|
The Awalim School of Middle Eastern Dance and Percussion was first formed in Bellingen in 1996 under the inspiration and guidance of Shekhinah Morgan.
The school provides opportunities for women to revive and remake their own arts and culture through developing the skills of bellydance , drumming and costume making.
Shekhinah’s teaching takes an integrative approach to Middle Eastern Dance based on study and practice of bodywork and many years of studying the dance style of Suraya Hilal.
Through the teaching of fine Egyptian dance technique , she encourages students to develop a means of self expression as well as self confidence, self empowerment and inner beauty.
The use of live music has always been an important part of this dance form and drumming classes at the school enable students to learn the rhythms of the dance on the darabukka, the riq, zills and the def. Whenever possible we aim to maintain the tradition of live music and dance. The performance Troupe TARAB has evolved from the desire to keep this tradition alive.
The arabic word ‘Awalim’ was the name given to women who were well versed in the Performance Arts. Over the years the school has become a vibrant cultural centre of artistic expression .
Shekhinah is joined by teacher Ruth Maitland who has had a long association with the school.
Classes are held at the Awalim Studio in Bellingen.
|
