Michael Gregian Taxim Workshop

I just wanted to use my blog to promote what I believe is a very important workshop for professional dancers. When this material was offered to me several years ago, it transformed my interpretation of taxim. I gained an understanding of the instruments' sound quality, their natural ebb and flow based on the musician's breath, the moods of the maqams, and how the musician communicates with the dancer. It was shortly thereafter that I experienced my first "tarab", the magical suspension of reality when the musician, the dancer and the audience are all mesmerized by the music. I had the opportunity to dance a taxim at the Middle East with Michael Gregian on clarinet.

In the class, he brings all of his instruments and students have the opportunity to dance to live taxims. It's very different than dancing to a recorded taxim, far more intimate and entrancing. And Mike is a kind instructor and musician, the ideal musician to work with. He actually watches the dancer, and if he knows her, will play taxims that suit her style and preferences.

When: Saturday, March 13th, 10:30-noon

Where: Performing Arts Center of Metrowest, 140 Pearl Street, Framingham, MA

What: Workshop with Mike Gregian to learn about the nai, clarinet and dumbek as they relate to belly dance performance. "Hands on" will include dancing with each instrument and learning how to phrase, especially during taxim and chifti-telli.

Price: $25, cash or check made to Mike Gregian directly.

If you are not comfortable working with a taxim this workshop is for YOU! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to work with live taxim music. Contact Amira Jamal to reserve a spot in the workshop.