TUNISIA
Tunisian music, some which can be heard in the video Dances of North Africa. Recorded separately in 1977, this album features the various musical folk dance traditions of the countryside. Instruments include mizwid, zukra, bendir, darabukka and tabl. Female vocals accompanied by kaman.
Review by Nancy King:
Dancing with Aisha: Tunisian Rhythms, and Raqs Shaabi; an Instructional Video
by Aisha Ali.
These three items are grouped together because the music on the CDs is also used in the video. Should one want to learn Tunisian folk dance and not have the assistance of a live teacher, I actually do believe that one could succeed with this package. The video starts with a short introduction to the dance and its music, then, one by one, eleven rhythms and a corresponding movement for each is very clearly explained and demonstrated. Aisha performs each movement first in the studio, dancing to a clear drum
pattern and wearing practice clothes so that it is easy to see her movement. She repeats the step over and over, and any variations are clarified. We are then treated to a short clip of her dancing the step (sometimes combined with other steps) in full costume with full instrumentation. This is the procedure for each new rhythm/step, every one of which is masterfully executed. After we have learned our 11 Tunisian steps (which concentrate mainly on horizontal hip movements and work on the balls of the feet) and their variations, Aisha performs several full dances, combining the steps taught as well as introducing a few new ones. As Aisha performs each dance, the title of the musical track being used is shown at the bottom of the
screen so that one may locate it on the CDs. I especially enjoyed the dance in which she so skilfully balances a water jug on her head, serving to demonstrate the highly accurate isolations required for a masterful performance of Raqs Shaabi. While Aisha dances in a variety of beautiful costumes, she does not explain how the costume is traditionally wrapped round the body or fixed together. Thankfully, there are other sources we
can access to make up for this small omission.
As with all of Aisha’s CDs and videos, the cover notes are informative, extensive and educational.
Track Listing:
Raqs Sidi Monsour. 4:34
Aroubi (Female vocal). 4:26
Nabila's Jar Dance. 5:20
Raqs Al Hana I. 2:50
Banga. 1:20
Raqs Sidi Monsour. 5:57
Dam'l Jarra (Female vocal). 4:27
Raqs Shaabi- Tozeur. 5:43
Awaesha (Dance with vocal). 5:43
Tashkiffa (Female vocal). 3:51
Raqs Nabila (6/8 dance). 3:47
Al Souassi (Male a cappella vocal). 1:54
Ali Swissi (Jar dance). 2:54
Ya Naiem (Female vocal). 4:38
Raqs Al Hana II. 8:17
