By working on the (first) Base Chakra and (second) Sacral Chakra( from the Indian/ Hindu system) , as a method, we can perhaps develop a deeper feeling for the Moroccan Schikatt style: conveying sensuality, eroticism, cheekiness, strength, self-power/awareness and self-definition. In doing this, the Moroccan Sheikhas (dancers) are helping educate the audience, as well as the bride and groom about the power of eroticism, in a holiistic way.

Moroccan Schikatt is NOT burlesque, nor on another level, a westernised media / mainstream concept of sexuality.


1. Moroccan schikatt and the relationship with other Berber/African group dances ( e.g the Guedra)

Moroccan Schikatt dance stems from living Berber/African traditions of feeling comfortable with women expressing their sexuality (originating, maybe from previously existing matrilineal societies and values of Berber and many other African groups). Berber groups such as the Touareg and the Ouled Nail (dancers until the Algerian War of independence) , Moroccan tribal groups, for example , have allowed women , great automony in emotional, sexual and financial matters ( Nawarra, March 2007, The Guedra and Other North African dances, Majma Dance Festival)

Ok, the wedding audiences at a schikatt performance may not quite deem the dancers as socially equal and acceptable, to themselves at this present time, but they (the audience) can't but help recognise the power and pull of these dances, and the ancient philosophies behind these customs. This is why the Sheikha is asked to dance.....

The Guedra dance is another Moroccan Berber dance, and can be danced at weddings, festivals, get togethers, by women, sitting down, on their knees, standing ( Nawarra, 2007 ). This dance gives thanks to the universe, the ancestors, life in the present and the life to come in the future, with a flick of hands in different corresponding directions, to express thanks. The women sit in a circle, sitting or standing, with their heads covered in blue veils. Shuffling steps ensue, with the head swaying or the body circling or swaying to the beat.

The women get up one by one and dance, almost in an absorbed trance, receiving encouragement , terms of endearment and zaghareets from other dancers.
This dance can be described as far more joyful than the more spirit-cleansing Sudanese- origin Zaar (which probably needs more supervision, if a dancer really goes off into a trance )

The Guedra allows a male dancer to be invited into the circle of women; he dances with them one by one. He spins holding a blue veil,; he shuffles and dives, interacting and interweaving with the women. It can be very uplifting and spirited, with everyone just having a good time.



Conclusion,

So one can see the connections and links wih the dances are done. A letting go, and sheer earthy enjoyment of dance and movement, yet connecting spiritually and physically, remembering the past, present and future, and the cycles of life and bringing communities together.
All this is echoed in other African cultures, of which North Africa forms a continuum.



2.
The Lower Chakras Exercise

There are hundreds of chakras, but for a lot of purposes, seven chakras are used.

Using the Base and Sacral Chakras exercises, one hopes to expand awareness and depth to each individual Schikatt hip and lower body movement. Chakras act "as if" for , there is no evidence to state they actually exist, but are seen as energy centres over the main glandular areas of the body, and have been used, as therapy, with great success for centuries.

The Base Chakra is visualised as a vibrant red vortex, spinning at the base of the spine, and corresponds to the kidneys legs, feet, rectum and immune system (lymph nodes etc). This is the chakra for survival, realism- in its red vortex building the basic foundations of life (job , family, beliefs, finding shelter, finding food, eating food etc. The Key words here are : "I am grounded, strong and down to earth, I know my essential needs and can feed them." If the Chakra is deemed unbalanced ( seen to be dirty, spinning too fast, or too slow, too large or too small etc) one can be materialistic, or insecure.

The Sacral Chakra, with its orange vortex visualised as being between the navel and the lower stomach is about creativity an sensuality , control and acceptance or rejection. This Chakra is associated with the reproductive organs. When this Chakra is balanced, we are spiritual and creative. It is also about controlling excesses which could be detrimental to one's health and life. The key words here are: "I am creative, powerful and sensual".



With these exercises, one can visualise the colour of the vortexes becoming clearer and sparkling and repeating the key words. For each chakra, one can imagine a white light moving from one chakra to the next. linking up to the crown (top of the head) and taking the white light back down again through all chakras down to the ground, to be grounded and balanced (This is very important) .

3.
You are ready to dance. Imagine how the Schikatt dance really is now- with thre body energised and visualising power of grounding and creativity, with the purpose of communicating educating, and enjoying the dance, for the sheer pleasure of it......



References:


www.healing.about.com/ (type in chakras)

Meridian College (2003) Chakras - a five part course

www.ameltafsout.com ( Always worth reading!)

www.casbahdance.org/ ( Morocco the Dancer's webiste- with information on Berber dances)

Morgan, Lawrence (1956/2001) Flutes of Sand - a fascinating account of the Algerian Ouled Nail dancers, Algerian Arab and Berber desert cultures, in post Second World War and pre-Algerian War of Independence era.

Nawarra ( March 2007) The Guedra and other Dances of North Africa ( Majma Dance Festival, Glastonbury)