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Youtube Playlist link here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplEbJIa6VrqFck_6KZs2d15bRpdn3wkI&si=m1IBgZU39wXuQZt6 Esaal Rohak Esaal Rohak is a famous Egyptian song, composed by Mohamed El Mougi and originally sung by Umm Kulthum. Both were legends in their own regard, bridging innovation with the best of Arabic music to make classics still listened to today. Umm Kulthum, affectionally called “the star of the Orient” is famous for her incredible vocal range, emotion, and her ability to consistently bring audiences to a state of euphoria, also called “Tarab.” She remains in a revered position after her death and is beloved internationally. Mohamed El Mougi was a composer who worked on many movies and series including One Thousand and One Nights, Umar Ibn Abd Al-Aziz, Amira, My Love, and Dear Daughter. Esaal Rohak is a Tarab song, discussing feelings of abandonment and how that changes a person. While space prohibits the full lyrics from being shared, here is the first verse for context: Ask your soul, ask your heart before you ask what changed me My torture in your love changed me After my hope used to make me patient Your betrayal of me affected me And I changed bit by bit Classical songs like this require incredible levels of talent and dedication- they often are quite long, with complicated rhythmic changes. Many dancers leave these songs to the side, in order to perform to simplier and easier to master pieces. But these are the songs that fill the heart. This group of choreographers have worked together for over a year to create one performance using a shorter (25 minute) version of this song. It is a challenge, but the united goal of creating art at its highest level and presenting it unedited, as the composer intended kept us focused. Translation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a70lWKOfHWk&list=RDa70lWKOfHWk&start_radio=1