Taqasim means improvisation. In a taqasim, the musician improvises, following a theme that seems to invent itself in the moment. Taqasim may be done with or without rhythm. A solo instrument may be used alone, slow and soulful, or the taqasim may overlay a rhythmic background--like a chiftetelli. The dance movements must be congruent with the type of
instrument being played and follow the emotional quality of the instruments' qualities, e.g., the nai or flute has an undulating quality (body rolls, figure 8s, etc.), and the kanoon is sharper and more staccato--(shimmies are good). Violin, nai, are lyrical, the oud is less flowing and very strong and emotional in its own way. The keyboard may be either lyrical, strong, or folkloric.

The following are typical movements that accompany taqasim:

• Hip figure 8s, mayas, body rolls.
  
  
• Hip circles-large, medium, small, half hip circles, torsocircles, and variations.
  
  
• Egyptian basic arms, other creative and slow arm isolations, wrist circles, hand undulations, etc.
  
  
• Shoulder rolls, head slides trance head
  movements, rib circles
  
  
• Shimmies - especially when the kanoon
  or oud is played
  
  
• Slow turns, back bends, poses, and
  combinations of above.

Here are some tips for beautiful taqasims.

• Use the air as if it were water
  
  
• Vary the rhythm, sometimes using slow
  motion, sometimes responding to the rhythm,
  sometimes dancing with the melody.
  
  
• Follow the energy of the music, and honor
  and express your emotional responses to it.
  
  
• Try following the energy of one part of
  your body, letting it initiate other parts.
  
  
• Repetitious movements that vary in intensity
  are better than doing too many steps.
  
  
• You can do a whole taqasim with 3 movements
  or less and their variations.
  
  
• Use your arms either as the featured
  improvisational area or allow them to
  elegantly frame your body movements.
  
  
• Allow yourself to get lost in the taqasim
  emotionally, but don't sacrifice your technique.
  
  
• The taqasim is a place for you to let go
  and allow the beauty of the music to
  merge with your dancing soul.

BEGINNING A SOLO DANCE WITH TAQASIM

Beginning and endings are remembered!

It is important to know that the audience usually remembers mostly the beginning and the end of a dance. When you enter with a taqasim, establish your space, let the world know you are here. Finish your dance with enthusiasm and drama.

The solo routine may begin in other ways that vary according to the music. One way is with a dramatic introduction such as is used in modern Egyptian music. The dancer has a choice of whether to wait backstage for the introduction to finish, or dance to it. But in this style, after the dancer is announced, she usually stays backstage until the musical introduction
finishes, while the audience waits in anticipation.

Taqasim entries are another way to begin a show. The dancer establishes her space by entering slowly, sometimes with a veil. She stops mid stage and begins a standing taqasim. Then, when the rhythm starts, she establishes the rhythm with hips and sometimes finger cymbals. The melodic theme begins and
the dancer greets the audience, often circling the stage. The dancer then begins the main part of the dance, responding to both the music, audience and her own feelings.

A taqasim can be an entire solo as well--keep it short--7minutes or less. You can tell your personal story, if you wish, during a solo taqasim, and release yourself to its haunting sound. A great side benefit of improvising to taqasim is the healing qualities it brings to your soul.

Remember, the dance comes out of your connection to the music! Your excellent technique is essential, but when you are improvising a taqasim, THE MUSIC IS YOUR TEACHER. Taqasim is very emotional, let your feelings flow, but do not lose your technical excellence.