After her widely acclaimed Egyptian style DVDs "Modern Oriental" and "The Baladi" we are delighted to bring you Ranya's latest DVD: Bellydance Taqasim. Improvisional Skills & Drills.
Master teacher & Performer Ranya Renee of New York City brings you deep into the world of musical and dance improvisation in this detailed instruction programme.
Taqasim (also written as Taqsim, taksim, taxeem) means improvisation on a solo instrument. Learning to interpret the melody line as you dance can be a "Eureka!" experience, one that helps you understand the way Arabic melodies work in general. By practising with this DVD you will enhance your dancing experience and deepen your expression of the music.
You will meet professional musicians from the Arab world, demonstrating traditional instruments for oriental dance music: Oud, Accordion, Violin, Qanun, Riq, and Tabla. An introduction to maqamat, the melodic modes or scales invites exploration of their sounds and distinctive moods. Their emmotional content can help you connect musically with your dancing- whether just for your own enjoyment, or to make your dance more compelling for an audience.
In the Improvisional Skills section of this DVD Ranya offers guidance for building your own improvisional dance practice. Included are tips for approaching the art of improvisation; using energy, focus and dynamics; hands & arms; eye gaze; placement and posture appropriate to working with taqasim, for an authentic and respectful approach to the music. Build your stage presence through Ranya's signature "Breathwork for Performance" method, designed to help you stay relaxed and present in your dance.
Improvisional drills provide practice to traqasim on different insrtuments, with and without rhythmic accompaniment, in whole form as well as in "loop drills" that highlight musical nuances. Technique breakdowns go over key movements you can apply to dancing with each instrument. As you work through the drills, choose from Ranya's two different voiceover commentary options. One track focuses on technique and performance skills, the other on musical details. Or dance along without voiceover, just exploring your interpretation of the music. Vocal selections, with transliteration and translation provided, illustrate another style of improvasition in Arabic music.
A Glossary of Musical Terms used in the programme is printed inside the DVD case, along with a disk navigation menu key to facilitate your practice.
Bonus: Full Oriental Show performance by Ranya with the musicians.
Run Time: 155 minutes
