Oriental Dance Arts dances with joy
Oriental Dance Arts of Saskatoon explores and celebrates some of the dances and cultures of the Middle East, Near East and Asia Minor. The group respects the ethnic artists that have gone before them and the exciting multicultural diversity of dance from these regions.
To date, Oriental Dance Arts of Saskatoon has itself celebrated over three decades of interaction with the Saskatoon cultural community. During this time they have been grateful for opportunities to cultivate this community identity through frequent invitations to perform for Chinese New Year celebrations, Persian Naw Ruz events, and Folkfest pavilions (India ; Pakistan). This history of collaborations stems from continuous study of Eastern dance and thoughtful regard for presenting tastefully to western audiences. The company has a repertoire suitable for both street performance arts, as well as stage choreographies. For this reason they enjoy participating in a variety of venues such as festivals (Children’s, Fringe, Fireworks, Canada Day, former Festival of Trees, etc.); school multicultural days; interfaith functions; weddings; marathons; fundraisers; corporate functions; flash mobs; and support to Immigrant Women & Sask Intercultural Association projects, and the City of Saskatoon.
There is always a small story to share about the group’s name, which has become an educational aspect. Initially, they could be confused with being a Chinese dance school, i.e., Oriental Dance Arts. However, all Chinese dance schools here refer to themselves as ‘Chinese’. Hence, “Oriental Dance” is in keeping with the original Arabic “raqs sharqi” which is related to social performance of dance by the common people.
Oriental Dance Arts believes all dance/movement to good music becomes a healing art form. In particular, the group promotes a friendly social experience for everyone, being all-inclusive for ethnicities, ages, genders and persuasions and body proportions, all striving to have fun and create positiveness.
Members say: “It’s a reason to get out”; “to break away from digital enslavement”; “to connect to rich music”; “to experience the release of physical flow in the body”; and to “cultivate trust/ friendship / respect / extension of family values.”
To engage in oriental dance a person eventually develops mastery over different parts of the body-brain – for example, footwork, bodywork, handwork and memory work – all relating to layers of muscle isolation and movement compatible with different musical instrumentation. This has super brain plasticity and anti-aging effects. There are skill levels to meet anyone’s aspirations – from the joy of improved fitness and stress relief to the joy of becoming a dancing cymbalist. Conveying the mood of the music is the most important aspect of oriental dance interpretation. It is nothing short of remarkable to witness dance as the vehicle opening up a different wonderful persona of an individual’s strengths when they choose to perform in front of others, knowing full well there is the security of the group supporting them through any temporary vulnerabilities.
What sets Oriental Dance Arts apart? The program offers:
- a welcoming attitude to all in a wheelchair accessible, integrative setting ;
- education about cultural divergences, since oriental dance comes from approximately 23 Middle Eastern countries;
- was first to offer instruction in Sufi meditation = whirling classes for youth & adults;
- was first to offer Tara dances (rooted in Buddhist philosophy) and Persian diaspora dances;
- was first to offer the American fantasy form of American Tribal Style Bellydance;
- does not force members to participate in annual dance recitals or public performances;
- de-emphasizes the commercial aspect of dance, in favour of psychosocial bonding and healthy fitness goals;
- offers studio privileges in a Saskatoon Health Region seniors’ facility where elders can benefit from a positive artistic presence and crossgenerational interaction.
- adheres to the reciprocal belief that we are all teachers, and we are all students.
Occasionally Oriental Dance Arts takes on larger meaningful projects. The program has an international working link with Shahrazad of Germany and has been inspired to participate in the following:
- a collaboration with two other dance companies in Winnipeg to mount the Canadian premiere of “The World of Tara”, a performance previously shown in Germany, Austria, Greece and the Czech Republic;
- “The Great Mother’s Wisdom in a Dancing Power Circle,” connecting the Cree-based history behind sacred Wanuskewin Heritage Park and the ancient Mayan culture recently explored through a Sask Education Week curriculum project with the Saskatoon Public Schools. This bridging of cultures was intended to provide moral support for youth to deal with the trauma of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to re-awaken the knowledge of balancing power and traditional sacred female energy.
Oriental Dance Arts invites you to attend its annual Open House on August 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Luther Special Care Home’s auditorium, located at 1212 Osler Street (corner of Osler & Wiggins). It’s a no-commitment event, but also an early bird registration opportunity for those interested in their programs. Youth (approximately 9 to 11 years old) and adults who wish to make a difference for themselves are welcome.