Taktaba

Five years ago today, I released the first episode of Taktaba.I wasn't able to get a new episode out in time for the anniversary, but I did want to give you a little something today.This video is a short excerpt from the Improvisation Mastery Mentoring Program pilot. It's a quickie, not a full episode, but it should give you some ideas to geek out on.You can also download it to watch offline.Enjoy!Nadira

Download Epsiode 3Well, I said I wanted to get Episode 3 out before the end of the year, and I just made it! Episode 3 is now available to view online or download:Our Media (full version, downloadable)Google Video (full version, downloadable at a lower picture quality)YouTube (introduction only)As always, you can Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. Note: it takes up to 24 hours for the video to appear in the iTunes music store, but if you subscribe, it's available immediately.In this episode, we'll explore timing patterns, which are the rhythms we create with our bodies as we dance. We'll take a look at five different patterns, how they may make your audience feel, and which musical rhythms they complement. This episode includes: - simple exercises to get the patterns into your body- theme & variation exercises to explore different ways to use timing patterns- do-it-yourself exercises to spark your creativity- four combinations that use timing patterns- two ways to adapt timing patterns to zilsThe DVD will be available soon; I'll post again when it's ready.Note: this is a big file (almost 800MB), so you'll have best luck downloading it from a high-speed connection. If you can't view the file, make sure you downloaded the whole thing successfully.Update: 1/12/2008: If you've had trouble downloading this episode, try watching it in VLC. If it still fails, download the low-resolution version. The video quality isn't as good, but the smaller file size might help!Update: 4/9/2009: The Podcast DVDs have a new home on Amazon:You can also order directly from the manufacturer, CreateSpace.

Download Episode 2First, I'd like to thank you all for your patience and support. Episode 2 was a long time (and a lot of work) in coming, and I hope you'll think it was worth the wait.This episode deals with long-term repetition. That's repetition over the course of a song or an entire routine. We'll discuss:- maximizing intellectual satisfaction by balancing length & complexity (with graphs!)- maximizing emotional satisfaction by balancing frequency & drama (also with graphs!)- using theme and variation to keep repeated elements fresh and interesting- using the structure of your music to guide your repetitionIn the process I'll be sharing:- low-, medium-, and high-complexity combinations- several ideas for medium- and high-drama movements- combinations that demonstrate Theme & variation- my "cheater's drop", a less intimidating alternative to the Turkish Drop- a DIY exercise on working with your musical structureThis episode also includes performance clips by me, as well as by Badriya al Badi'a of Boston.VIDEO:This episode runs just over an hour, which is too long to fit on You Tube (due to their 10-minute limit), so I'm only posting the introduction there. All versions are formatted to be iPod-friendly.- Our Media (full version, downloadable)- Google Video (full version, viewable online and downloadable)- YouTube (introduction only)I've created an RSS feed on Feedburner, and you can now subscribe in iTunes. MUSIC:The music featured in this episode is from Belly Dancing for Fortune and Fame:- Sala, Sala (the Taktaba theme song)- Shisheler- Drum Solo- Mastika- El SamerSpecial thanks to Stella Grey for donating the use of this CD.Update: 1/12/2008: If you've had trouble downloading this episode, try watching it in VLC. If it still fails, download the low-resolution version. The video quality isn't as good, but the smaller file size might help!Update: 4/9/2008: The podcast DVDs have found a new home on Amazon:You can also order directly from the manufacturer, CreateSpace.

Download Episode 1Thanks for your patience, everyone. Welcome to Series 1, in which we'll explore themes that leverage the element of time. This series will be followed by the elements of space, shape, and energy (not necessarily in that order). Episode One of Taktaba is now available. This episode treats the twin topics of repetition and alternation, including:- when and how repetition can be effective- different alternation patterns, and their psychological effects on your audience- exercises- combinationsVideo:This episode runs about 24 minutes, which is too long to fit on You Tube (due to their 10-minute limit), so I'll have to break it into three chunks. It may be another week or so until I have the time to do that.Our Media (full version)Google Video (full version)YouTube Part 1 (uploaded and available soon)YouTube Part 2 (coming soon)YouTube Part 3 (coming soon)I've created an RSS feed on Feedburner, and you can now subscribe on iTunes.Music:The music featured in this episode includes:- Sala, Sala- Ma Ali Wiolti Loo- Caravan- Drum Solo- Chiftetelli from Belly Dancing for Fortune and Fame, courtesy of Stella Grey.Update: 1/12/2008: If you've had trouble downloading this episode, try watching it in VLC. If it still fails, download the low-resolution version. The video quality isn't as good, but the smaller file size might help!Update: 4/9/2009: this Episode is now available on DVD through Amazon:as well as directly from the manufacturer, CreateSpace.

Volume 1 of my DVD series, The Improvisation Toolkit, is now available to pre-order. Special Early Bird Pricing for Pre-OrdersI'm offering a special early bird price of $19.95 for pre-orders. That's $10 off the list price of $29.95. Add $2 for shipping to the US and Canada. (International shipping and PAL format available - contact me for details)IMPORTANT: to get the early bird price, you MUST order by Thursday, October 16th. This deadline is firm - I have to order all the pre-ordered DVDs in one big batch from the printer in order to get the volume pricing that makes this discount possible.All pre-orders will be shipped by October 24th, maybe a little earlier if the printer gets them to me promptly. The DVD will go on "public" sale on the 25th, so if you pre-order you'll get yours early. :)In case you missed it, you can find the trailer at:- OurMedia - YouTube- The Improv Toolkit web pageGive-Away Still On: Now With Expanded Prize ChoicesAlso: the give-away for a free copy of the DVD is still on! I'll chose the winner from the members of my mailing list on October 25th, the day it goes on sale publicly. However, I don't want to discourage anyone from taking advantage of the early bird price, so if you pre-order and win the give-away, you can have your choice of:- a refund (so your DVD is still free)- a set of Taktaba podcast DVDs (episodes 1-3)- a copy of Belly Dancing for Fortune and Fame, the CD that has all the music featured on the podcast.If you'd like to enter, you can join my mailing list using the web form in the sidebar of the podcast blog.