Cairo Belly Dance Guide: New Intensive at the Iana Dance Club.
Adventures in the World of Belly Dance Photography and Music
In 2011, I started my journey in photography by creating portraits of belly dancers in Toronto, Canada. I had been playing Arabic drums for a few years with different bands and orchestras, often accompanying dance performances, and I became fascinated with the beauty and creative fusion present in belly dance art. Over the years I had the chance to photograph and perform with a number of outstanding dancers from different backgrounds in North America, South America and Europe, where I continually developed my craft and aesthetics in a world of fantasy, history, emotion and sensuality.
In this page you will find a collection of photographs and music performances on my ongoing explorations in the world of oriental dance, its ancient traditions, fierce creativity, and fusion of cultures across the globe.
You can also follow me on social media on Facebook and Instagram.
Pedro Bonatto is a Brazilian-born photographer and musician currently based in Kiev, Ukraine. As a percussionist, Pedro specializes in Middle Eastern music, playing derbake (tabla), dahola, cajon, riq and Persian daff.
Drum Solo Improvisation: New Belly Dance Intensive at the Iana Dance Club!
I’m thrilled to be a part of the new intensive at the Iana Dance Club about drum solo improvisation, during which we will:
work on your mindset and fear of improvisation,
breakdown the structure of a drum solo, and take a detailed look at each part,
have lots of practice, theory and creative assignments!
It’s going to be a 6-week program. Each week you’ll receive a 20-min technique drill focusing on a specific aspect of drum solo improv, several additional lectures, and weekly improvisation assignments from me and dancer Iana Komarnytska.
TRAVELS, FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS
Here you will see a list of my current participation schedule in festivals, workshops, and other events for both photography and drumming as they are confirmed.
To inquire about participating at your event as a photographer or a drummer, please use the contact form bellow.
RHYTHMS TRAINING FOR BELLY DANCERS
Together with my wife, dancer Iana Komarnytska, we created a number of courses and intensives to help dancers develop their knowledge of rhythms, drum solos, and understanding drumming in Arabic music.
You can get access to hours of training with a 7-day free trial at the Iana Dance Club. Click bellow to find more information on the courses and intensives. :)
DRUMMING VIDEOS
CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW ON THE BELLY DANCE LIFE PODCAST HOSTED BY MY AMAZING WIFE, DANCER IANA KOMARNYTSKA, WHERE WE TALKED ABOUT A LOT OF ASPECTS OF BELLY DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND PLAYING FOR DANCERS :)
TIPS FOR BELLY DANCE PHOTOSHOOTS
Many dancers ask me how to prepare for a shoot and I decided to compile a short list of tips and thoughts to help you better prepare for your photo session. Over the years, I had the chance to work with some of the best dancers in the planet and observed some of the ways they prepare and conduct themselves during photoshoots.
I hope these ideas help bring the best experience for your next photo shoot.
