Music and Raqs Sharqi
by Sara Kahan
Unlike Western European music, Arabic music’s most developed elements are not harmony and chord structure, but melody and rhythm. These elements have become highly refined, and combine perfectly with the movements of Raqs Sharqi. Rhythm is expressed (usually, but not exclusively) with strong repetitive movements of the hips and the melodic line with the arms, the upper body and undulating movements of the torso.
In its purest form Raqs Sharqi is an improvised dance form performed to live music. The musicians also improvise, or adapt what they are playing depending on the tempo and expression of the dancer/s. So the interaction between musicians and dancers creates not only the dance but also to some extent the music. The way in which the dancer expresses the music enhances the audience’s appreciation and understanding of it and all its subtle complexities.
