Loading ...The World is Now Seeing Diversified North African Dance
Esraa Warda is taking dancing to Raï (Algerian folk music), from life to specialization, from regional to worldwide.
By: Jenny Lyu / Arab America Contributing Writer
Time after time, the recognition of Arabic folk dance in the media encompasses and stays in a simple and general definition, belly dance – an exotic and passionate dance type. But now, thanks to the hard work of many excellent Arab musicians and dancers, more specific regional folk dances are becoming well known to the public. One of these genres is Algerian raï.
Esraa Warda, a dancer and teacher living in the United States, has consistently studied and practiced dancing to raï, which she has been exposed to since she was a child. Now, she is introducing it to her classes and to the world. Dancing to raï has been a part of many Algerians’ lives and ordinary routines but is now becoming an intangible and recognized cultural treasure. So, why and how did raï and Esraa choose each other? How can you make an art form affect more people?
Modern and Revolutionary Music: Raï Meaning “Young.”
Esraa specializes in dancing to raï, Algeria’s most famous folk music form dating back to the 1920s. Raï is revolutionary. It means opinion. Young people eager for modernization go against what is expected of them and have been attracted by this music genre for decades. Raï appeals to modernize traditional Islamic values and attitudes. It rejects the dictated and classical poetry from conventional Algerian music’s lyrics and uses raw and controversial words to sing about urban life’s politically and socially charged adversities. As one member of Esraa’s performance band says, it was profound that something as simple as dancing could be such a political statement. Raï represented the attitude of young people and their vest for life. Compared with other traditional forms of art, raï has kept up with the pace of the times and society. It absorbs, fuses, develops, and forms a set of its own musical modes. With this rhythm, dancing to raï was born.
Professionalism and Systematic Dance Development
In Esraa’s dancing, it is not difficult to see her attitude, rebellion against traditional perceptions, innovation, breakthroughs, and bravery in pursuing her dreams and desired life. Esra was often confronted with doubt about her profession as a dance artist and educator from her Algerian-American community. Many said that raï being taught in a dance class was hilarious. Undeterred, she still believed in herself and knew what she wanted to do. She spends most of the time in relatives’ living rooms analyzing how they dance, summarizing and creating movements, systems, and codes for her dancing. In many ways, Esra is a pioneer. She gives other dancers inspiration to allow different dance styles to be valued and shared with the world. She also provides a platform for dance lovers in her community and culture to communicate and grow.
Globalization and Social Media Communication
From Esraa’s Instagram, people can see she has a lot of dance classes happening all over the world. She went to Spain, France, and other locations around the world to share her expertise. This has also given her more opportunities to meet other great dancers. This has allowed her to strengthen herself and grow her confidence in spreading the culture, meaning, and body movements of raï. In addition, the emergence of social media has opened unlimited possibilities for traditional art forms. By holding online classes, every student who wants to learn raï can come to class across time and space and dance with Esraa. Dancing to raï has become a living artform. Through her Instagram, we can see not only an artist who loves and insists on dancing, but a strong, confident woman who loves her life and always strives for positivity. One commenter said, she loves Esraa’s fun classes and not only do they celebrate culture but also transcend it. Social media platforms have undoubtedly become the most extensive stage for raï.
Art is Another Way to Talk
Learning to dance is a way of getting to know culture. From the body’s movements, people connect with the music, connect with others around us, and open our hearts. This is the most beautiful thing about dance. By dancing, we are liberated from any identities, free from our professions and cut loose from who we supposed to be. Everyone is equal, respected and able to enjoy a plethora of cultures. People like Esraa who love and pass on their passion to more people are invaluable. By following her footsteps, we are able to share joy with people all over the world. Maybe I will pick a day to be in Esraa’s class, too!
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