Category: Workshops

Three opportunities to study with Cairo-based master instructor Shahrzad in January 2024

Sahara Dance is thrilled to present multiple opportunities for you to dance with the renowned master belly dance instructor, Shahrzad from January 5-7, 2024.

From a 3-day intensive to a personal dance feedback opportunity, Shahrzad will guide you through a transformative dance experience, based on her deep experience in Egyptian-style belly dance also known as raqs sharqi. Shahrzad has had an exhilarating dance career in Cairo that has taken her all over the world, and she is also known for her high-quality belly dance instruction.

Please note that these workshops are best suited for intermediate and above-level dancers. If you’re not sure if these workshops are right for you, please discuss with your Sahara Dance teacher!

 Read on to explore the offerings and secure your spot!

 

  1. 3-Day Belly Dance Intensive with Shahrzad  **Sold out in-person – online spots available**

Start 2024 by infusing new life into your dance journey through 11 hours of belly dance over three days! Shahrzad’s intensive will focus on improving technique through drills and conditioning, developing body awareness and personal style, and establishing dance goals for the year with actionable plans.

Dates and times:

  • Friday, January 5: 6 – 9 pm
  • Saturday, January 6: 1:30 – 5:30 pm
  • Sunday, January 7: 1:30 – 5:30 pm

Spaces are limited, and this intensive is expected to sell out quickly. Secure your spot now for an immersive dance experience.

  1. Advanced Drum Solo Workshop (2-hours)

Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

Challenge your technique with a detailed tabla solo routine prepared by Shahrzad. This workshop is tailored for intermediate-advanced dancers who have mastered shimmy layering and belly/chest isolations. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and add an exciting drum solo to your repertoire.

This workshop, a part of Al Fanaanat Project, invites dancers to delve into the intricacies of a fast-paced tabla solo choreography. Shahrzad has meticulously crafted a routine that combines basic shimmies and isolations with exciting details tailored for the stage. Geared towards intermediate-advanced dancers, this workshop is perfect for those who have mastered the basics of shimmy layering and belly/chest isolations.

Register today! 

For those seeking artistic development feedback and aspiring to perform the workshop choreography at “Under a Desert Moon,” register for Al Fanaanat Project, detailed in the next section. However, participation in the project is optional, and you can register for the workshop alone.

 

  1. Al Fanaanat Project Add-On: Personal Dance Development Opportunity and Audition

Video or video auditions due: February 11, 2024

As an add-on to the advanced drum solo workshop, Al Fanaanat Project offers the chance to record yourself dancing the choreography by February 11 to receive personal, artistic development feedback from Shahrzad and, if you choose, use your video recording as an audition to perform the drum solo choreography at Under a Desert Moon on April 27, 2024.

Invest in your dance development by signing up for personal feedback from Shahrzad and take your dance journey to new heights. 

We encourage dancers of all levels to take advantage of the opportunity to receive personalized feedback from Shahrzad!

Sign up today. 

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Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to dance with Shahrzad at Sahara Dance! Secure your spot today and embark on a transformative dance experience.

 

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]

Don’t Miss These Belly Dance Workshops in July!

⛱️ ☀️ This summer is sizzling at Sahara Dance!  Our Saturday workshop series is in full swing – here are the next workshops not to be missed in July!

Sizzling Saidi Workshop with Florencia, July 8, 1:30-3:30 pm

Saidi folklore dance is one of the most prominent dances in upper Egypt, based on the traditional martial art of Tahtib. This lively and energetic dance incorporates skills of flexibility and emphasizes the ability to control the cane (Assaya) while framing the dancer’s movements. Learn proper cane dance technique and how to control the balance between the cane and the dance movement. (Recommended for dancers Performing at the World Culture Festival!)

 

Bambouti Workshop, July 22, 1:30-3:30 pm

Bambouti is a folkloric dance from the maritime heritage. It is a dance that displays the trade and exchange of goods between the fishermen, sailors and sea merchants who work on small boats and trade with large ships passing through, docking at the entrance, or anchored in the ports of the Suez Canal. Fishermen celebrate and dance on the beach when the boats return to the canal with a lots of fish.  Join Mohamed Ali and learn more about the history of Bambouti!

Drum Solo Magic Workshop with Florencia, July 15, 1:30-3:30 pm

Drill the isolations, dynamic techniques, and expressive nuances that define the essence of a drum solo choreography. Enhance your sense of timing, coordination, and musicality and expand your repertoire of Middle Eastern rhythms. (Recommended for dancers Performing at the World Culture Festival!)

Raqs El Hacha’a Workshop with Alma, July 29, 1:30-3:30 pm

Explore this folkloric Middle Eastern dance from Iraq! Seasoned dancer and performer Alma breaks down the fundamentals of Raqs el Hacha’a, a dance originated by the Kawliya (nomadic) people in Iraq. Learn about the musicality and primary movements of this fun and dynamic folk dance characterized by earthy moves and usually performed with daggers.

Join us for these workshops and more, every Saturday at the Tenleytown studio!