Author: Maddie

Summer 2024: Jillina’s World-Touring Bellydance Evolution to Join Sahara Dance’s Summer Caravan!

Summer is just around the corner, and here at Sahara Dance, we are thrilled to unveil our summer schedule, packed with exciting classes, new performance and dance development opportunities, and a truly special Summer Caravan show you won’t want to miss!

Save the Date for a Spectacular Summer Caravan with Bellydance Evolution

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24th, as we present our biggest and most exhilarating Summer Caravan show yet at the prestigious Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, MD. With seating for nearly 500 people, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of theatrical belly dance.

What makes this show extra special? We’re excited to announce that we’ll be combining our Summer Caravan with Bellydance Evolution’s “The Jungle Book,” a theatrical belly dance production created and directed by the renowned artist and choreographer Jillina Carlano. 

Summer Caravan will feature performances by Sahara Dance companies, followed by Bellydance Evolution. It will be our biggest show yet, second to our 2023 World Cultural Festival performance.

Perform With Us On Aug 24, 2024

Join a summer performance class or company to be part of this unique and spectacular experience! 

With Jillina in town, we will restage a variation of our epic, 8-minute World Culture Festival (WCF) choreography! The WCF choreography will be a sizzling finale number to close the Summer Caravan show. Cast members may perform the drum solo as part of company class finale, or larger sections of the choreography as an additional performance offering. 

As hosting Bellydance Evolution is a unique and huge undertaking, we will be organizing a special “Meet and Greet” with the cast for select audience members following the show. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of Sahara Dance and Bellydance Evolution history, and enjoy dancing as part of an exceptional summer show. This special one-time show is sure to be a hit for the whole family, including children!

Summer company members may have additional performance opportunities at summer festivals, including Friendship Heights Alliance Makers Market on May 18th.

About Bellydance Evolution

Founded and directed by world-touring artist Jillina, Bellydance Evolution (BDE) takes a revolutionary approach to the art of dance, presenting theatrical shows with captivating storylines, much like ballet. Featuring top artists in Middle Eastern dance, music, Tahitian dance, freestyle, contemporary, tribal fusion, and ballet, each performance is a mesmerizing blend of culture and creativity.

About the “Jungle Book” Production

Embark on a mesmerizing adventure with “The Jungle Book,” a captivating show that unfolds against the enchanting backdrop of world dance. This unique production takes you deep into the lush jungles of India, where Mowgli, a spirited protagonist, leads an extraordinary quest to harmonize the delicate balance between humans and animals, striving to restore the laws of nature. Guided by the artistic vision of Jillina Carlano, the performance seamlessly blends diverse dance forms, including the expressive Raqs Sharqi, innovative Fusion, vibrant Tahitian, and contemporary Indian styles.

The dynamic fusion of these theatrical dance forms creates a visual feast for the senses, transporting the audience into the heart of Mowgli’s journey. Complementing the stunning choreography is the epic musical score by Paul Dinletir, adding depth and emotion to this unforgettable journey through rhythm, movement, and the untamed wonders of nature. “The Jungle Book” promises a magical and immersive experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the universal language of dance and storytelling.

Audition Opportunities

While Bellydance Evolution does not offer auditions for individual tours, professional dancers interested in being considered should audition at joinBDE.com under “Professional BDE Rolling Auditions.”

Dance with Us This Summer! Exciting Additions to the Summer Schedule 

As we gear up for summer, here are a few highlights from the full summer schedule: 

New technique classes

New Performance and Dance Development Opportunities:

  • Belly Dance Party Performance Class with Nicolette: Join Nicolette for an all-levels “Belly Dance Party” performance class. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned dancer, this class offers a fun opportunity to perform on stage without the full company commitment.
  • Developing Choreography class: Back by popular demand! Develop your unique solo under the guidance of Rachel and Sahara Dance instructors, with a performance opportunity at our summer performance lab and open house in early August (details and dates to be announced).
  • Al Fanaanat Project with Sahra Saeeda: Learn a classic Mahmoud Reda choreography staged by Sahra Saeeda (workshop to be announced) and get personalized video feedback from Sahra on your dancing of the choreography. You can also use this opportunity to audition to perform the choreography at our Summer Caravan show, as part of our Al Fanaanat Project. Stay tuned for details!

