Featured Cane Video Clip: Tamra-henna, Los Angeles

Cane dance, aka Raks Assaya

Raqs al Assaya is essentially a cultural parody; a playful, coquettish imitation of the Egyptians men's martial arts dance Tahtib.

The Tahtib, from the Upper (southern) Egyptian area of the Said, uses a different cane than the Assaya called an Assa, which is

a thicker medium sized staff made of bamboo, this is used in a ritualized feigned combat comprising of traditional steps and

martial movements (a hit of the staff is called "Adrrab") and danced to the drumming of the 4/4 rhythm Saidii. Other names of

Egyptian dancing/fighting staffs are Naaboot, a tall staff exceeding 6 foot or Shouma, a short 4 foot very thick staff with a

thinner end for a handle. (Courtesy of Nandancer, Australia)

Some Song recommendations for cane:

"Amana Dooniya Amana" off Laura in Balady.

Saidi Mizmar Dance from Veena & Neena's Belly Dance Fantasy

Metkal Kenawi. Especially Dyati Mali and Tfarrak al Helawa

Ya Booy Ya Booy, Katia's Leily al Amar CD

Derwood Green by Hossam Ramzy and Phil Thronton (Eternal or Immortal Egypt CD); Wahiba, and Layali Aswan

Allah Alek Ya Sideh by Ehab Toufiq

ah we nos by nancy ajram

Sayed Balahas "Balaha el Gennawy" from the CD "Nelly"

Fi El Awel by Mohammed Mohie

Sit El Sitat by Assi El Hilani

Cane Care & Tips

Most canes are made of light bamboo wrapped with some kind of metallic trim or tape. To keep this from unraveling, take clear postage

or packaging tape and wrap the entire cane with it. Canes are inexpensive, in the range of $5.00-$15.00. To choose one to buy, make sure

the cane is straight, not bent or curved, and that it is not too long for your height. It should come up to the top of your hipbone.

If yours is a little taller, you can saw the end-tip off, but since canes are not hard to come by, it's easier to just get one that fits your height.

For safety while practicing (so the cane won't swing out of your hand) wrap a couple of rubber bands tightly around the straight end of the cane.

Canes can be stored standing up. (courtesy of Princess Farhana)