KARIM NAGI is a native Egyptian drummer, DJ, and folk dancer. He is the creator of Turbo Tabla, and has released two internationally distributed CDs of this unique brand of Arab House/Electronica using acoustic instruments. Karim has authored instructional DVDs for the Tabla/Doumbek and Riqq tambourine, as well as two rhythm compilation CDs. He is also well versed in the ultra-traditional styles of music and dance as the leader of the Sharq Arabic Music Ensemble, and the creative director of the Arab Dance Seminar. He has recorded music for Bellydance Superstars, Bellyqueen, and the Bellytwins, as well as mainstream artists like Alicia Keys, and The Urban Griot Project. His performances boast a dynamic concoction of live drumming and dance, done in unison. Because of his proficiency in both music and dance, his workshops deliver students to a new physical understanding of the connection between these two disciplines. Karim Nagi is a true crossover artist, uniting Traditional and Modern, Ethnic and Urban, Cabaret and Tribal.

SAGAT ("ZILL" finger cymbals): 1 pm - 3 pm Saturday, May 10th, 2008 / $35 before April 30 or $ 40 at door
Karim has developed a comprehensive zill method that utilizes drum techniques, and an Ambidextrous approach. He uses the Egyptian Sufi Zikr aesthetic with multiple sounds, open and closed, sizzle and rapid combinations. Students will learn the Arabic rhythms by name and how to play them while dancing! Dancers will learn to use the cymbals to communicate rhythms to a band and accent solo dancing and body movements. Dancers and percussionists of all levels are welcome. He will also teach dance combinations, solo patterns, train the dancer in musicality, and teach when-and-when-not to play within an Arabic song. Karim promises to transform dancers into musicians with his finger cymbal teaching approach.

ARAB FOLK DANCE INTENSIVE: 3:30 pm -5:30 pm Saturday, May 10th, 2008 / $35 before April 30 or $ 40 at door
This class is an intensive introduction to the traditional group dances from the Arab world. These dances are primarily unisex, and emphasize synchronicity and group cohesion. This workshop includes Dabka Line Dance, Basic Tahteeb/Assaya Cane Dance, and the group-healing ritual motions found in Zikr and Zar practices. Each dance is taught efficiently as an introduction to the style, and is an initiation into possible future study. These dances are less glamourous than the performance-oriented heroism of the solo dances found in the Arab world. These are the dances done by "The People" in social, celebratory, and spiritual group settings. They can be taught to dancers at any level, as both a cultural and artistic experience. The group movements and concepts can later be extrapolated into performance-calibre skills and themes. (Please bring straight cane and sneakers or dance shoes for this class.)

all Saturday dance classes will be held at
THE CENTER of WORLDANCE 230 West Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801
download a printable flyer

You may register for BOTH classes for $65 before April 30, or $75 at the door (if available)
To register, contact Aubre at 323.868.7111
or aubre@aubredance.com
or PayPal your registration to aubre@aubredance.com

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SUNDAY MAY 11th. DRUM WORKSHOPS @ IQAAT (Donovan's Studio) 3515 eagle rock blvd. La. Ca 90065 ***** ARAB DRUM WORKSHOPS "SAIDI, SAUDI, SUDASI" (SSS): Sunday 1pm - 3pm, $25 at door only. Students may bring their Arabic Tabla, Dumbek, Darabuka, Riqq, Duff, Muzhar or Frame drum. Karim will teach these three dynamic rhythms, emphasizing the Arab technique of double off-hand taks and running method. Students will learn how these rhythms propel specific dance styles from around the Arab world. Karim engages all levels from advanced beginner (someone with basic skills) to advanced intermediate. Every level will be adequately challenged and will benefit from the ensemble approach. ---SAIDI (Southern Egyptian) is used for cane dance, ghawazee, pop and folk music. Karim will teach a four part Saidi with emphasis on the empty first beat, and slow yet bubbling tempo. ---SAUDI (Arabian Peninsula) is used for "Khaliji" urban and popular folk music. Karim will teach the polyrhythmic multipart version that illustrates the Afro-Indo influence. ---SUDASI (Lebanese and Palestinian) is used for Dabka unisex line dance. Karim will teach this unique yet common 6/4 rhythm with variations to accent stomp choreographies. RIQQ (ARAB TAMBOURINE): : Sunday 3:30pm - 5:30pm, $25 at door only. The "Riqq" tambourine is the lead percussion instrument in the Arabic orchestra and classical ensemble. It is played with the fingers on both the skin and the cymbals. The technique calls for three different holding possitions and techniques. In addition to Arabic music, these instruments are widely used in Turkish, Iranian, Balkan, Gypsy and Mediterranean music. Students will learn technique, stamina, rhythmic repertoire and various ethnic styles. Karim Nagi is recognized as one of the foremost performers of the Arabic style Riqq in the USA. He has performed Riqq with the Sharq Ensemble, Chicago Oriental Ensemble, Boston Camerata, and Simon Shaheen. He has taught Riqq at the New England Conservatory, Tufts University, and Arabic Music Retreat and the Heartland Seminar on Arab Music. He has authored a comprehensive Intsructional Riqq DVD. Click HERE for more info on the special DVD.

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TURBO TABLA is a solo performance that combines the spontaneity of a live drummer with the stylistic intensity of a DJ. The best description would be "Arabic Techno". Karim, a classically trained Egyptian percussionist, performs on his feet with and an amplified Tabla (goblet drum) that employs many of the effects and sounds of an electric guitar. Karim dances, spins, jumps and entertains while executing the most rapid and grooveworthy hand percussion possible. The accompaniments are always the remixes and recreations of traditional Arabic and World music, with techno and hip hop beats, created by Karim. Karim is an accomplished performer of traditional Arabic music with the highest calibre of authenticity. It is this classical expertise that allows Karim to make modern Oriental music while maintaining the discipline of his Arabic background.