ReOrient present Ghawazee dance at the Duncan Showroom, 2019

The dance in these videos is an interpretation of an historical style of dance and costume common in Egypt in the late 1800’s and into the 20th Century. Our choreography is based on historic photos and travellers’ writings about the Ghawazee, and our studies with Aisha Ali, Banat Mazin troupe members, and others.  The Ghawazee continue to perform today, though with different costumes! Many Ghawazee, and in particular those we studied for this piece, are members of Domari and Nawar tribes – that is, Middle Eastern branches related to the “Romani” (peoples who have asked to no longer be called “Gypsies”).  Ghawazee has been translated as “Invaders of the Heart” – but the word has some negative connotations, as it represents Egyptian women who dance to entertain. 

We are members of the B.C. dance collective “Re-Orient”, and we hope our performance, and these videos, will broaden your perspectives on Arab and Turkish arts and societies.  Videos are by Eric Boucher. 

Penceresi yola karsi

Penceresi yola karsi

Her window faces the street”, presented in Belly for the Beast, Malaspina Theatre, Nanaimo BC. This structured improvisation explores the public and private feelings of a Turkish girl, set to the Turkish Roman music of Karsilama (with Selim Sesler & Brenda MacCrimmon). Read more…

Red Apple

Red Apple

Excerpt from Red Apple, presented in Errington, BC. This choreography was inspired by the resilience of Afghani village women.  The structured improvisation blends eastern and western traditions and contemporary dance styles to music by Ashkabad and Yuldiz Usmanova.   Read more…

Smokin’

Smokin’

“Light a cigarette and to hell with the world!” This choreography blends Roma dance improvisation with western contemporary dance and “gypsy” stereotypes. Inspired by the 3 Mustaphas 3 version of Anapse To Cigaro.   Read more…

Bekaa Valley Girls

Bekaa Valley Girls

Several excerpts from Bekaa Valley Girls, Lynette’s full-length collaborative creation with Rahma Haddad, presented in the Noon Dance Seriesat Vancouver’s Dance Centre, November 2009.   Duet with Rahma Haddad (part 1) This segment recalls when Lebanese cousins Lynette and Rahma first met.  Though raised in different parts of Canada, they shared a family history of… Read more…

Queen of Wands

Queen of Wands

  Excerpt from MIRAJ at Victoria’s 2003 Fringe Festival, a full-length dance theatre production created and performed with Earthfire Dance Collective. In this segment, the Queen of Wands (Lynette) loses her crown and other trappings of power to her cat (Taissia), and discovers an inner strength. Read more…

Arab Women Arab Dance

Arab Women Arab Dance

Arab Women Arab Dance Opening of Arab Women Arab Dance, presenting life histories with dance. Featuring Lynette, Rahma Haddad, Salma Ferchichi, Rabab Ward, and Emily Basha. Produced by Vancouver’s Dance Centre. Excerpt from a Vancouver Dance Centre production, interweaving life history narratives with demonstrations by five Arab women. Read more…