Al Fanaanat Project
Al Fanaanat Project aims to help dancers develop professional level artistry in raqs sharqi, while enjoying the camaraderie of performing together. Al Fanaanat translates as “The Artists” in Arabic.
Part 1. Professional Dance Development Video Feedback ($75)
Part 2. Coached Rehearsals & Ensemble Performance (by invitation) ($250)
Part 1. Professional Dance Development Video Feedback
Open to all dancers who learn a choreography offered by Guest Artists either in-person, live-streaming, or by recording. Dancers receive personalized video recorded feedback on their performance of the choreography and for their personal dance development.
Dancers may optionally indicate whether or not they would like their video to be considered as an audition to perform for part 2 of the project.
Though not required, dancers may submit their performance video in costume if they would like additional feedback on professional presentation.
Audition video submissions are due approximately one month after the choreography workshop, filmed horizontally, and submitted through youtube.com.
Part 2. Coached Rehearsals & Ensemble Performance (by invitation)
Select dancers are accepted from the audition submissions to perform a small ensemble version of the choreography, presented at the first upcoming Sahara Dance show following the workshop.
Al Fanaanat Project rehearsals will be directed by Rachel Kay Brookmire and/or Sahara Dance teachers. The dancers selected to perform will receive additional personalized and group feedback and direction on rehearsal videos from the Guest Artist via recording.
Rehearsal times and dates will be set, along with costuming, with feedback from the dancers chosen to perform the piece. There will be 3 – 6 two-hour rehearsals scheduled, likely on weekends. There may be additional costuming costs for dancers selected to participate in the performance project. Regular attendance in classes will improve a participant’s chances of being accepted and maintaining / developing the skills necessary for the project.
Upcoming Projects
Audition to perform Shahrzad’s Modern Shaabi choreography as part of Al Fanaanat Project!
Al Fanaanat Project aims to help dancers develop professional level artistry in raqs sharqi, while enjoying the camaraderie of performing together. Al Fanaanat translates as “The Artists” in Arabic.
“Gharib al Dar” Historic Muwashahat Reda Choreography
“Muwashahat were “ornamented” poems, songs, and dances of the courts of the flourishing of arts in 10th century Andalusia. Egypt’s Reda Troupe added to this rich history by designing a collection of Muwashahat music, poetry and dance, a renaissance of movement. Mahmoud Reda cherished the experience of choreographing within the Reda Technique to this historic music with inspiring time signatures. Mme. Farida Fahmy, who was featured as the solo dancer, was Sahra’s mentor and teacher for many years both at UCLA and in Egypt. The first combinations she taught Sahra were from the Muwashah “Gharib al Dar”. It was not an easy entrance into Reda Dance Technique.
In 2001 Sahra helped sponsor Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy for the 2nd International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance. To open the concert on the opening night, and to introduce our treasured guests, Sahra taught and arranged her dance company, Ya Amar!, “Gharib al Dar”. With a video projection on the screen behind them of the actual Reda Troupe, it was her full circle time to dance “Gharib al Dar” “with” the troupe of her teachers.
Learn this historic choreography directly from Sahra Saeeda, as Mahmoud Reda choreographed it for the Reda Troupe. Later he would make a different version to teach internationally. Costumes will be provided for those who audition and are selected to perform as part of Al Fanaanat Project. The costumes are replicas of the ones Mahmoud had in his office closet from the original TV evening.
Past Al Fanaanat Projects
Jillina Biography
Jillina has devoted her life to dance.
With a background in Middle Eastern, Folklore, Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop, she creates a colorful Middle Eastern fusion repertoire that has inspired collaborations with some of the world’s leading instructors and performers. Traveling extensively to create productions and teach seminars that embody her unique style of dance and dance education, Jillina also advocates a local dance community, owning the creative hub, Evolution Dance Studios in North Hollywood, California. Whether on stage, coaching one-on-one, or teaching a group of 1,000 students, Jillina’s vibrant ability to connect with people on and off the dance floor continues to influence dancers and entertain audiences worldwide.
