Ahwash song-dance workshop

In the organizer's words:

AHWASH SONG_DANCE WORKSHOP 03.12.2024 17:00-19:00
WITH Hicham Ounamir
LANGUAGE The workshop takes place in English
FREE ENTRY Donations welcome
ACCESS Our space is accessible by wheelchair

PARTICIPATION The workshop is open to all, no registration needed

Aḥwash is a diverse Amazigh tradition of chanted poetry in a form of collective dance-singing, typical for Moroccan Atlas Mountains and the surrounding areas. This practice, usually performed outdoors, is based on repetitions and polyrhythms, allowing participants to delve into the essence of community and the intrinsic connection between sound, movement, and the environment. The dance consists of delicate movements, always staying close to the body's axis, embodying the moral ethos of Amazigh culture: everything should be balanced.

The workshop will begin with somatic-rhythmic exercises led by Borys as a warm-up. This will help to prepare the bodies for movement-singing coordination, and make it more receptive to the groove. From there, we will transition into Ahwash practices: Hicham will teach us two song-dances around the topic of welcoming others, accompanied by the drums.

Hicham Ounamir is a traditional musician and song-writer, who grew up and lives in Amazzer village, an oasis in Low Atlas. He performs and teaches the local variety of Ahwash, which he learnt from his mother. Since 2021 together with his friend, collaborator and student, Borys Slowikowski, they have given workshops in Ahwash song-dances combined with Borys's in-depth rhythmical practices.