Oriental Turns and Traveling Steps

Add dynamism to your dance with spins, turns and floor patterns. Learn combinations of traveling steps and turns most frequently used in belly dance. Specific attention will be given to spotting, turn technique and oriental belly dance stylization.

This workshop is recommended for students transitioning from Beginner II to Low Intermediate.

Master Class Series with Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla!

Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian drummer, DJ, and folk dancer. His workshops and performances boast a dynamic concoction of live drumming and dance. Because of his proficiency in both music and dance, his workshops deliver students to a new physical understanding of the connection between these two disciplines.

Saturday

Dabki (Arabic line dancing) with Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla
Literally meaning “Stomp” in Arabic, Dabki (also spelled Dabka, Dabka, Dabkeh, plural Dabkaat) is a group dance found in the Eastern Arab countries. Performed mostly as a unisex line dance, Dabki is avidly done at the weddings and parties of Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian and Palestinian communities. A version can also be found in Iraq, known as Chobie.

The movements include rhythmic stomping, kicking, sidewards walking, hopping and jumping. In social settings the dancers hold hands and form long moving lines or wide rotating circles. There are also many stage performances and musical theater shows that feature Dabki dances. You may also find Dabki used as a form of non-violent social protest during war and conflicts. But it is primarily a proud and energetic group line dance enjoyed by all ages and both genders. Join us after the workshop at the Sahara Dance Hafla / Turbo Tabla Dance Party to try out your new Dabki skills on the dance floor!

Drum Solo Performance Class with Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla
Karim will teach the basic principles of improvising to a live drum solo, including entrances, endings, dancer-drummer communication, common rhythms and corresponding movements. Participants will have the opportunity to perform an informal, 2 minute drum solo with Karim at the Sahara Dance Hafla / Turbo Tabla Dance Party that same evening (no costumes, just party clothes and a hip scarf — performers attend for free ;)).

Students will learn how interpret sound into movement by aligning body parts and motions with drum sounds and riffs. The six-part drum solo will be explained, theme by theme. Students will then perform to any combination of these 6 major drum solo themes. Students will learn how to both lead and follow the drummer by maintaining the common language. Improvisation skills will be encouraged, and the daunting prospect of dancing to a LIVE drum solo will be demystified. This dance workshop can also be configured to include drummers as well.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the thrill of performing to live percussion! Limited space available.

Prerequisite: 1 year of study in belly dance.

Sunday

Arab Culture: Overview of the Misunderstood & The Role of Dance in Egyptian Society & its Future (lecture)
The term “Arab” refers to an ethnic and/or language group within a geographical area composed of over 20 countries. There are Christian, Muslim and Jewish roots in this region. How do we define Arab and how can one understand them through their cultural output?

Arab Folk Dance Intensive
This class is an intensive introduction to the traditional group dances from the Arab world. These dances are primarily unisex, and emphasize synchronicity and group cohesion. This workshop includes Dabka line dance, basic Tahteeb/Assaya cane dance, and the group-healing ritual motions found in Zikr and Zar practices. Each dance is taught efficiently as an introduction to the style, and is an initiation into possible future study. These dances are less glamorous than the performance-oriented heroism of the solo dances found in the Arab world. These are the dances done by “The People” in social, celebratory, and spiritual group settings. They can be taught to dancers at any level, as both a cultural and artistic experience. The group movements and concepts can later be extrapolated into performance-caliber skills and themes.

Survey of Arab Music for Dance (lecture)
Although music exists without dance, dance rarely exists without music. Arab culture has a strong dance tradition with specific music that propels it. Students will study the relationship between music and the movement it creates or accompanies. The context, story lines and themes of each song will be explained. Overviews and recording samples will be given in the categories of performance (Stage Dabka and Raqs Sharqi), ritual (Zikr, Zaar, Sama/Whirling), and social dance (Dabka and Raqs Baladi). Karim will also demonstrate the intimate connection between rhythm and movement in the performance category, with live examples.

*Out-of-town workshop participants may be interested in these nearby hotels: Days Inn or Marriott Courtyard

Fabulous Figure 8s

The Figure 8 is one of the most important foundational moves in belly dance. It is the unity of two circles that move with fluidity in a single continuous movement. As an ancient symbol, the Figure 8 represents balance, completeness and unity - it is often referred to as a symbol of perfection and power.

Spend the afternoon fine-tuning, enhancing, and deepening your Figure 8s. Fast or slow, find your gooiest, playful, or sassiest 8! From your hips, chest, or head, Figure 8s can travel, or be done in place, fast or slow in a taqsim. How do you express your 8?

This workshop is recommended for Low Intermediate and Intermediate level students, but can be adapted for students working in Beginner II.

Rising Stars Intensive, Part I: Creating a Professional Performance Set

Designed for students wishing to explore the transition to performing professionally, this 7-hour intensive will show you how to build a “classic” 10- to 20-minute performance set for restaurant and/or professional gigs. Leila will share trade secrets and tips for creating a dynamic show tailored to your audience. Special focus will be placed on professionalism and keys for entertaining crowd interaction. Each participant will receive feedback on choreography, expression, prop use, and music selection as they build the foundation of their own performance sets. Leila will provide individual evaluations and action plans for achieving your performance goals!

