The whirling dervishes are perhaps as mesmerising for the
audience as they are spiritually engaging for the performers. Using the body as
a bridge to reach the heavens, the dancers seek to overcome the physical body
with the spiritual being. Expounding the richness of the Dervish whirling of
the traditional Egyptian Mawlawi, Amer Eltony, who has played a pioneering role
in promoting this ancient heritage through his globally renowned group
Mawlawiyahh, avers, “It is a kind of meditation and dance which was first
started by Sufi practitioners almost 7,000 years ago. When you whirl, you try
to meditate and spiritually elevate to a different level. The dress in itself
gives the impression of flying.”
Clothed in the traditional dress – a sleeveless white frock
(tenure), a long-sleeved jacket (destegui), a black overcoat (khirga) and a
felt cap (sikke), whirling for the traditional Egyptian Mawlawi is a
characteristic feature in a dance ritual that ends the conflict between good
and evil.
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Amer’s own tryst with Sufi music began as a child in Upper
Egypt. “In all villages, Sufi music is an intrinsic part of all celebrations
and the Mawlawi heritage is a part of this tradition. Through the years, I have
been researching this ancient form of music and also tapping into the rich
inventory of Sufi poetry of the Middle East for my compositions,” reveals Amer
who has earned a doctorate in the subject.
Composing, singing, performing and training students, he
nevertheless tries to infuse a more global appeal into the music. “The kind of
poetry I choose to translate into dance must necessarily be understandable by
all. When we compose music, we want people everywhere to listen to it.” Over
the years, Amer has compiled these compositions into three albums. “I started
with ‘The Light’ and have recently released my third album, ‘Rest of the
Spirit’.
Apparently, his efforts, which he began in 1994, have met
with huge success, finding acceptance with a culturally diverse audience back
home as well as internationally. One of the biggest Mawlawi groups today he is
not only propagating peace through his music but highlighting the uniqueness of
this heritage. “Initially people were not aware about this rich heritage, but
as we began to perform and hold workshops, we were able to create awareness
and, more importantly, an audience for it,” affirms Amer, who conducts a series
of workshops at the University in Cairo alongside his managerial job at a
stage-theatre.
Propagating peace through his music since he began, Amer is
hoping to captivate a wider audience with Sufi – a genre that truly cares for
the spirit.
