Dance Companies
While providing a strong learning environment for students, both beginner and advanced, Sahara Dance also provides a creative outlet for faculty and students alike with our performance dance companies.
Participation in the student companies is for students with goals of developing performance technique, stage personality, ensemble dance experience and enjoying the camaraderie of dancing together.
Raqs Sahara
The award-winning Raqs Sahara is the featured dance company at all Sahara Dance productions. Raqs Sahara performs regularly throughout the DC metro area at private parties, weddings and festivals, including Artscape Baltimore and the Penglai D.C. Cultural Festival.
Sahara Tribal
Sahara Tribal, an Organic Dance Experiment, is an evolving artistic project aimed at rekindling the spirit of Organic Dance (the creative origins of Sahara Dance). Participants work collaboratively to create pieces in the genres of American tribal belly dance, folkloric fusions and experimental dance.
Raqs Caravan East
Raqs Caravan East is a Sahara Dance student company specializing in raqs sharqi for stage. Students learn ensemble choreographies for performances at student shows, community events and in other educational environments.
Raqs Caravan West
Raqs Caravan West is a Sahara Dance student company specializing in American tribal belly dance for stage. Students learn to improvise in structured groups for performances at student shows, community events and in other educational environments.
Raqs Caravan Folklore
Raqs Caravan Folklore is a new Sahara Dance student company specializing in Arab folkloric dances for stage. Students learn ensemble choreographies for performances at student shows, community events and in other educational environments. Dancers place a special focus on developing an authentic, expansive and joyful repertoire.
Raquettes
The Raquettes companies are new Sahara Dance student companies specializing in preparing students for the stage. There are two types of Raquettes companies: Egyptian-inspired belly dance companies and specialty companies. The Egyptian-inspired companies are named after famous Golden Age belly dancers, and are designed for students of raqs sharqi. We chose to honor these influential dancers to help students connect with the dance and gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of belly dance. The specialty Raquettes companies are named for style-specific dances. Members train in a specialized branch of belly dance, such as tribal, urban, and folkloric.
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