Master Class Series with Sahra Saeeda

July 20, 2010 11:23 AM

Master Class Series with Sahra Saeeda

Saturday - Sohair Zaki and Fifi Abdo: Styles of the late Classic Era in Egyptian Belly Dance

Sohair Zaki, sweetly proud and regal, started performing and appearing in films in the late “Black and White Classic Cinema Age.” Finding her signature style quite quickly, Sohair was known for her calm centered respectable movement, strong specific hips, sweet demeanor, and beautiful hands.

Fifi Abdou, also first seen at the end of the “Classic Age,” took a bit longer to find her signature style. In contrast to Sohair’s sweetly clean image, Fifi had a risque secret behind her smile. Whereas Sohair’s movements were confident and directional, Fifi engaged rolling shimmy movements to develop powerhouse shimmies.

Learn basic movements inspired by both of these Egyptian stars, including learning some of their actual movement sequences! Drawing upon film clips, Sahra will present samples of their early work from the late “Classic Age” into the “Transitional Age” of the 1960’s, and explore their influence on the “Modern Egyptian Era.”

Workshop is appropriate for all levels, and will be taught at an intermediate pace.

Sahra started her studies with a serious analysis of these two stars: “When I felt overwhelmed by a large Middle Eastern audience and I was on the verge of moving too fast or without mindful development of movement, I would bring Sohair into my mind and let the regal queen influence my movement. If I was concerned I might be repetitive or boring, I would bring Fifi into my mind to let the earthly power drive my shimmies and movements.”

While performing in Egypt (1989-1995), Sahra had the great pleasure of seeing Fifi almost weekly, and saw Sohair many times before her retirement.

Sunday - Egyptian Choreography (Oriental)

Sahra brings a completely new choreography to Washington, DC. Just returning from JtE-3, JtE-4, the Dahab Festival, and further research in Egypt, Sahra brings new inspiration along with her signature style. You will also see hints of Fifi and Sohair hiding inside!

Workshop is appropriate for Intermediate level dancers and above.

Saturday: Sohair Zaki and Fifi Abdo: Styles of the late Classic Era in Egyptian Belly Dance
Date: July 24
Time: 2:30 - 6:30 pm
Cost: $110

Sunday: Egyptian Choreography (Oriental)
Date: July 25
Time: 2:30 - 6:30 pm
Cost: $110

Location For Both Workshops: Sahara Dance Central
4433 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Weekend Package Pricing: Both days: $200

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