This intensive workshop is designed for students who have completed at least one semester of Low Intermediate I Technique, or equivalent. It is especially recommended for students at the Intermediate or Intermediate/Advanced level with familiarity with basic zills and veil technique.

Please bring the following items:
1) a Middle Eastern/belly dance song (any style) you know really well, on CD or iPod
2) your favorite ‘get up and dance’ song (any style Middle Eastern / belly dance music, on CD or iPod)
3) zills
4) veil
5) pen and paper
6) light snacks
7) Optional: If you like, come prepared to share existing choreographies you’d like to adapt for solo work

* Note * Rising Stars Intensive, Part I will prepare students to participate in Rising Stars Intensive, Part 2.

Introduction to Samba

Samba is a musical form that developed out of a combination of rhythms and musical traditions whose origins can be traced back to the early days of Brazil. This high-energy workshop will begin with a short warm-up of progressive Afro-Brazilian flexibility movements and stretching exercises set to popular Brazilian music.

Students will learn new dance movements, building coordination, flexibility, strength, posture, and grace, while emphasizing proper arm, foot, and hip movements. A short choreography will tie all the movements together. All levels are welcome. Come prepared to sweat and have fun!

Jazz-Belly Dance Fusion!

Discover a creative new way to expand your belly dance inspired by “old-school” jazz style, 80’s Flashdance fun, and traditional raqs sharqi movement. Be prepared to step out of yourself and electrify your dance. All levels are welcome.

Urban-Belly Dance Fusion: Drills & Choreography

Kick it up a notch with an exciting and unique spin on contemporary belly dance. Learn dance combinations which fuse modern urban styles and the ancient art of raqs sharqi. Build coordination, practice isolating movements, and expand your dance style with locks and waves. This workshop will be high energy – prepare to sweat and have fun.

This workshop is recommended for Low Intermediate level students, or those with previous urban fusion experience.

Master Class Series with Bozenka

Meaning “touched by God,” the name Bozenka suits this performer and instructor, whose style is elegant, classic, earthy and charismatic. Bozenka has choreographed for pop star Shakira and entertained many celebrities including Sean Connery, Donald Trump, Hugh Hefner, Madonna, and Enrique Iglesias, among others. Her special teaching technique and wonderful spirit create a fulfilling and motivating workshop experience.

We hope you can join us Friday night for an evening of performances at our Live Music Salon featuring Bozenka (Friday, March 16)!

Saturday

Turkish Oriental & Turkish Rom: From Stage to Roots
Oriental dance styles vary by country and region, finding roots in geography, history, culture, society and music. Bozenka will present two Turkish dance styles this afternoon. The first half of the workshop will explore Turkish Oriental dance. Beginning with a beautiful collection of Turkish Oriental music, Bozenka will teach fluidity, movement expression, technique and how to emphasize the nuances in the appropriate style to best fit these exotic sounds.

The second half of this workshop will delve into Turkish Rom, the roots of the Turkish Oriental style. Please bring a full skirt and your finger cymbals, as Bozenka will focus on the beautifully syncopated (9/8) rhythm called karsilama. Poise, pride and sass are ingredients that make this unique style come to life. Music from both of these classes will be shared with students.

This workshop is appropriate for dancers with zilling experience.

Sunday

Technique Master Class with Bozenka

Join Bozenka for this intense advanced-level master class. Learn complex techniques and mechanics of movement, with a focus on timing and traveling steps. Bozenka will also discuss best drill practices and how to articulate movements to maximize visual effect on stage. Beginning with an intense warm-up and ending with a relaxing cool down, this is the perfect class to get your body in gear.

This workshop is appropriate for Intermediate & Advanced dancers.

Package Pricing: $250

*Out-of-town workshop participants may be interested in these nearby hotels: Days Inn or Marriott Courtyard

Latin-Belly Dance: Electro Tango!

Electro Tango or tango fusion is a new genre combining the passion and strength of tango with a bit of electronic influence. The workshop will mix elements of dynamic, elegant tango and belly dance movements full of energy and fun!

This workshop is recommended for students who have completed Beginner II Technique, and above.

Arab Pop Choreography for Beginners

Discover the fun and danceable vibe of Arab pop music! Learn an upbeat choreography full of accents, shimmies, undulations and traveling steps. All levels are welcome.

Journey Through Egypt Intensive/Certification with Sahra Saeeda

Sahara Dance is pleased to host Sahra Saeeda’s Journey through Egypt Workshop / Travel Series!

Journey through Egypt (JtE) is a structured series of intensive workshops, providing an in-depth look at the various dance zones of Egypt. Each “Intensive” views Egypt’s Folkloric dance from a different perspective.

JtE-1 and JtE-2 are held in studios, classrooms and reception halls worldwide.

