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Book Publication by Hend Elbalouty
Jul 21st 2024 , 18:00 – 20:00
Mahraganat Dance in Egypt: Between Acceptance & Rejection تشفير وتشكيل، عن رقص المهرجانات في مصر
“There is something almost magical about the rhythm of mahraganat music because it compels its listeners to move spontaneously. Technique and perfection are not important here. With this rhythm comes a state of euphoria, the body interacting with the music without much effort.” Publisher of the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, 2023.
English/Arabic, around 300 pages, softcover.
ISBN 978-3-942154-65-9
Hend Elbalouty embarked on a captivating research journey to explore the intricate relationship between art and social class in Egypt. Inspired by the vibrant local street dance and music scene, particularly Mahraganat, she delves into the diverse dance languages and expressive forms of this popular Egyptian style in her latest publication, “Mahraganat Dance in Egypt: Between Acceptance & Rejection.”
In “Mahraganat Dance in Egypt: Between Acceptance & Rejection,” Elbalouty not only focuses on the technical aspects of the dance style, including notations of its vocabulary, but also examines the role of gender within these communities. Additionally, she introduces a compelling discussion about society’s perception of Mahraganat and the influence of social class. Through the lens of Mahraganat, which has been developed by marginalized groups in Egypt, the publication sheds light on the significance of social class dynamics and explores how these dynamics are perceived and judged by art communities, society, and the state.
With a strong commitment to conveying the most precise and authentic voice of the dancers, Elbalouty aims to create a comprehensive dialogue that includes herself as an artist within the power dynamics of artistic communities.
Selected extracts from the book are available for preview on Hend Elbalouty’s website at: https://www.hendelbalouty.com/publications-1/project-one-c6kw7
Limited hard copies of the book will be available at the event.