Why Belly Dancers Need to Learn Drumming
I stress drumming and offer drum classes at my studio. This is my response to the frequently asked question, "Why must I learn to drum if I only want to dance?"
I do not personally teach drumming, except informally. I am not an accomplished drummer by any stretch of the imagination, but I keep working at it.
Middle Eastern music is very complex. The rhythms are many and varied. Making your hands move to the rhythms, even if you never intend to drum, will help you to learn how to fully hear the music, to anticipate what will come next, and to integrate the rhythm into your psyche. All of this will make you a better (and more authentic) dancer.
Allow me the share a very practical example with you. I am on stage, dancing solo before an audience of thousands. I am performing with a live band with whom I have never worked before. Both the band and I have just arrived from out of town, so we have no opportunity to rehearse prior to the show.
I have listened to recordings of this band's music and we have agreed beforehand on what numbers will be used. I have planned my choreography accordingly. So far, so good.
I am dancing to the third number in the set, anticipating the upcoming drum solo. As the solo begins, I realize that the drummer is completely different from the recording I used for practice! Perhaps the bandleader and I miscommunicated. The band has changed drummers recently and this drummer is doing something I've never heard!
The solo is beautiful, and we are live. Without letting the audience know, I must flawlessly transition from choreographed moves to improvisation. By thinking like a drummer I am able to choose movements that fit his style. I can anticipate the direction the drummer will move his rhythms, and match the movements of my dance.
Sound silly? This example is not the first time this has happened to me, and undoubtedly it will not be the last. At such moments I am thankful that I spend so much time struggling to understand rhythms & drumming and the dancer drummer connection.
Related Links
More of Shahina's opinions
Shahina's drumming page
Unraveling Arabic Music: Rhythm and Musicality workshop
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