Join Us for an Unforgettable Summer of Dance 

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting your belly dance journey, there’s something for everyone at Sahara Dance this summer. From thrilling performances to dynamic classes, come be a part of our vibrant dance community and make this summer one to remember!

Study traditional and folkloric belly dance this spring!

Deepen your dance this spring by studying and performing several traditional and folkloric origins of modern belly dance.

Studying folkloric and traditional dance is important for belly dancers as it not only enriches our dance repertoire but also fosters a deep understanding of and appreciation for cultural roots and the authentic origins of our art form.

Delving into traditional styles will help you develop your technique, as many classical movements and stylizations form the foundation of contemporary belly dance

Building a strong understanding of folkloric styles and history is highly recommended for any student aiming to achieve higher levels of technical proficiency.

Read on for classes and performance opportunities available at Sahara Dance this spring to study the traditional and folkloric styles!

Technique classes

Folkloric technique with Leilah Moon

Time: Mondays, 7:15pm

Take a tour of the Middle East and North Africa through dance! This class will include fun combinations from a variety of folk dance forms from all across the Arab world, including Nubian, Simsimiyya, Muwashahat, Hagallah, and Fallahi. We will spend a few weeks getting acquainted with the rhythms, social and performance context, and unique flavor of each folkloric style—no previous folkloric experience is required.

Level: Appropriate for low intermediate and up. Previous completion of Beginner II Technique classes (or equivalent) is required. 

Register today

Muwashahat Rhythms and Reda Technique with Jennifer

Time: Wednesdays, 6:15pm

An Egyptian pioneer of dance theater and co-founder of the Reda Troupe, Mahmoud Reda, and his principal dancers created a genre of dance that embraced many styles throughout the region. 

As a soloist, choreographer, and director of hundreds of productions from the Golden Era of Belly Dance and Egyptian Cinema, Mahmoud Reda is universally acclaimed for his dance style and appeal. His technique and choreographies have had tremendous artistic, social, and cultural impact on Egypt, and his work has inspired and shaped the art form of belly dance as we know it today!

This series will focus on technique clarity and quality of movement and how it relates to rhythm and expression of emotion in dance. Each class will include strengthening, conditioning, and alignment drills, as well as combinations and exercises to allow for dancer development. The series will specifically draw upon Reda technique and Muwashahat rhythms and combinations in addition to foundational intermediate/advanced techniques and practice.

Whether this is your first time learning Reda combinations and Muwashahat rhythms or you’re refreshing your muscle memory – you’ll surely enjoy this session!

Level: Appropriate for intermediate/advanced level students; low intermediate/intermediate level students who want to be challenged are welcome as well.

Register today

Performance classes

Folkloric performance (Raqqesat Arabi) with Leilah Moon – Saidi

Time: Mondays, 8:15pm

Saidi dance, originating from Upper Egypt, is known for its lively and energetic style, characterized by powerful footwork and the use of a cane or stick called an “assaya.” Students will explore the fundamental techniques and gestures that define Saidi dance, including bold hip movements, graceful spins, and Tahtib martial arts-inspired arm patterns, as well as tips and tricks for dancing with a cane.

Master the unique rhythms and musicality that accompany this dance form and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and traditions of Egypt.

Costumes: The teacher will set costuming parameters in consultation with founding Raqqesat Arabi members. Consideration will be given to select costumes that will work for future performances by Raqqesat Arabi.

Level: Low intermediate to intermediate

Register today

Baladi performance with Florencia

Time: Wednesdays, 7:15pm

Baladi is a traditional style of Egyptian belly dance characterized by its earthy, improvisational nature and close connection to the cultural and social contexts of the community.

