The Workshop : Chicago Shimmyfest 2006, held August 24-29, was the fourth event of its type. Each year it never ceases to amaze me how the event evolves into something better every time. The focus of the event is for performers of all levels, to gather information and experience to be the best they can be. For the fourth time in a row, the event was sold out and the group of dancers who participated were from all over Illinois, all over the U.S. and even from as far away as Korea!

The workshops were filled with a positive and nurturing energy. Two different choreographies, one classical oriental and the other Saidi, were offered to challenge not only the body but the mind and spirit. The belief behind training with such discipline is that the body must rise to the level where it ‘gets out of the way’ so that during performance, the dancer has automatically flawless technique that allows her/him to perform freely and with emotional expression.

But there is more presented than choreography at this 20-hour workshop. Lively discussions were held regarding Tips on Improvisation and How to Choreographfor Yourself, as well as a Q&A session with Vahe Zakarian, our guest drummer whohas experience for over 50 years as a tabla player for both folkloric and oriental dancers.

Fun and empowering sessions were held with Vahe drumming during class for exercises on connecting with the tabla and the rhythms and improving the ability to manage a live drum solo. The information provided and the exercises experienced were meant to boost the level of each and every dancer there, regardless of whatever level at which they entered.

Shimmyfest Gala Show: For those Shimmyfest participants who chose to rise to the challenge of performing to live music, the second half of the Gala Show provides a unique opportunity to do so with Chicago’s band Ayam Zaman, including six of the best Arabic musicians in Chicago. They play typical classical oriental music, including taxim and/or drum solos. Each dancer performs solo and improvises to the music. It’s hard and certainly nerve-wracking when it’s your first time, but there’s really no way to beat the thrill of the live energy on that stage. Recorded music is fantastic in its own way, especially because it is perfect and predictable. Working with live music is risky and anything can happen, which makes the experience unparalleled. There were eleven Shimmyfest dancers who performed along with Jasmin Jahal, and it was magic!

Above Left: Andrea of Chicago. Above Right: Rita of Fargo. Below Left: Cecilia of Chicago. Below right: Penny of St. Louis. Far below left: Claudia of Chicago.

Roxanne from Chicago