JtE-1 (Intensive/Certification 20-hr Workshop) draws upon films, lecture, study materials, map, and dance instruction. JtE-1 introduces the students to the wide variety of dance styles in Egypt with an overview of movement, costume, historical diffusion, and geographical location.

JtE-2 (Intensive/Certification 20-hr Workshop) provides an advanced overview, including the basis for future research, student specialization, dance ethnology concepts. Students investigate the dance differences between “home-style,” local professional dance, regional government troupes, Cairo-based Reda and Kowmeyya national troupes, and folkloric representation in night club shows.

Learn about the Dance of Egypt from a deeper perspective.
If you are not just a tourist, if you are hungry to understand,
if you don’t want to simply learn another choreography,
this may be the start of your journey.

Using dance ethnology concepts and a multi-media/experiential approach, Sahra C. Kent presents each region’s story of culture and dance, historical diffusion, costume and dress, posture and movement.

All intensives include a certificate upon completion. Certification is awarded to only those who complete all 20 hours of each course (40 hours total).

Package Pricing: Journey through Egypt 1 & 2: $900

*Out-of-town workshop participants may be interested in these nearby hotels: Days Inn or Marriott Courtyard

Back to the Earth: Tribal African Circle Dance

Take a vacation from the city and modern world without leaving the District!

After a deep relaxation and centering we will find an ancient and primal groove through moving meditation and relaxed dancing, all to tribal drums. Then we will learn a few simple dance combos that will allow us to focus on our bodies, the music, our emotions and each other. Be part of a safe women’s circle where all emotions are welcome! All levels are welcome.

Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, an open mind and an open heart.

Nubian Dance

Join us for an afternoon of happy and energetic Nubian-style folkloric dance. We’ll take the basic steps and weave them into an upbeat, playful choreography. Learn movement repertoire and combinations drawing from the regions surrounding Aswan, Egypt. All levels are welcome.

Please bring a veil and a scarf (and barrettes or hairbands to attach the veil to your hair).

More UNMATA Improvisational Tribal Style

Dance in unison with people you’ve never met… The secret is knowing the same (dance) language! Come take a crash course in I.T.S. (Improvisational Tribal Style) UNMATA-style, and discover the magic of creating original dances on the spot, every time. Learn to lead moves, read cues, change formation, and dance interactively with your fellow dancers. No previous experience necessary, new material will be offered from previous I.T.S. workshops. All levels will be challenged!

Advanced Turns and Spins

Learn a technical approach for mastering advanced spins, turns and floor patterns. Specific attention will be given to spotting, turn technique and Oriental stylization.

This workshop is recommended for students dancing at an Intermediate level and above.

Master Class Series with Rachel Brice

Photo by Trinette Reed

Friday

The Lovely Bones - Elegant Posture and The Biomechanics of Belly Dance

The ‘bones’ of fusion belly dance technique are posture, simple shapes, foot patterns and arm patterns. This workshop will strengthen those bones with a focus on clean articulation and proud carriage. We’ll learn phrases built from these fundamentals to experience the power of posture, deepen your understanding of simple shapes, and drill the transitions between those shapes. This class is designed for all levels, from the experienced beginner to the professional, as the fundamentals are to clean technique as oxygen is to breathing. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break.

Saturday

Serpentine Scales™

Rachel will debut her new, simple approach developed for the 8 Elements™ program, for accessing a multitude of options for improvisation, choreography, vocabulary building, or technique development. If you enjoy rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time, you’ll enjoy Scales™. Build a large storehouse of options in your body’s memory, and create new movements on the spot. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break. At least a year of consistent belly dance recommended.

Developing Stage Presence

Demystify the age-old question: “Was she born with it, or can it be developed?” Rachel presents strategies and exercises to help participants begin the lifelong development of strong and arresting stage presence. This workshop requires an open mind and willingness to feel slightly uncomfortable. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break. At least a year of consistent belly dance recommended.

Sunday

The Odditorium: Making Friends with Odd Metered Rhythms

Deepen your understanding of music while trying your hand (or feet!) at a few rhythms commonly used in Balkan, Turkish, Greek and Egyptian music. Learn an easy method of counting odd rhythms, and begin the process of being able to hear and pick out these odd cycles in a few different songs. We’ll drill and adapt phrases (and if time, combos) to better feel the “ishness” of each rhythm, and if we get through all of that, we’ll try a few finger cymbal patterns with some brain-bending combinations. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break. At least a year of consistent belly dance recommended.

Chop Chop! Screamin’ Combos and Double Time Drills

In this class, we’ll play with a few up-tempo combinations that Rachel’s worked up in the last few months. The emphasis will be on precision, timing, and keeping posture while pushing beyond your perceived limits in a supportive and fun environment. One year of belly dance experience required (it goes fast!) but it should be a challenge for any level. All new material for your enjoyment. Please bring finger cymbals, a water bottle, a yoga mat, and a small towel.

Register soon! These workshops will likely sell out.

Package Pricing: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $350

*Out-of-town workshop participants may be interested in these nearby hotels: Days Inn or Marriott Courtyard