In this performance class, you will learn the specific movements that characterize this dance style and explore the emotional expression that is important for Baladi, while learning a 3-4 minute choreography that will be performed on April 27 at the Under the Desert Moon Show.

Costumes: Costuming will be the red and gold galabeya (dress as shown in the photo above) and the hip scarf Sahara Dance performers wore for the World Culture Festival performance. The costumes will be available for purchase for those who don’t have them.

Level: Low intermediate to intermediate dancers

Register today.

 

 

New class alert! Muwashahat Rhythms and Reda Technique

An Egyptian pioneer of dance theater and co-founder of the Reda Troupe, Mahmoud Reda, and his principal dancers created a genre of dance that embraced many styles throughout the region. As a soloist, choreographer, and director of hundreds of productions from the Golden Era of Belly Dance and Egyptian Cinema, Mahmoud Reda is universally acclaimed for his dance style and appeal. His technique and choreographies have had tremendous artistic, social, and cultural impact on Egypt, and his work has inspired and shaped the art form of Arab (Raqs sharqi) dance as we know it today!

Our Sahara Dance resident teacher Jennifer is a Reda technique expert, and is teaching a new seven-week class on Monday evenings at 7:30 starting November 4:

Muwashahat Rhythms and Reda Technique

This series will focus on technique clarity and quality of movement and how it relates to rhythm and expression of emotion in dance. Each class will include strengthening, conditioning, and alignment drills, as well as combinations and exercises to allow for dancer development. The series will specifically draw upon Reda technique and Muwashahat rhythms and combinations in addition to foundational intermediate/advanced techniques and practice.

This class is best suited for Intermediate and above levels, but open to Low Intermediate students who want a challenge!

REGISTER TODAY!

Beginner II [T]

Want To Learn to Belly Dance? Hurry, Beginner Classes are Starting Soon!

Now that you’ve decided to try a belly dance class (here are all the reasons you should and questions you may have about it), the first thing you need to do is register!

Total newbie? We want you and can’t wait to welcome you!

Beginner Classes

Our beginner level classes are eight weeks (sometimes seven weeks if there is a major holiday falling during the series), with a choice of hybrid (in-person and online) or virtual (online only) sessions.  Beginners should take Beginner I classes in eight-week increments, as many times as you like, until you feel ready to move up to Beginner II, at which point the series are sixteen weeks.

Here’s the list of classes available for newer dancers (yes, that means you!):

>> Beginner Classes

(You can also go here to see all classes, and filter by “beginner level”.)

Consider yourself a beginner, but you’ve already taken some classes?

Maybe you’re ready to take it up a notch with Beginner I/II classes or the Beginner level performance class (you know you’re dying to try…!) We also have fun open-level classes that beginners are welcome to join, such as Strengthen, Stretch & Flow, Belly Dance Cardio, Tabla I (drumming) and more. Check the schedule to see what’s on!

This will be the best gift you have ever given yourself.  Register today!

Sahara Dance Stuns at the World Culture Festival in Washington DC

We are proud to present the Sahara Dance Arabian Nights performance from the World Culture Festival: an epic 8-minute dance highlighting the Middle East, choreographed by Jillina for 100 dancers on September 29th, 2023.

To pull back the curtain, here’s how this dance evolved:

Rachel Kay Brookmire was honored to be offered the opportunity for Sahara Dance to represent Middle Eastern dance at the World Culture Festival. Upon learning the size of the stage (enormous!), we realized this was a unique “Super Bowl” moment for the biggest show of our lives. After consulting with senior teachers, Rachel called in the best choreographer of theatrical belly dance in the world – Jillina – who was full of enthusiasm. Inviting Mohamed Ali to join the cast as our Egyptian star gave us an anchor to begin dreaming of a thrilling show highlighting the unique beauty of the dance. Jillina & Rachel’s vision for this epic piece came together quickly with help from the Sahara Dance WCF leadership team of Randa, Gretchen, and studio teachers. Jillina’s husband, Paul Dinletir, composed the music.

