Reflecting upon the 20th anniversary Under a Desert Moon show, I feel privileged to witness Sahara Dance’s growth and so proud to provide a creative home for countless dancers over the years. For this special commemorative show, I was so touched to see our tributes to life changing inspirations. The diversity of both dance styles and dancers was showcased so beautifully. The warmth of the performers and audience was moving, and I’ll hold the memory of this show close to my heart. I’m feeling appreciative of our teachers, studio assistants, students, and supporters who have worked to make this milestone possible, and all those who have kept the studio vibrant, steady, welcoming, and full of creativity.

After over two decades of watching our shows, the artistry which springs forth through the dancers is both humbling and inspiring. When the stress of producing shows and running a small business is mounting, I try to remember how lucky we are to still be able to do this together (and even through a pandemic)!

Live music is such an important part of the art form and it was especially sweet to have a band as part of our anniversary show. I want to thank Saltanah Ensemble (Chakib Hilali, Kylie Hilali, and Abderrahim Amthqal), as well as Randy and Sahara Tabla students, for making music for us, which made the show more wonderfully memorable.

I feel especially blessed that we have so many long-standing teachers still choosing to teach and grow at Sahara Dance. And, I feel equally fortunate that the studio continues to attract new talent, keeping our leadership inspired and fresh. The beloved teachers involved in making this commemorative show include Alma, Ami, Brianne, Chiaki, Crystal, Florencia, Gretchen, Jennifer Anya, Jennifer, Julie, Katy, Leilah Moon, Laura, Malina, Maria, Megan, Mohamed, Nicolette, Omoladun, Randa, Randy, and Sophianna. I recognize the tremendous energy and thoughtfulness teachers put into both providing students feedback, building community in their classes, coordinating among the team to create consistency across the school, and tapping into their creativity to produce interesting choreographies several times a year. Thankfully, teachers and helpers have really stepped up during these past few years while I’ve been raising little ones, and less active in the studio. It is because of them that Sahara Dance is thriving, and that we’re all still dancing together.

Special thanks to Maria for working so creatively and consistently to keep Sahara Dance’s social media presence relevant and compelling, which is its own craft on top of dance understanding. And thanks to Liz, and now Katie, for keeping communications flowing well through the Sahara Dance newsletter. These roles take a lot of heart and effort to do well and I’m happy we have talent and interest in-studio to keep us connected.

The studio assistants (SAs) continue to be the essential caretakers of our dance home, keeping the doors open, technology running, and everyone welcomed. We rely on their competency, patience, and good care for so much. The SA team that carried us through the show includes Bina, Bo, Erin, Farida, Kelly, Maddie, Maria, Marina, Negeen, and Tamara! The studio runs because of them and I really appreciate the many ways they pour such love into Sahara Dance.

Further behind the scenes I realize just how much of a tiny “family and friends” endeavor this has been since day one. Without countless hours of support from the Wilsons (James, Marianne and Anne), my husband (Jake), my mom (Cindy), my father-in-law (Jeff), my sisters (Autumn and Amber), and many others, there would be no Sahara Dance. We have lots of invisible hands and hearts helping to keep our dance shows and studio going, and I’m not sure how I can ever thank these loved ones enough. Truly.

At the heart of Sahara Dance I know that the relationships which blossom within the studio are most important. There is something special about the friendships forged through making art together combined with the exhilaration of dancing as a team. The bonding that happens through movement and self expression feels real and honest. The enjoyment of moving together in unison spills over to the audience. There is a felt sense of connectedness that is alive in shared steps, and a shared dance journey. For me, dancing together over years is a direct and unspoken knowing of my fellow dancers, which is comforting and grounding. I’m so grateful for the time and space Sahara Dance has given me to grow such friendships, and share in the contagious joy of others doing the same. It is a true honor.

There have been many gifts in my life because of Sahara Dance, but knowing the people who make the studio possible is the best gift. It is their good energy that makes Sahara Dance feel like home, and for this I am forever grateful. 

I look forward to seeing the studio evolve in the years to come. This summer will be especially fun with renowned guest artist, Esmeralda, headlining our Summer Caravan show! I’m glad to be able to continue growing and dancing with such an uplifting community.

Love,

Rachel 

Spring 2024 classes for beginner dancers

Beginner I technique classes (8-week session)
This class is perfect for anyone brand new to belly dance! We recommend all new belly dancers take Beginner I for four 8-week sessions for a total of 32 weeks. In the first round dancers are exposed to the movements and in the second round dancers are able to integrate the movements with attention to alignment and musicality more fully.

