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Experience the playful spirit of folkloric dance while learning assaya
combinations and handling techniques. In Raqs Al Assaya, a cheerful dance
from the Sa’id (Upper Egypt), the dancer twirls a cane in playful imitation
of the men’s regional martial art. Raqs Al Assaya may be presented as
folkloric dance, or adapted for cabaret-style Oriental dance. Students need
to provide canes for class. All levels are welcome, however some previous
dance experience is recommended.
Date(s): Saturday, November 22, 2008
Time(s): 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher(s): Elysa
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door
Raqs Al Assaya is a cheerful dance from the Sa’id (Upper Egypt), in which
the dancer twirls a cane in playful imitation of the men’s regional martial
art. (The men’s version, Tahtihb, is performed with heavy staffs.) Raqs Al
Assaya may be presented as folkloric dance, or adapted for cabaret-style
Oriental dance. Elysa will teach fun combinations and a short Sa’idi
choreography. Students need to provide canes for class. Prerequisite:
Competency with basic cane technique required.
Date(s): Saturday, December 6, 2008
Time(s): 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher(s): Elysa
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door
Explore the slow and sensual side of belly dance. Taqsim is a hypnotic and
introspective solo instrumental piece or section of music, often improvised.
Some believe the soul or essence of a dancer is revealed while performing to
a taqsim. Learn to recognize the instruments most
often used in a taqsim, and how to reflect the music in your dance.
Guaranteed to be a deeply muscular core workout! All levels are welcome.
Class is structured to be accessible to beginning dancers, offering
modifications to challenge intermediate students.
Date(s): Saturday, December 13, 2008
Time(s): 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher(s): Allyson
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door

3:00 - 5:00 pm - “FLOW - GRACEFUL ARMS AND HANDS”
This class will help dancers create beautiful and harmonious arm and hand movements while dancing. We will discuss a variety of proper arm positions and learn exercises to release tension in your hands and wrists for that relaxed look. Complete focus will be dedicated to perfecting your arms and hands. With special tips on body language and expression, this class is sure to get you ready for any upcoming performance.
6:00 - 8:00 pm - “REACHING NEW HEIGHTS”
Bozenka will give each student specialized attention on transitions, execution of movement, aesthetics and musicality. This is what she likes to refer to as “T.E.A.M.” To take your dancing to a higher level, awareness of all of these elements is essential. Let Bozenka guide you through exercises (dance combinations) that will help you
project better posture, strengthen your articulation of movements and put a spark into every performance. This challenging class will also incorporate improvisation to promote self-expression and will focus on
musicality. Veil and finger cymbals required for this course
12:30 - 2:30 pm - “CLASSICAL EGYPTIAN TECHNIQUE AND COMBINATIONS”
Take your dancing to the next level with intricate and challenging hip technique that will enhance your performance. Special attention to body language and facial expression will take place in this unique class with exercises to help dancers discover new ways of interpreting the music.
3:30 - 5:30 pm - “DRUM SOLO TIPS FOR TOP DANCERS”
Learn how to make your drum solo the highlight of your performance with helpful tips from Bozenka. She will guide you through a wide variety of shimmies, locks and accents that will enhance the look of your drum solo performance. Strengthening drills and repetition will help students master difficult movements. Feel empowered with knowledge and new moves when taking this course with world renown Bellydance Superstar, Bozenka
Meaning “touched by God,” the name Bozenka suits this performer, whose gift for belly dancing enthralls audiences and inspires performers throughout the world. She distinguishes herself with an elegant, classic, earthy and charismatic style. She earned the prestigious title Miss America of the Bellydance 2000, and in 2006 she brought home the coveted golden crown from the “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” dance festival in Cairo, Egypt, where she was among 150 dancers from all over the world to compete for this honour. She won with her captivating and undeniably powerful, yet uniquely graceful style. She is the heir to Tamalyn Dallal’s studio (an 18-year legacy) in Miami, Florida that is now named “Bozenka’s Bellydance Academy.”
Bozenka has choreographed for pop star Shakira and entertained many celebrities including Sean Connery, Donald Trump, Hugh Hefner, Madonna, and Enrique Iglesias, among others. Bozenka is a belly dancing globe trekker, splitting her time between teaching and touring with the popular dance company, “Bellydance Superstars,” as a featured soloist throughout the world. Her special teaching technique and her wonderful spirit make her workshops a fulfilling and motivating experience for all who attend.
Location: Joe’s Movement Emporium
3309 Bunker Hill Road
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
(Near Red and Green Metro Lines)
Both Days: $160 before November 22 / $180 beginning November 22
Saturday Only $90 before November 22 / $110 beginning November 22
Sunday Only $90 before November 22 / $110 beginning November 22
Egyptian Dance Intensive: Yousry Sharif
Oriental Choreography
A new choreography will be taught each day
Prerequisite: Low Intermediate and above
Yousry Sharif is a native of Cairo, Egypt, and has over 30 years of dance experience, instruction and performance. Mr. Sharif has had an illustrious stage and screen career throughout Egypt, Europe and North America. His international reputation as a master of Egyptian dance spans that of a brilliant performer, innovative choreographer, and meticulous instructor. His passion for Raks sharki is infectious.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
3:00 - 8:00 pm
(1 hour break at 5:00 pm - bring light snacks)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
12:30 - 5:30 pm
(1 hour break at 2:30 pm - bring light snacks)
Location: Joe’s Movement Emporium
3309 Bunker Hill Road
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
(A 20 minute bus ride from Red and Green Metro Lines)
Single day rates: $90 through February 6 / $110 after February 6)
Saturday, February 21, 2009: 3:00 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 22, 2009: 12:30 - 5:30 pm
Put the world on pause to immerse yourself in an intensive yoga and dance practice. Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica, while studying with one of the leading artists in tribal belly dance. The weeklong intensive will include 20 hours of dance instruction with Rachel Brice, delicious and wholesome food, beautiful accommodations and a serene tropical setting for reflection & rejuvenation.
A typical day would include:
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 10:00 am | Yoga stretch, dance preparation |
| 11:00 am | Conditioning drills |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Dance technique/special topic |
| 4:00 pm | Open Lab |
| 6:30 pm | Dinner |
For private lessons, workshops or parties, contact us.
Sahara Dance also offers other Special Topic and Brush-up Series Workshops. Find out more about our other upcoming workshops…
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