Jillina choreographed the piece in parts, each with varying difficulty levels appropriate for beginner through professional dancers: Lebanese Dream, Arabian Gulf, Taxsim Layali, Salam Saidi, and Dancing Darbuka. Jillina recorded videos and formations in her studio in Maui, which Randa and Gretchen organized and our teachers taught to their respective Sahara Dance student performance companies. Finding space to rehearse as a full cast of 100 was a challenge, but we took over school gyms all summer and even rehearsed outdoors once! With over 160 fan veils, 85 frame drums, dozens of Isis wings, canes, and thobes, plus a handful of swords, shemadans, veils, and candle trays, the stage would be full. Some dancers had as many as 4 props and we wanted to make the transitions seamless.

Jillina and Luna (her co-director) arrived early to polish the piece. On opening night our hearts soared on stage, as we presented the dance to hundreds of thousands of people watching around the world, with the Washington Monument and US Capitol as our backdrops. This project challenged us all and we have grown as a result. We are so deeply grateful for our community and everyone that contributed their time, energy, and love to making this possible. We hope you enjoy!

See more photos on Instagram and Facebook!

 

Why Conditioning Is So Important For Your Belly Dance Practice

Belly dance, with its mesmerizing movements and rich cultural heritage, captivates both dancers and audiences alike. Often portrayed as a dance of grace and fluidity, it’s easy to overlook the underlying strength and conditioning required to master this art form. Here are a few reasons why you should add conditioning to your dance practice.

    1. Building Core Strength. At the heart of belly dance lies the core, the epicenter of control and stability. Conditioning exercises targeting the core muscles (abdominals, obliques, and lower back) not only enhance balance and posture but also enable dancers to execute those sinuous movements with precision and grace. A strong core allows the belly dancer to maintain control over her body, resulting in more fluid and captivating performances.
    2. Injury Prevention. Belly dance is an intricate dance form that involves intricate hip movements, shimmies, and isolations. The repetitive nature of these movements can put strain on the body if not properly conditioned. By incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises, dancers can reduce the risk of injuries, such as strains, sprains, and overuse injuries, ensuring they can dance for years to come.
    3. Enhancing Flexibility. Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of belly dance, as it enables dancers to achieve those beautiful arcs, stretches, and undulations that make the dance so captivating. By engaging in regular stretching routines, belly dancers can increase their flexibility, allowing for a wider range of movements and artistic expression.
    4. Endurance and Stamina.  Belly dance performances often require dancers to sustain movements over extended periods. Conditioning not only improves overall endurance but also ensures that dancers can maintain their energy throughout a performance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for the audience.
    5. Controlled Isolations.  The hallmark of a skilled belly dancer lies in their ability to execute isolated movements with precision. These isolations demand focused muscle control, which can be honed through targeted conditioning. As dancers build strength and control, they can achieve the subtle and mesmerizing movements that distinguish belly dance from other dance forms.
    6. Posture and Alignment. Correct posture and alignment are critical in belly dance, as they allow the dancer to move with fluidity while minimizing the risk of strain on the spine and joints. Conditioning exercises that focus on back and shoulder strength promote better posture, ensuring a graceful and confident presence on stage.
    7. Emotional Expression. Belly dance is not just about mastering movements; it’s about storytelling through dance and conveying emotions to the audience. Conditioning provides dancers with the physical strength and endurance needed to focus on their emotional expression, connecting with the music and their audience on a deeper level.

