karim nagi

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LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS : (College and Adult audiences. Duration flexible from 40minutes - 2hours.)

"Arab Culture" : overview of the misunderstood
The term Arab refers to an ethnic and/or language group within a geographical area comprised of over 20 countries. There are Christian, Musim and Jewish roots in this region. How do we define Arab and how can one understand them through their cultural output?

"Percussion NOT Politics" : an alternative to media portrayal
An American's impression and assesment of Arab and Muslim charachter is heavily, if not exclusively, determined by Media coverage. In the post 9/11 era, the Arab and Muslim are easily percieved as antagonists. What are the other information sources available to learn about Arabs and Muslims on a human level?

"Purists and Innovators" : Arab music and dance in America
Like any ethnic group in America, Arab-Americans actively perform music and dance. Despite America's diversity and pluralism, and the Arab World's percieved homogeny and conservatism, innovation in music and dance among Arabs is more widespread in the Arab world, while Arab-Americans tend to be traditionalists and purists. Why?

"Falafel and Sushi" : Arabs living in America
An Arab can come from one of over 20 countries. They could be current immigrants, or up to 4th generation American citizens. When, and how, do they identify as Arab versus a more specific national identity (such as Lebanese or Egyptian)? And how comfortable do they feel in America, compared to other ethnic and immigrant groups?

"Lauren of Arabia" : American performers of Arab music and dance
Like in African, Latin, or Indian music and dance, there are many Americans who study and engross their entire life and identity in the Arab arts. What are their motivations, positive contributions, and how "authentic" are they? Moreover, how do native Arabs view these "ethnographers".

INTRO. TO ARAB MUSIC, DANCE & CULTURE (presentation & ARABIQA for KIDS): In this comprehensive showcase, Karim defines the term Arab and Arab-American. By equating it to African-Americans, Latino-Americans, etc., Karim illustrates what it means to be bi-cultural. He then gives a dynamic and entertaining demonstration of the various instruments including an array of drums and the Buzuq (longneck lute). He elicits audience participation throughout by having them pronounce the instrument names, a deliberate first-lesson in the Arabic language. Next he teaches a three-sound clapping system which allows anyone in the crowd to perform the Arabic rhythms without an instrument. Brief demonstrations of Dabka Line Dancing and Tahteeb Cane Dance are included. When feasible, invites participants to learn as the rest of the audience provides rhythmic accompaniment via their newly learned clapping method. The presentation is animated, humorous and participatory. It is very effective with young audiences and school groups. Karim also has a more articulate version for College, University and Adult general audiences. (Duration flexible from 40minutes - 1.25hours.)