SUN 1 June 2025 l 12.30 - 2.30pm l North Perth Town Hall
The authentic spirit of Romani dance and music is often imbued with frustration, fire and release and has been a central mechanism of catharsis and survival for the nation over the centuries. It has been the Rom’s primary method of history-keeping and story-telling, thus connecting Rom within their communities and around the world. It has also been a bridge of connection with non-Romani populations. Not only is Romani music and dance universally acclaimed and celebrated, but it is a rare portal they sometimes allow the non-Roma to enter, if they agree to teach them their art. Margaret has had the great privilege of visiting the Roma neighbourhoods in Istanbul and learning directly from Roman dancer Reyhan Tuzsus over many years. In this comprehensive workshop, you will immerse in Margaret’s clear and structured teaching methodology to learn authentic Turkish Romani step combinations, gestures and feeling that you can use for authentic improvising. We will learn story telling through dance including moves that depict healing from injury and overcoming hardship. In the second hour we will use these building blocks to create a dynamic version for the stage. Please bring a skirt full enough to gather into a knot at your tummy, a hip scarf and a triangular head scarf - Margaret will bring some of her Oya Scarf collection for borrowing.
Open Level / Technique