The Path of the ‘Almeh – Performing in the Awalim Dance Company
The Awalim Dance Company takes their name from the term ‘Awalim which is the plural of ‘Alima. This term applied to female singers and dancers who performed only for women in the Ottoman aristocratic households (Rodinson, 1975). These women were educated in the dance and music arts of the Middle East and were entertainers for the upper class. Taking from our historical name, the members of the Awalim dance company are equally educated in the music, dance, and history of our art form. Awalim’s goal is to not only pursue excellence in dance but to create a community of dancers with similar passion towards our art form that will work together to create unique choreographies and polished performances.
Below we have outlined ways for dancers wanting to meet this goal within the Awalim Dance Company. We want to give students the chance to perform while also giving goals for the passionate dancer wanting to perform professionally with like-minded dance sisters. Study, hard work, and dedication are what we seek. No dancer who meets the requirements below will be turned away for her body type, ethnicity, or aesthetic (tattoos, etc).
Principals: Ziah Ali, Director; and Aziza Nawal
Ensemble: Dancers who have met the requirements of an Apprentice and have auditioned to perform with Awalim in larger ensemble stage pieces. They also assist in productions, student rehearsals, workshops and in class.
Costume: Coin bra, pantaloons, 2 fluffy skirts AND L Rose top, Assuit panel, Melodia type pants. Coin belts, scarves and jewelry.
Benefits: Attendance at Awalim rehearsals, paid gigs, workshop assistants, networking on a national level, access to signature Awalim choreographies, further discounts on private lessons. Assistance in getting started with, or rediscovering, a musical instrument other than just finger cymbals if desired.
Requirements: Audition to test proficiency in required elements. Attend to both show specific Apprentice and twice a week Awalim rehearsals, proficiency in Improvisational Choreography (ATS), professional level hair and make-up. Nominal rehearsal fees. Attend weekly class and pursue further dance training.
Apprentice: You commit to us and we commit to you! Students willing to make a weekly commitment to rehearsals and build a repertoire of choreographies to perform together as often as they wish. They will have access to more performance opportunities as a soloist or part of a group, as well as access to ensemble musical performances. While pursuing further avenues of study, they will form a sustained group bond.
Costume: L Rose top, Assuit panel, Melodia type pants OR Coin bra, pantaloons, 2 fluffy skirts
Benefits: Professional coaching with costuming and make-up, personal instruction at rehearsals, discount on private lessons, part of the extensive Southeast Tribal community, create a sustained bond with other apprentice level dancers both on and off stage. Perform at any Nicola’s, recitals, charities, local workshops, TribalCon, Crossroads & Origins. Assistance in getting started with, or rediscovering, a musical instrument other than just finger cymbals if desired.
Requirements: Current paid enrollment and weekly class attendance with any member of Awalim. Attendance to once a week show specific rehearsals. Nominal rehearsal fees (space rental). Acts as gig assistant for practical knowledge. Costuming purchase.
Student: Class members who have made a commitment to one group performance and the requirements it entails.
Costume: Varies per show, costumes purchase or pieces available for loan.
Benefits: Personal instruction at rehearsals. Camaraderie with people of similar interests. Perform at any recitals, charities
Requirements: Current paid enrollment and weekly class attendance with any member of Awalim. Attendance to show specific rehearsals. Nominal rehearsal fees (space rental varies on the number of rehearsal attendees). Some costuming purchase.
So, where can you perform? The following is a sample list of performance opportunities:
