Let's Make Some Noise!

Did you know that Middle Eastern dancers love it when their audience makes noise? Of course, we appreciate a little applause at the end of the show. But we also love it when audiences get clap along, move to the music, or (as we talked about last week) zagharoot during the dancer's performance.

Western audience members can find it challenging to clap along to the music, though, as Arabic rhythms are often entirely unlike typical Western rhythms. Today we'd like to share with you a few tips to help you have fun making some noise, no matter what Arabic rhythm you might hear!

In most Western music, the accent (the time when you'd normally clap your hands along with the music) is on the second note, like this:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Most Arabic music, though, is accented on the first note, not the second. And, to make things more complicated, many Arabic rhythms, while technically 4/4 rhythms, track across 8 counts, instead of 4. For example, in the baladi, there's an accent on the first 1, the second 1, and the second 2, like this:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4  1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

You may be wondering how in the world you'll follow along and make some noise as you enjoy the show, but not to worry -- you even have options! You can clap along on that first count. It's okay if you miss some of the accents. Or, if it's easier for you, clap on each count, instead of hitting just the accents. (You'll often hear dancers on the sidelines doing this for their fellow dancers.) If you can catch the accents, then feel free to follow along with your clapping. Have fun and enjoy the music and dance!

Recipe: Basic Hummus

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern recipe, which means there are many opinions and variations. In the Middle East, hummus is usually prepared with tahini (sesame seed butter), but in Greece, olive oil is used. I find raw olive oil upsets my stomach, so I opt for canola oil. It'll be delicious no matter how you prepare it! Serve with pita chips, a veggie platter, or use as a spread for sandwiches in lieu of mayonnaise. Yum!

Basic Hummus

Ingredients:

2 (15.5 ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup bottled minced garlic (or 8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped)
1/4 cup canola oil, olive oil, or tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions:

Combine chickpeas, water, garlic, oil or tahini, and lemon juice in blender or food processor, and puree until smooth.

What's That Noise You're Making...?

In many Middle Eastern songs, and in practically any Middle Eastern dance performance, you'll hear a distinctive "Lilililililiiiiii!" sound, like this:

That sound you hear is called a zagharoot, (in the plural, zaghareet). It's a sound of delight and joy, so it's not uncommon to hear musicians or dancers zaghareeting during or after a performance.

It's not hard to learn how to zagharoot. And, unlike Western dance performances, in which audiences are often expected to sit quietly and observe, Arabic dancers love to hear a little appreciation from their audience as they're performing! Here's how to show your Middle Eastern dancer just how much you're enjoying his or her dancing:

1. Put your hand in front of your mouth, just above your upper lip, with your palm facing up just a bit. (Your hand should be roughly at a 45-degree angle.)
2. Touch your tongue to your upper gum, just above your teeth.
3. Say, "Li-li-li-li-liiiii," as quickly as you can.

That's all there is to it! Don't worry if you can't zagharoot quickly at first. With a little practice, you'll master it. And in fact, the speed of a zagharoot varies from region to region. In some countries (like Egypt), the zagharoot is fast, but in other countries (like Saudi Arabia and Sudan) it's much slower. Your Middle Eastern dancer will appreciate you, no matter how quickly or slowly you zaghareet!

Opa! Greek Week at Atria Seville

Desert Gypsies kicked off Atria Seville's "Greek Week" celebration this past Sunday in style! As always, we had a wonderful time dancing for -- and with! -- our friends in the audience. We had the opportunity to dance with some new friends, too. :) Until next time...keep shakin' those hips and shoulders, everyone!

Throwback Thursday, and Destinations...Yes, We're Approved Vendors!

Destinations Alexander
June 2012

Desert Gypsies is happy to announce we're on Destinations' approved vendor list!

Destinations Activities Directors, we've taken the hassle out of providing quality entertainment for your location. We're on the vendor list, and we're ready to celebrate the joy of music and dance at your location!

And, to celebrate Throwback Thursday, here are a few of our favorite pictures from performances at Destinations Alexander and Destinations Valley View.

Destinations Valley View
July 2013

Now's the time to contact us if you'd like to celebrate January birthdays in style, plan ahead for a unique Valentine's Day performance, or just enjoy the magic and mystery of Middle Eastern dance and music. Our calendar fills up quickly, so don't delay. Call, text, or e-mail us today. Just click on the "Contact Us" tab!