Do you know who Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah was?

[Amanda (was Aziyade)]

He was the only artist of his time that I am aware of that might have been able to bring belly dance to the level of respect for other dance forms in the dance world, through the power of his staging and the complexity of his choreography. It almost happened, and I could write a book about why I think it didn't. But we were that close in the late 1970's to being taken seriously, and he was a big part of that.

If you're not actively planning on writing that book, can we have a synopsis here?

 

[Morwenna]

Do you know who Ibrahim Farrah was?

I am in total agreement with Andrea. Not much more to add on how wonderful a teacher and choreographer he was. He was total inspiration and a hard task master. A wonderful person and friend. He was my mentor for 25 years. I think it is a shame that he is not a household name in every dancer's heart. I studied with him from 1976-1996. I met him the year before through a mutual friend. I took every week long he held from 1996 till at least 1992. I am so thankful I studied with this man who knew what he was teaching and shared unselfishly with us. I just returned from teaching at Amani's oriental festival in Beirut, Lebanon and found that the words he uttered then are still upheld today by the finest dancers in the world. Thank you Bobby for such a strong foundation.

In reference to the props! I am not sure where that came from. Yes, he taught veil, cane and zills. But I cannot recall another prop that he taught for oriental. I have often thought recently that he would hate the use of all the props that are used today. When he taught the use of a prop it became part of you. Today I see props but no dancing. You have to be able to dance first before you incorporate a prop. Not the other way around. Bobby was very important as a historian and all should know of him.

Morwenna Assaf

 

[red head miriam]

Just had fun reading this thread. I had heard of him before, and I think he's the one credited with one of my favorite dance quotes. But Andrea's post makes me really wish to see some of his work. I am more interested in Egyptian style - but I love to see other styles well done. I would really like to see the veil-work described.

 

[tigerb]

if you are in the midwest an interested in Bobby Farrah

...there is a workshop this summer in Madison, Wisconsin, in which Maleeha, Mona N'wal, Leila Gamal, and Ruby Jazayre will all be teaching. They will also be doing a presentation on Friday night about how Farrah changed their styles of dance.

Shimmy in the Grain 2013

Jasmin Jahal is also doing something Farrah-related at her Chicago weeklong, but I don't know what exactly.

Anyway, just fyi!

 

[Zumarrad]

I was fortunate enough to see Leila Gamal dance and take a workshop with her last year - if you get a chance to attend this event, you SHOULD.

 

[Morwenna]

Wishing Maleeha, Mona Nawal, Leila Gamal, & Ruby Jazayre the Best

...there is a workshop this summer in Madison, Wisconsin, in which Maleeha, Mona N'wal, Leila Gamal, and Ruby Jazayre will all be teaching. They will also be doing a presentation on Friday night about how Farrah changed their styles of dance.

Shimmy in the Grain 2013

Jasmin Jahal is also doing something Farrah-related at her Chicago weeklong, but I don't know what exactly.

Anyway, just fyi!

Hope you have a very successful workshop. Know this has been a tough one. I know you girls will do it in style. The brest to you. Make Bobby happy.

Morwenna

 

[Munniko]

I'm gonna be at the Madison workshop and I know it will be fun ^_^ Hope to see some people there!

 

[Kartane]

Do you know who Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah was?

Yes.

Do you know what his contributions to American bellydance were?

Yes.

Do you know what his dances looked like, what was his choreographic style?

Yes.