Tunisian Tunes

Have I gushed about my Tuesday night contemporary dance class yet?

No? Well, that is a real oversight.

I’ve been calling it the source of all good things recently. It has truly been one of the highlights of this fall.

I’ll share more about it soon, but here’s just one reason I love it: the amazing women in the class.

Emel and I are the diehards; sometimes it’s only the two of us in class. I knew she was a singer, but not until she invited me to her concert did I realize she was actually something of a star.

(Video from a concert at Place de la Bastille. Beginning words in French, song in Arabic. You don’t have to understand to hear it’s beautiful. If you don’t have the full 5 minutes, you can skip to 2:30 for the high notes 🙂 )

I had no idea such a powerful voice came out of that tiny little body (she’s pretty small).

Tonight’s concert took place at the intimate Theatre de Petit Saint Martin, just a short walk from Republique. Besides her amazing voice, she plays guitar and was accompanied by the bass and violin (LOVED the violin).

The evening was organized by La Compagnie des Arts, which my dance teacher Laetitia founded. (See, another amazing woman). The company’s events and shows support humanitarian and social causes; tonight’s proceeds, for example, will go to an association fighting against domestic violence.

I attended the concert with my friend Rafaele – who I *also* met in (another) dance class (Notice a theme?)

Emel sings mainly in Arabic; her voice is so transcendent, however, that I felt like I understood everything she was expressing without knowing a word. Almost unclassifiable, her music has echoes of classical, electro, rock, and oriental rhythms.

Leading up to Thanksgiving – and every day – I’ve been counting my blessings. Meeting more and more amazing, creative folks in Paris is certainly one of them.

Hear more of Emel’s music on her myspace page.

Click for more information on La Compagnie des Arts.