Excited to add conditioning to your belly dance practice? Check out these conditioning classes on our Fall schedule:

    • Floorwork & Conditioning, Mondays with Leilah Moon – In many ways a lost art, floorwork is a key part of the classic belly dance routine. It displays the dancer’s skill and strength like no other portion of the dance. We will spend the first half of class conditioning the body to build core strength and flexibility, then drill combinations in the second half to fluidly integrate floor movements into our dance. [Low Intermediate and above – REGISTER]
    • Belly Dance Cardio, Tuesdays with Leilah Moon – Up and at ‘em! Get your blood moving and heart rate up with drills, conditioning exercises, and easy-to-follow choreographies in a dance cardio format similar to Zumba. We’ll draw upon movement inspiration from Egyptian and Lebanese belly dance, and various folkloric dances. Let’s sweat, shimmy, and have fun! No belly dance experience required, just your playful spirit! [ALL LEVELS – REGISTER]
    • Strengthen, Stretch & Flow, Saturdays with Rachel Kay Brookmire – Enjoy complete mind-body rejuvenation through dance! We’ll start a comprehensive dance workout with a full warm up designed to align and strengthen the body for health and longevity. Then, practice balance and strengthening drills, conditioning exercises, and easy-to-follow choreographies. [ALL LEVELS – REGISTER]

As with any art form, mastering belly dance requires dedication, practice, and conditioning. From building core strength to enhancing flexibility and endurance, conditioning plays a vital role in nurturing the physical attributes that make belly dance so enchanting. By maintaining a strong and healthy body, dancers can continue to delight audiences and express their creativity for years to come. So, embrace the power of conditioning, and let your belly dance journey be a harmonious fusion of strength, beauty, and self-expression. Happy dancing!

Exploring Belly Dance Styles: Shaabi

As urbanization and globalization began to shape Egypt’s cultural landscape during the later 20th century, traditional belly dance experienced a metamorphosis. In the bustling neighborhoods of Cairo and Alexandria, a new dance style emerged – Shaabi. Translating to “of the people” or “folk,” Shaabi drew its inspiration from working-class communities and showcased a raw, down-to-earth essence. Unlike the more polished and formalized movements of classical belly dance, Shaabi embraced a more spontaneous, street-style approach. Dancers incorporated shimmies, hip drops, and lively footwork, evoking a sense of joy and camaraderie among the spectators. Shaabi not only broke free from the elite associations of belly dance but also bridged the gap between professional dancers and the general public.

Listen to a Classic Shaabi playlist on Spotify

In its early days, Shaabi served as a platform for social commentary, reflecting the lives of ordinary Egyptians and their struggles. It conveyed a unique blend of humor, satire, and celebration of everyday life through dance. The lyrics of Shaabi songs often touched on topics like love, work, family, and societal challenges, making it a powerful medium for self-expression and dissent. Shaabi played a crucial role in uniting communities during times of political unrest. It was often performed in public squares and at demonstrations, becoming a symbol of resilience and solidarity. The dance brought people together, transcending class and status, and creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.

More recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional and folkloric dance forms, including Shaabi. With a growing emphasis on preserving cultural heritage, dancers and choreographers began incorporating more authentic elements of Shaabi into their performances. This revival brought attention to the importance of understanding the roots and significance of the dance style.

Interested in learning more about this fun, energetic dance style? Perform a Shaabi choreography at the Sahara Dance Winter Caravan, directed by Florencia! [REGISTER – Shaabi Performance]

World Touring Guest Artist: Unveiling the Magic of Virginia

Virginia‘s love affair with belly dancing began as a young girl when she was captivated by the grace and allure of the dance. Her journey into this mystical world started with dedicated practice, unyielding determination, and the guidance of several esteemed mentors. Over the years, Virginia honed her skills, embracing various styles of belly dance and fusing them with her unique expression, ultimately establishing her own distinctive style that earned her immense recognition. In 2005, Virginia laid the foundation for Rakstar, a groundbreaking event that would forever change the belly dance landscape. Rakstar aimed to unite dancers from diverse backgrounds, celebrate their individuality, and create a vibrant community of artists. This annual festival became a melting pot of creativity, inspiring dancers to push their boundaries and delve into the true essence of belly dance as an art form.

As a performer and instructor, Virginia’s impact on modern belly dance has been profound. She masterfully weaves together tradition and innovation, blending classical techniques with contemporary elements. Her fluidity, musicality, and emotive storytelling set her apart as an artist and have influenced countless dancers around the world. Virginia’s dedication to preserving the authenticity of belly dance while encouraging experimentation has reshaped the way this art form is perceived and practiced today.

