RAQS ART AWARDS CREATIVE CATEGORY TOPICS

Oct 4, 2024

"My Raqs Sharqi Journey"

Description: Step into the world of Raqs Sharqi and share your personal journey through this iconic and timeless dance form. This theme invites dancers to reflect on their unique connection with Raqs Sharqi, showcasing the evolution of their style, passion, and artistic growth. Whether you're honoring the traditional roots of this art or infusing it with your own modern interpretations, "My Raqs Sharqi Journey" is a celebration of personal expression, cultural heritage, and the beauty of storytelling through movement.

Inspiration ideas (you can create your own of course):

  • Personal Story: Dancers can draw from their own experiences—how they discovered bellydance, what inspires them, and how they've developed their technique over time. This journey can be shown through choreography that evolves, (perhaps starting with simpler movements and building up to more complex, refined combinations as a metaphor for their growth as a dancer, etc).

  • Traditional to Modern: Showcase the evolution of Raqs Sharqi from its classical origins to a contemporary interpretation. Start with the elegance and grace of traditional Egyptian bellydance and transition into modern stylizations, blending tradition with innovation.

  • Musical Journey: Take the audience on a musical journey, dancing to traditional Arabic rhythms, then transitioning into more modern compositions. This allows participants to explore how music shapes their dance, highlighting their ability to connect with a wide range of Middle Eastern musical styles.

  • Emotional Journey: Express your personal emotions or life experiences through Raqs Sharqi. Use the dance as a form of storytelling, where each section represents a different chapter of your emotional or artistic path—whether it’s joy, struggle, passion, or empowerment.

Costume Ideas:

  • Traditional & Modern Fusion: Wear a costume that blends classical and contemporary elements, perhaps starting with a traditional bedlah and later incorporating modern fabrics, cuts, or even a costume change during the performance to symbolize your journey.

  • Color Symbolism: Use color to represent different phases of your Raqs Sharqi journey—such as soft, neutral tones for the beginning, and vibrant, bold colors for the climax of the performance, showcasing your growth and empowerment.

2. "Divas of the East"

Description: Celebrate the strength, grace, and charisma of iconic female figures from the Middle East and beyond. This theme invites dancers to pay homage to legendary divas, both real and mythical, who have left their mark on the world of music, dance, and culture.

Inspiration:

  • Famous Icons: Embody the spirit of legendary performers such as Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, or Asmahan, with emotionally charged choreography that connects deeply to their music.

  • Mythical Figures: Bring ancient goddesses like Ishtar or Astarte to life through powerful, goddess-like movements, evoking the divine feminine energy.

  • Contemporary Legends: Dancers can also channel modern-day performers, showcasing a fusion of traditional bellydance with pop star flair, reflecting today's Middle Eastern divas.

Costume Ideas: Luxurious costumes inspired by the glamorous style of famous divas, adorned with jewels, elaborate headdresses, or modern chic outfits that reflect the bold personalities of today’s icons.

3. "Reflections"

Description: This theme encourages introspection and creativity, offering dancers the opportunity to explore themes of self-discovery, duality, and inner expression. Whether through storytelling, abstract interpretation, or emotional depth, "Reflections" is a journey into one’s own soul.

Inspiration:

  • Inner Journey: Dancers can depict a personal transformation, growth, or struggle, using expressive movements to reveal the layers of their inner world.

  • Duality: Explore the idea of contrasts—light and dark, strength and vulnerability, tradition and innovation—through dynamic choreography that shifts between opposing energies.

  • Mirror Work: Incorporate mirrors or reflective props in the dance to symbolize introspection and create visual metaphors for self-reflection.

Costume Ideas: Reflective fabrics, two-toned costumes representing duality, or minimalist outfits that allow the dancer’s inner journey to take center stage.