Study notes
Saidi
Saidi
is a style originating from the South of Egypt (Upper Egypt, or Said). Saidi
is a folk style of dance characterised by hopping steps and strong, proud
posture.
The music is most commonly characterised by the Saidi drum rhythm (dum tak, dum dum tak) and by use of traditional instruments such as the "snake charmer" pipe (mizmar) and rabab, a primitive violin. Clothing would generally be traditional too, unless performed as part of a longer oriental set.
Raqs Assaya, or stick dance, is a part of the Saidi style. Stick dance originates from the local martial art, Tahtib, where men used large heavy staffs as a weapon.
It was traditionally performed by men, though a women's style also developed, perhaps as a take off of the men's dance. This is a lighter, more coquettish and playful style using a lighter cane.