Features

Long-form profiles and career retrospectives, the development of national and city scenes, festival histories, cultural analysis and thematic series.

Features · 23 September 2026

How to Dance With a Live Arabic Orchestra: A Dancer’s Guide to Listening, Improvising and Connecting

Dancing with live Arabic music is less about memorizing every note and more about learning to listen, respond and leave room for the musicians. This practical guide explains the ensemble, the musical cues that matter most and how to prepare for your first live-band performance.

By Raqs Atlas team

Features · 20 September 2026

How to Hear an Arabic Takht: A Dancer’s Guide to Oud, Qanun, Nay, Violin and Riqq

A dancer does not need to become a musicologist to dance more musically. Learning to recognize the voices inside an Arabic takht can transform the way you hear phrasing, texture, emotion and rhythm - and make your movement feel much more connected to the music.

By Raqs Atlas team

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