• Tuesdays at 6pm with rotating belly dance instructors
• Wednesdays at 8:15pm with Florencia
• Saturdays at 12:30pm with Florencia

Beginner I/II technique class (16-week session)
Have you completed 16-32 weeks of Beginner I? Join us for Beginner I/II technique, which will expand your movement base to include foundational undulations and accents, turns and layering, and explore Middle Eastern music rhythms and structure. This class will set you up for success for joining Beginner II, while reinforcing all the technique you learned in Beginner I.

• Saturdays at 10:30am with Jennifer Anya

Beginner II technique (16-week session)
Continue your dance journey after you’ve completed 32 weeks of Beginner I or combined Beginner I/II by expanding your dance vocabulary and expression and awareness of cultural context. Beginner II will solidify your belly dance foundation and prepare you for the next level of classes and a wide range of specialty topics.

• Saturdays at 12:30pm with Jennifer Anya
• Thursdays at 8:15pm with Gretchen

FAQ: How many beginner belly dance classes should I take?

Great question, and one we hear a lot at Sahara Dance! We broke it all down in this blog post. Do not hesitate to reach out to your teacher or to Rachel (rachel@saharadance.com) if you have questions.

Beginner and Low Intermediate performance opportunities at Under a Desert Moon 

We are already excited for our glamorous annual spring show, Under a Desert Moon, at the American University Greenberg Theatre on Saturday, April 27. But it will be even more special to have you with us!

Performing early and often is one of the best ways to accelerate your dance journey, share what you’ve learned with your family and friends, and deepen your dance friendships. The entire Sahara Dance community loves to cheer on our new and early dance journey performers.

We hope you will join us for this special show.

• Saturdays at 11:30 am: Beginner I Performance class with Florencia – perfect for those enrolled in Beginner I or Beginner I/II.
• Saturdays at 11:30am: Raqqesat Badia Company Beginner I/II performance class with Jennifer Anya – perfect for those enrolled in Beginner I/II or Beginner II technique.
   
• Thursdays at 7:15pm: Raqqesat Samia Company – Beginner II/Low Intermediate with Gretchen – perfect for those enrolled in a Low Intermediate Technique class, who have completed the BII curriculum.

Check out a video from one of our past Under a Desert Moon (UDM for short) shows to get a sense of what to expect from this exciting show! 

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Questions about which class and performance opportunity would be best for you? We want to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher or to Rachel at rachel@saharadance.com.

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!

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]

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.

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!

Want to perform bellydance on stage?  Join a Sahara Dance Performance Company!

There are several student performance companies from which to choose. Check the Classes Schedule to see what’s currently available! More on each company below.

The Raqqesat companies are Sahara Dance student companies specializing in preparing students for the stage. There are two types of Raqqesat 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 their dance lineage and gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of belly dance. The specialty Raqqesat companies are named for style-specific dances. Members train in a specialized branch of belly dance, such as fusion and folklore.

Sahara Dance Resident Performance Companies:

• Raqqesat Arabi – folkloric student company
• Raqqesat Badia – Beginner I / II student company
• Raqqesat Beirut – Lebanese style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
• Raqqesat Indigo – Fusion style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
• Raqqesat Kitty –  Intermediate student company
• Raqqesat Nadia – Intermediate / Advanced student company
• Raqqesat Naima – Intermediate / Advanced student company
• Raqqesat Samia – Beginner II / Low Intermediate student company
• Raqs Caravan East – Advanced student company
• Raqs Sahara – Professional company

Join a student company today!

While providing a strong learning environment for students, from beginner to 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.

To participate in a dance company you must simultaneously be enrolled in the corresponding technique class. Beginners may enroll in Raqqesat Badia along with a beginner technique class. More specific information about prerequisite levels is here.

If you are a current student wondering whether you are ready to move up, consult with your current teacher for feedback about your appropriate level. In this process, please be gentle with yourself – remember everyone grows at their own pace, and there is not a preset amount of time to spend at each level. Please note, Raqs Caravan East and Raqs Sahara are by invitation only.

If you are not yet enrolled in any Sahara Dance classes but have previous belly dance experience, just email us about recommendations on levels – info@saharadance.com.

Get your tickets before they sell out!

Here’s our soloist line up! Come welcome Malina back to the stage as she prepares to offer Bollywood fusion on the class schedule again! Or, stop by to say farewell to Katrina before she moves. Crystal will be debuting a fabulous finger cymbal piece, and Nicolette and Leilah Moon will share their love of Egyptian dance.

And, don’t miss our special guest artist, Mohamed Ali! He’ll be performing Egyptian tannoura folkloric dance, complete with lights. For those who haven’t experienced this derivative of Sufi dancing for stage, it’s best enjoyed live and Mohamed Ali is exceptional!

We hope to see you on Saturday! We’ll have a raffle and a mini belly dance lesson. Friends and family are welcome (and group discounts are available).