Camp program
This is the schedule for the 2009 Camp. The 2010 and program is currently being finalised and will be posted soon.
Workshops
A wide variety of specialised music and dance workshops will be on offer throughout each day. The only problem is figuring out which one to do! Some of the workshops will occur once during the camp and others will repeat, progressing during the camp. Once you are at the camp you can go to any of the workshops on offer. Time schedules will be given out upon arrival. Beginners are welcome and all levels of skill will be catered for.
Belly Dance and related styles
Belly dance workshops abound with highly skilled and inspirational teachers
hosting workshops covering many different styles and perspectives of Belly
Dance, from gypsy and folk styles to modern and classical Egyptian.
For more information go to: Dance Workshops
Balkan Dance
Energetic and fun circle dances from the Balkan regions will be taught, including many traditional village dances of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Romany Gypsies! We are also excited to have Gary Dawson, who is an amazing source of knowledge, giving talks on the culture, music and history of Balkan dance.
For more information go to: Dance Workshops
Macedonian wedding dances and traditions
Experience the ceremony, customs, merriment and sorrow of a Macedonian wedding – music, singing, dance, food, rakija ….. and more. This year Yorgo Kaporis ' and Gary Dawson 's dance workshops will feature many of the simple dances performed at a Macedonian wedding –the bride's dance ( Nevestinsko oro ), the mother-in-law's dance ( Svekrvino oro ), the dance of the fathers of the bride and groom (a form of Teskoto oro ). Refer to dance workshops for more details. All done to the overwhelming sounds of Macedonian bagpipe ( gajda ) and shawm (zurna ). Refer to music workshops for more details.
And there's much more – Yorgo and Gary 's seminars on the history and customs of the Balkans will focus on the many customs and traditions leading up to and during a Macedonian wedding. Participate when the best man shaves the groom, the groom's representatives barter for and steal the bride, the bride wards off the ‘evil eye', and many other events.
Finally, join the wedding party when we recreate a Macedonian wedding at the Balkan Party Night when we perform some of these customs and traditions, toast the bride and groom with rakija, dance the Nevestinsko and Teskoto , and join the married couple and their families in other simple, social Macedonian dances, including Zaramo , Pajdusko and Maritsa .
No presents please! BYOG(rog), BYOC(ostumes – photos will be shown on the website later in the year), BYOP(reparedness to have fun) *
* It's not 100% traditional
Drumming
All manner of percussive instruments will be taught; darabuka (tabla), tappan (davul), frame drums, Riq (tambourine) and zills.
Tuition will include Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Balkan and Gypsy styles!
For more information go to: Music Workshops
Instrumental
Our music teachers are able to provide tuition for many types of instruments.
Some of these are: ney (flute), kaval (flute), zurna, oud, cymbus (banjo),
gajda (bag-pipes) clarinet, saxophone, and even didgeridoo! Instrumental classes are usually small groups and can also be one-on-one. The ensembles are a special feature at the camp and all musicians and drummers are welcome in these. We have our Middle Eastern ensemble playing mostly Egyptian and Turkish pieces, our Gypsy band, and a percussion ensemble.
For more information go to: Music Workshops
For Singers
Learn songs from different regions of the Middle East and the Balkans. Let your vocal chords run wild with tragic Gypsy songs and romantic Arabic ballads!
For more information go to: Music Workshops
Henna Workshops: Oriel Paterson
Like an ancient caravan trail, henna traverses culture & time. Discover a variety of henna application methods and find out how to decorate your whole dance troupe! A pracitcal henna session with historical and cultural folklore.
Concerts
Every evening the camp will transform magically taking us all on a musical journey through the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Concerts showcasing different regional styles of dance and music will be an opportunity to enjoy the talents of our wonderful teachers, along with performances by guest and emerging artists and bands.
Be inspired by some of Australia’s most talented and respected musicians and dancers in an intimate and friendly atmosphere.
Sunday night will be your chance to perform at our “Bahar Bayram Concert” where workshop participants and teachers will share what they have created during the camp. This is our favourite concert at the camp and a special experience for all involved!
Bellydance Cabarets
Ever dreamed of dancing with a band and experiencing the joy of spontaneous creativity? Sign up for the Bellydance Cabarets! The Cabaret is more than just a performance opportunity; it is a chance to experience the beautiful, sensual art of bellydance in its most sacred and powerful setting. Music and dance merge and audience and performers share in the magic of spontaneity and improvisation.
Balkan dance parties
Dance the night away to the thrilling sounds of Zurna and Tappan. Passionate Gypsy music will spur us all on as we join together and celebrate community and culture while learning traditional circle dances from the Balkans. Expert teachers will teach and lead the dances so even those with two left feet will be able to participate. There is no excuse for being a wallflower at these parties!
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