About the World Touring Guest Workshops

The opportunity to learn directly from Virginia is an experience like no other. Her workshops on Friday September 15 and Saturday September 16 promise to be enriching and empowering.

“Q’uariat Alfinjan” (Kareaht Alfinjen) Classic Choreography, Sep 15, 6:30-9:30 pm

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. [REGISTER]

Balady “Ana Wenta Fe Shweya Balady”, Sep 16, 1:30-3:30 pm

Balady “Ana Wenta Fe Shweya Balady” from Virginia’s new CD Virginia Gamilet Algamilaat. An earthy, fun, flirty, traditional Egyptian Balady with a drum solo!  Learn to dance Balady as it should be danced.  Virginia will share all the ins and outs of a balady as well as traditional steps done with her signature style.  She will share knowledge of how it is composed, traditional musical arrangement, and how to interpret it while keeping that Egyptian feeling. Virginia will teach you how to hear, see, and feel this music in a whole new way incorporating juicy and down to earth Egyptian Balady steps along with some contemporary interpretations and useful hints for the takasim section and build up.  Many tricks of the trade will be shared with choreography and improvisation, that will give you all the tools you need to dance a Balady to Cd or improvising with a live band.

Recommended for dancers with a minimum of 1 year belly dance experience, through professional. Limited hybrid spots available. [REGISTER]

What’s New For Fall?

The Fall 2023 class schedule is up! Check out all the new and exciting classes to try.

See details and register here

New in Belly Dance Technique classes:

New in Performance classes:

  • Florencia is bringing back the Raqqesat Tahia student company, which focuses on props – all students at the low intermediate / intermediate level should make sure they have sufficient prop training before moving on to intermediate and above student companies, and this is a great way to practice the prop skills learned in technique classes!
  • Rachel will direct our famed advanced company Raqs Caravan East for the Winter Caravan show
  • Florencia’s directing a new Shaabi Performance class on Monday evenings
  • Our Lebanese Style performance group, Raqqesat Beirut, will be doing double veil, directed by Alma!

New category of classes: Conditioning!

Conditioning is extremely important to help build the strength and stamina required to make all our belly dance moves seem so effortless.  Add one or more of these classes to your dance practice!

Don’t forget to take advantage of Early Bird prices – check out the full schedule and register today!  

Presenting our revived Raqqesat Tahia Company!

Tahia Carioca (born Badaweya Mohamed Kareem Al Nirani on 22 February 1919, died 20 September 1999), was a legendary Egyptian belly dancer and film actress who came to prominence during the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema. She is often hailed as one of the greatest belly dancers in the history of the Egyptian film and dance industry.

Carioca was known for her striking beauty, expressive style, and compelling stage presence. She was especially lauded for her fluid movements, intricate hip articulations, and charismatic performances. One of her signature traits was her ability to convey emotion and narrative through her dance, making her performances not just visually spectacular, but also deeply engaging on an emotional level.

In addition to her dance career, Carioca starred in over 100 films, which further cemented her status as an iconic figure in Egyptian entertainment. Despite her controversial personal life, which included numerous marriages and outspoken political views, Carioca remained a beloved figure both within and outside Egypt. Her influence on the world of belly dance is immeasurable and continues to inspire generations of dancers today.

Sahara Dance Teacher – Florencia

We are excited to announce that we are restarting our Raqqesat Tahia Company with this fall’s class schedule.  Directed by Florencia, the Raqqesat Tahia Company is a low-intermediate level company that specializes in choreographies that include props (cane/assaya, zills/segat, veil, and balancing props) along with a focus on expressive stage presence.

NOTE: This company is a prerequisite for all intermediate and above student companies. Students wishing to progress to Intermediate level and above student companies should perf

Want to start your prop performance journey at our Winter Caravan in December? Register for the Raqqesat Tahia Company performance class here!