DrumnDance

  Morwenna Assaf, Educator and Choreographer Arabic Style Dance and Movement ArabiDanseAcademie@sbcglobal.net https://ArtDanceAcademy.webs.com : Walid Assaf, Rhythm Master & Musical Director 760-715-2276 Online – In Studio Sessions VIRTUAL DIGITAL SHOWS Make yourself standout! Covid -19 has made us all look for other ways to share our talents. Have to admit I am not a technician and this stuff scares the daylights out of me. I was using Zoom etc. when nobody had heard of it to keep in touch with my students far and wide. I now have a lot to learn. I envy those you have come to terms with the situation. I only ever used it for coaching. I remember my my first class on Zoom. I learned a lot. This article though is for those who are performing in shows produced on Zoom or Skype etc. I cannot sit through one more. The people running the shows do the best they can. Most do well. It is the dancers that I worry about. All get a great introduction. After that it is al...

SPRING 2021 Art/Dance Academy

Egyptian (REDA ) WORKSHOP

  "IDEAL" Weight, Myth NOT Fact! The number on the scale has nothing to do with dancing. Striving for unrealistic low weight while dancing which builds muscle is unrealistic. Not going to happen. The more you attempt to have low weight will only deter your love for dance. When you engage in strength training activities like dance, your weight will naturally be a little higher. It is impossible to build strength while dancing. Muscle weighs more than fat. The number on the scale has nothing to do with your dancing. Body shape and size are very much apparent in the dance art form. Do not let it dictate you. Be realistic. When food is used only for achieving weight goals and you will lose the experience of eating delicious food. Body fat regulates hormones which support the brain health, skin elasticity, and bone strength. Despite these realities. Yes, the scale offers a measurable outcome. But, it is unhealthy and not a positive solution. The body is wired to survive famine t...

  DANCE WITHOUT STRESS The missing ingredient in most dancer's optimal performance is the lack of rest. As many dancers know, repetitive strain on muscles can lead to minor tears in the muscle tissue. If the body does not get a chance to heal, an overuse injury can occur. Rest gives muscles a chance to repair themselves. Most dancers but most dancers do not allow for this in their schedules. Active relaxation is the tool all dancers need to recover both physically and mentally. Find a way to soften and move with ease is actually calming for our nervous system. Using a set of physical and mental techniques through progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visualization, and a combination of all of these can help. These can be done as you ready for bed or just grabbing 10 minutes anytime. This prevents soreness, enhances flexibility, reduces stress and boosts immune system. You Have to Breathe : You cannot dance and just be a chest breather. Breathe into the belly and allow...

FALL 2020

  FACE THE MUSIC As s instructors we have to help students to hear, understand and show the music when dancing. What does that all mean? Not all dancers are musically inclined. Some dancers even have trouble keeping or even hearing the beat. They need basic training in the music. Most of us did not grow up with an education in Arabic music and dance so we all have to learn. Without a basic understanding of the music those dancers will never understand the what and why of their dancing. But, they can can develop musicality. There are strategies to help students find the beat, recognize the rhythms, and better reflect their dancing. Teach them how to count the music and where the accents are. This is a basic understanding. Most Arabic music at a student level is counted in 8s. Learn to recognize what a beledi, masmoudi etc rhythms are. There is only so many rhythms we use to dance. Start at the beginning. Always make sure your movements are centered. Always step on the down beat of...