Saturday night at Pacifica Performances, Asia and Arabesque Belly Dancing will present — “When The Drummers Were Women” — a spiritual history of rhythm. The performance is inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Layne Redmond.
An American drummer, the late Redmond was a drum historian, recording artist, teacher and mythologist, and recognized the world over as a frame drum expert. In February of 2000, DRUM! Magazine listed her as “One of the 53 Heavyweight Drummers Who Made a Difference in the 90s.” In 1997 her book, “When The Drummers Were Women,” came to market.
It is a deeply researched work which navigates a lost history of women frame drummers in the ancient world, from about 5600 BC, in what is now Turkey, to about 400 AD. Redmond travelled through the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa, photographing images of sculptures, temple walls and paintings where women are depicted as drummers. She learned these women were goddesses or priestesses and she learned that the rhythms they played on their drums represented being the “Creatress.” “One stroke of the drum and everything comes into existence.” Layne Redmond died in 2013.
Asia and her Arabesque belly dancers have been invited to perform many times at Pacifica Performances, and each individual show, created by the multi-award winning dancer and choreographer, transports its audience into a journey of ritual, mythology and ancient culture. All of Asia’s shows are beautifully costumed, and all are accompanied by finger cymbals, tambourines, hand drums and wooden frame drums. A celebrated artist and dance educator, Asia has performed at such venues as the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts, the San Francisco Opera House and the MGM Annual Gala. When Asia was teaching dance at the University of Michigan, she met Redmond.
“Layne was touring with her book and also had a show,” Asia recalled. “I was mesmerized by her drumming. She was an amazing woman.”
Asia’s tribute to Redmond will present three choreographies where the women dance and drum at the same time. Musicians include percussionists Anessa, Sarah Lyon, Grace Garza, Lynn Shimimoto and Lillian Valle. Backup drummers offstage are Patrick Killeen and Daniel Malbaton. Special guest artist is Nancy Hall on drums, dulcimer and flute.
The second part of the performance will showcase student choreography, which keeps to the theme of the show.
“I am very proud of the work my dancers are doing on their own,” Asia said.
Along with her classes for adults, Asia teaches two, six-week, global dance courses at Ocean Shore Elementary here in Pacifica. Her seven global dancers, six girls and one boy ranging in age from 6 to 9, are a part of Asia and Arabesque’s “When The Drummers Were Women” event, which additionally features 33 belly dancers.
A classically-trained dancer, Asia discovered belly dancing decades ago shortly before setting off to study dance with Martha Graham in New York on a prestigious scholarship. She never did study with Graham, but so many years later, belly dancing still “thoroughly” engages Asia.
“I never get bored with it because it can flow in so many directions, like this performance,” Asia said. “We have dancers in this show from 17 to 68, dancing beside each other. Belly dancing is great for building confidence, making friends and adding a rich layer of interest to one’s life. It certainly has for mine. It is the ultimate in female empowerment.
Jean Bartlett can be reached at editor@jeansmagazines.org.
If you go:
Where: Pacifica Performances Mildred Owen Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 general. $17 seniors (62+) and students with current ID. $15 members. $12 senior/student members. Under 18 free.
Contact: call 650-355-1882 or email info@pacificaperformances.org.