World-Touring Guest Artist Workshop with Shahrzad: Advanced Modern Shaabi Choreography
About Shahrzad
Shahrzad is a professional dance instructor and performer specializing in Raqs Sharqi as well as traditional and social dance styles from around North Africa and the Middle East. Her training started when she was 11 years old and took her on a journey seeking out many top dance instructors in the field to grow her skills and knowledge. To supplement her 20+ years of dance training Shahrzad also holds several fitness certifications including becoming a PMA certified Pilates instructor in 2013 and has been studying and speaking Egyptian Arabic for several years.
In 2015 Shahrzad moved to Egypt to live and work full time and has since made a career as a performer appearing in top night clubs as well as film and media. During the pandemic she turned her focus to teaching and now spends her time managing her online school, Shahrzad Studios, running tours in Egypt, and traveling around the world to teach and perform.
World-Touring Guest Artist Workshop with Virginia: “Q’uariat Alfinjan” (Kareaht Alfinjen) Classic Choreography
A stunning classic song from the legend Abdel Halim Hafiz. “Beautiful orchestrations lend themselves to stunning combinations!” This music is so varied and so rich in melody, texture, and composition that I was compelled to choreograph it to share with all of you! In this class I will break down this epic choreography & its inspired combinations. We will delve into its musicality, lyric translations, & emotional expression all while broadening your vocabulary & combination repertoire. This class delves deep into this expansive classic.
Recommended for intermediate / advanced dancers through professional. Limited hybrid spots available.
About World Touring Artist Virginia:
Having brought audiences to their feet and to tears, Virginia has captivated a worldwide public with breathtaking performances, a dynamic presence, and a soulful interpretation of Oriental Dance. She has crossed all borders leaving her indigenous mark on a diverse audience with performances that ignite the human spirit and illuminate the soul.
Considered to be one of the most influential and sought after performers, a gifted choreographer, and one of the most profound master instructors of this ancient art form, Virginia has been presented in the most prominent theaters and festivals across 5 continents and over 50 countries, including the most renowned Festivals in Egypt for over 15 years, invited by Mahmoud Reda, Yousry Sharif, Raquia Hassan, Wael Mansour, Mercedes Nieto, Khaled Mahmoud, Nile Group, and more.
Utilizing her innovative musicality and ingenious choreographic prowess, Virginia is known for constantly reinventing the dance. She dares to elevate the dance to all new levels while staying true to its indigenous roots. Her theatrical productions are touted as the perfect embodiment of contemporary relevance steeped in ancient traditions. A testament to this, Mahmoud Reda has presented her theatrical work alongside his work in the Theatre Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, France.
Respected by legendary artists and students alike as one of the world’s foremost instructors, she is also considered to be one of its most generous. Constantly creating motivating and articulated workshops, Virginia shares a wealth of knowledge each and every time she instructs. She is personally invested in each student’s growth, and devotes one on one attention throughout the teaching process. True to this reputation she has created 7 instructional DVD’s, 4 theatrical productions on DVD and on tour, and 4 Oriental Dance Music CD’s, all critically acclaimed by the Bellydance and Arts Communities. She has also taught and choreographed for the Masters in Fine Arts Program at Florida State University and has performed for the FSU Dance Sarasota Program.
“Her energy is contagious and her work is inspirational”, Lorena Sedran. Regarded by many dancers as a great inspiration, she has been extremely influential in creating competition winners, and stunning performers worldwide. She has been featured globally in theaters, television productions, magazines, newspapers and films including MTV, People Magazine, and Good Morning America as well as being the personal dancer for the Saudi Arabian Royal Family when in the US.
She is the founder of C.O.M.E. Dance and Rakstar, one of the world’s most prominent International Bellydance Festivals as well as the director/choreographer for her award winning professional performing company, Virginia’s Wa Nour Al Ayun.
Admired by many as the premiere protégé of Mr. Yousry Sharif, Virginia is proud and honored to be a part of his lineage.