CAIRO: It is a Wednesday night in Al Azhar Park and hundreds of Egyptians crowd the entrance to a Wust El-Balad concert to claim the best seat. Everyone is eager to dance and sing to the most famous Egyptian rock band. Despite the revolution and the recent election chaos, Cairo has kept its music and dance soul alive. In one week it is possible to attend over 10 music and dance events. While some Egyptians may decide to protest in Tahrir Square on a summers evening, many prefer dancing and singing in chic venues or alluring outdoor spaces. While the crowds at these varying events are unique, one thing is always the same: the passion, the unity, and the happiness of the Egyptians while they listen and dance to music. Last week, music lovers had the pleasure of seeing Wust El-Balad live in Al Azhar Park. The Egyptian folk group was created in 1999 and consists of 7 members. Their lyrics are influential, but also creative and playful. The wide range of instruments creates energetic rhythms that inspire everyone to dance. Wust El-Balad's concert brought together Egyptians of all ages, including young families and middle-aged couples. Most of the women were veiled and dressed modestly. Seemingly conservative, the crowd held nothing back once the music began. While some may have had more enthusiasm then others, everyone was moving and clapping to the vibrant beats. The spirit of the music transcended into the crowd in an unexplainable way. Even as a foreigner who knew little of Wust El-Balad, one could not deny the desire to dance. Al Tannoura Sufi dancing at Wekalet El Ghouri is another event, which captures Egyptians love of music and dance. Sufi dancing has been part of Egyptian culture for over 700 years and is traditionally a religious performance. Today the dance is mainly for entertaining and is performed in numerous venues such as belly dancing nightclubs, restaurants, and Nile cruises. The dance is captivating. As the performer endlessly spins in circles wearing layers of colorful woven skirts, the cloth moves in exciting ways. The dance requires lots of concentration and agility. Meanwhile, a group of musicians play ancient Sufi songs with varying instruments. The audience seemed to be having a dilemma: take pictures or watch the concert. Either way, everyone had a smile on his or her face. It was impossible to reject the fun. The performers especially were enjoying themselves, which makes for a more exciting and uplifting performance. For a more intimate event, one can head to Mazaher at Makan, which performs traditional Zar music. Set in a small, dark, and antique decorated room, there was no stage and there was only the option to sit on cushions by the performers' feet. Zar music, a traditional Middle Eastern art, is rarely practiced in Egypt. Similar to Sufi dancing, the music is traditionally religious but is performed now as a way to celebrate and share rich Egyptian culture. The performance at Makan in downtown Cairo is an unique and truly authentic show. The music is made from percussion instruments accompanied by the raw and spiritual voices of the 6 performers. The star of the show was a captivating woman with a raspy yet soothing voice. Her hands trembled with the beat and moved in ways impossible to the average human. She made eye contact and sang to everyone in the audience. The atmosphere in the room was electric and everyone felt free to dance and gyrate to the rhythm in their own way. The entire room for two hours was united under the spell of the Zar music. While Sufi dancing and Zar music are examples of traditional events, Cairo has plenty of options if looking for a night out on the town. Dance clubs are popular among many Egyptians, but this activity pertains mostly to the upper class. Everyday of the week at Cairo Jazz Club there is an event not to miss. There are local favorites, including Electro Friday and Boogie Wednesday. The crowds tend to be the same; young, free spirited, unveiled, looking to have fun Egyptians. The dance floor is always packed no matter what day of the week. Egyptians love to dance and Cairo Jazz caters to the demanding population of people who want a night of dancing all week. On the dance floor certain cultural expectations disappear. Women in relieving outfits intimately dance with men while alcohol is being served at the bar. However, it seems that the Egyptians are more determined to enjoy a night of dancing then a night of drinking. By 4 AM the dance floor is as packed as it was at 1 AM and it seems like no one has lost endurance. The role of music and dance in everyday life in Egypt is powerful. Music unifies people in a certain way and creates a liberating and happy atmosphere. Politics and the future of the country are on no ones radar. Whether it is a taxi driver blasting Arab tunes or groups of people singing and dancing in the streets after Morsi was elected president, Egyptians are brought together by music.
