| Aywah! Ethnic Dance Company, directed by Katarina Burda,was devoted to performing instrumental music, songs and dances from many cultures of the Near East and the Balkans. Our repertoire included pieces from Turkey, the Balkan Roma (as the "Gypsies" prefer to be called), Morocco and Egypt. We played folk and classical music, and performed traditional dances as well as tradition-based inspirational pieces. We've worked with outstanding musicians: Laurie Eisler, qanun and riqq, Peter Jaques, clarinet and ney, Coralie Russo, oud, Briana Waters, violin, Faisal Zedan, Vince Delgado, Tobias Roberson, percussion. Many of Aywah's dancers have formed their own companies and teach nationwide: Mira, Rosa Rojas, Elizabeth Strong, Hannah Romanowsky, Donna Lapre. They are known for strong technique, expressive dancing; they sing, and many play instruments as well: accordion, saz, riqq,ney, various percussion instruments. You can view photos of formerAywah! members here. |
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