Arabic Music, Dance and Culture
Single show - $525
Back-to-back shows - $700
Fees above are for school programs in Maryland, Washington, DC and northern Virginia only. For non-school or out of area programs, please contact Class Acts Arts for details.
Additional travel fee will apply.
Artist:
Karim Nagi
Description:
This presentation is the most widely requested offering, especially for larger assemblies. It is suitable for any or multiple age groups and does not require any artistic or historical background for the audience. In this comprehensive showcase, Karim defines the term Arab and Arab-American. By equating it to African-Americans, Latino-Americans, etc., Karim illustrates what it means to be bi-cultural. Karim then gives a dynamic and entertaining demonstration of the various instruments including an array of drums and the Buzuq (longneck lute). He elicits audience participation throughout by having them pronounce the instrument names, a deliberate first-lesson in the Arabic language. Next he teaches a three-sound clapping system which allows anyone in the crowd to perform the Arabic rhythms without an instrument. Karim concludes with a brief demonstration of Dabka Line Dancing and, when feasible, invites participants to learn as the rest of the audience provides rhythmic accompaniment via their newly learned clapping method. The presentation is animated, humorous and participatory. It is very effective with Elementary and Middle School groups. Karim also has a more articulate version for High School and Adult general audiences.
Study guides:
