaf3]

does anyone know what this song is? i know it's erik satie, but who did this rendition?

[joyrochelle]

@nikkiefreak That;s Erik Satie.

[yeshechas]

While I wish with all my heart that I could have been there to witness this incredible performance, I can feel the music through her dance. Just outstanding!

[sonyapettigrew]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[anymassicotte]

Love it!!!

You are such a beautifull poesy!!!

[wastobe4me]

SHe is so amazing!!

[salomegoddess]

You move like water.

[BellydancerFrank]

Once again... I am left speechless & inspired!!!