This month’s pick from the Arabic Top 10 is actually a remake by Hadi Daou of a popular song from over 20 years ago. The original version of “Kboush El Touti” (also known as “La Thezzi Kboush El Touti”) was recorded by Melhem Barakat, a Lebanese singer and songwriter. This song is actually a funny and light song with a dabke-type feel. According to my trusty native translator, the song is well-known and popular among […]
It’s time to check out the Arabic Top 10 charts again! This month Nancy Ajram is back on the charts with “Ma Tegi Hena” or “Come Over Here”. Even if you don’t recognize her name, I can almost guarantee you’ve heard some of Nancy Ajram’s other big hits, including Akasmak Ah, Lawn Eioynak and Ah Wa Noss! “Ma Tegi Hena” is the #1 song this week. This one has a nice relaxed but fun tempo […]
I got a very interesting question from a DBQ subscriber recently. She asked how to turn the combos she’s learned into a choreography without it looking like just a bunch of combos. Well, that’s a complicated one – and there are many ways to use combos as stepping stones to build a choreography. For many first time choreographers this may be feel more approachable. It’s not the ideal way to generate choreography in my opinion, but […]
For several months now, I have run a monthly feature of a danceable pick from the Arabic Top 10 chart on the Daily Bellydance Quickies. Often I am able to get a translation, or at least a rough paraphrasing of the lyrics, for these new songs from native Arabic speakers. It is very important to have at least a basic understanding of a song’s mood and general idea if you plan to perform to it […]
A few years ago, I was teaching my student troupe a new drum solo. Their heads were spinning – it was definitely challenging – and they said it felt “so fast.” As a teacher and choreographer, it’s pretty common to hear a comment like that when students first encounter new choreography. Why is that? What makes it feel so fast when it’s on time with the music, and the music itself doesn’t seem that fast? In my […]