Lynette Harper watches a reel interesting documentary. Reprinted with permission from the Middle Eastern Dance Association newsletter, Sahda, May 2014.
Dance like there is no tomorrow
Arab music understanding
Egyptian music appreciation and practice for bellydancers by George Dimitri Sawa A must-have for dancers, teachers, and students who wish to develop their understanding of Egyptian music! The quality of the package is awesome – exceeding my already high expectations of creator George Sawa, an Egyptian born historian, musicologist, qanun virtuoso, a true master… Read more…
Ethnographies worth reading
Guests of the Sheik: Ethnography of an Iraqi village Elizabeth Warnock Fernea, Random House, re-issue 1995 Though Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s book was first published in 1969, her writing provides useful insights into daily life, for Arab women in a particular place (rural Iraq) and time period. “A delightful, well-written, and vastly informative ethnographic study, this… Read more…
Arab & Turkish music for listeners
Minor Empire – Second Nature Great music for listening and dancing – this new album of Turkish / world music is made in Toronto! I couldn’t stop dancing during the Minor Empire set at the Islands Folk Festival last summer, where the whole crowd was mesmerized by Ozgu’s truly enchanging vocals. Guitarist/composer Ozan describes their style… Read more…
ANTH 390D Arab Women in the Middle East and Diaspora
Anthropological perspectives (offered May 2014; tentatively scheduled May 2016) Lynette.Harper@viu.ca A veil of mystery and stereotyping obscures Arab women’s lives in the Middle East and the global Arab diaspora. This course investigates Arab women’s dilemmas and perspectives on identity, faith, politics and representation through readings and discussion based on ethnographies and cultural studies. Examine gender/power… Read more…
Arab Women, Arab Dance
When most people think of Arab music and dance they usually think of bellydancing, the North American dance craze based on an ancient tradition. These two presentations at Vancouver’s Dance Centre (2004 & 2005) provided a personal and cultural context for understanding the dynamic and evolving art of Arab dance. Five diversely accomplished Arab women,… Read more…