Friday March 26, 2010: Sahara Day

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March 23 & 25 , 2010: Sahara Cultural Day

Sahara Cultural Day
Where : Dupont Cercle, NW Washington DC
March 23 , 2010
Time : 10 AM - 5:00 PM
Smithsonian
1000 jefferson Dr, SW, washington, DC
March 25, 2010

ime : 10 AM - 5:00 PM
يوم الثقافة الصحراوية

The Guedra dance is one of the fundamental elements in the folkloric repertoire of the South of Morocco, a region born from a rich historical background and patriotic pluralism.

It is often considered the cultural identity of the South of Morocco, a mysterious and true receptacle of diversity.

Sahara Culture Mall, Capital .jpg

The Guedra draws its name from its unique instrument: a clay pot covered by animal skin, usually camel or cow skin.

The performers sing their love and clap while kneeling down around this clay pot.

This mono-instrumental composition does not affect the harmonical complexity and the vocal technique related to the dance.

The crescendo in the rhythm of the chanting portrays the perfect complicity and harmony between the female dancers, the singer and the rest of the group.

The Guedra dance starts with a veiled female dancer seated in the center of the group with a very specific symbolic role. Her hands begin to respond to the music and start to portray different parts of her body. By keeping her veil, the female dancer nourishes the curiosity and imagination of the male dancers around her. There unfolds all the symbolism associated with desire, fertility, sensuality that the Guedra dance strives so hard to express.

As the chants grow louder and the rhythm intensifies, a male dancer will end the wait and unveil the female dancer for all to see and to satisfy their perceived fantasy.

A male from the group will often remove his dagger, a symbol of power and virility in the Moroccan culture, and wrap it around our female dancer. This is interpreted as an invitation for courtship. The female dancer will then decide to accept or reject the offer by keeping the dagger or returning it to its owner. Unlike traditional tribal society characteristic, male dominance is not present in south of Morocco's nomads way of life. Women are free to engage romantically with whomever they please.

There is a sacred element to the Guedra. The clay pot, usually used for cooking during the day is normally charred by the fire it was under.

Fire being a universal sacramental divine element is not only represented by the clay pot, but also by the crescendo of the music.

Amnat Azaouan hopes to bring to life and share this rich historical cultural tradition of the South of Morocco with the guests.

In addition to the dance "Guedra", Amnat Azaouan brings several kinds of music, traditional and modern by using several types of instruments.

MNAT AZAOUAN

"EL GUEDRA" AND MODERN DANCES

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Press release : Washington Moroccan American Club Sets Goal of 20 Events to Celebrate 20th Anniversary in March 2010

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Since its inception in March 1990, the Washington Moroccan American Club (WMC) has grown to serve the Moroccan American community nationwide. Over the past 20 years,

Welcome note to WMAC from the Mayor of The District Of Columbia , Adrian Fenty

Congratulations to Washington Moroccan American club by the Mayor of The District of Columbia

Thursday March 4, 2010 HMEMSA: Moroccan American Network for Education

HMEMSA
Home of Moroccan Educators and Moroccan Students in America HMEMSA cordially invites you to its first workshop organized in honor of the Washington Moroccan Club's Celebration of its 20th Anniversary

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1740 Massachusetts Ave, NW
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
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for Moroccan Studies (TALIM)

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5: 30pm-6:00pm - Registration and Networking 6:00pm-6:30pm - Presentation and Discussion 6:30pm-7:30pm -
Networking, Hors d'oeuvres and beverages

Join the High Atlas Foundation for a conversation about rural development in Morocco, and learn more about their socio-economic and environmental projects.

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Time : 4:30 - 7:30 PM
McLean Community Center
Location: , 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA
Chair & Contact: Annalisa Assaadi, ajassaadi@gmail.com
Phone # 703 609 3666
Co Chairs: Amal Lafhal & Meryem Boulale
Register Now age 7 to 17 ! ajassaadi@gmail.com

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Click on the title to see the drop off locations
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