2026 to 2027 is our year featuring Marta Korzun at Sahara Dance! We were grateful to first meet her for an intensive at the end of February 2026 and are looking forward to our second set of workshops at our Washington, DC studio this August 2026. In addition Marta is headlining our Heart and Belly Dance Retreat in Costa Rica in May.

As our Artist in Residence, internationally acclaimed performer, educator, and coach Marta Korzun will lead workshops, mentor dancers, and headline the 2027 Heart of Belly Dance Retreat in Costa Rica.

Known for her deep expertise in musicality, emotional expression, and improvisation, Marta has helped dancers around the world move beyond choreography and into true artistic expression.

Throughout the coming year, dancers will have multiple opportunities to study with Marta – from her August workshops at Sahara Dance in Washington D.C. to the 2027 Heart of Belly Dance Retreat in Costa Rica.

We sat down with Marta to explore what makes a dancer truly memorable, why musicality and emotion matter as much as technique, and how improvisation can transform the way dancers connect with both music and audience.

Study with Marta This August

Before diving into our conversation, here’s a look at the three workshops Marta will be teaching this August.

Monday, August 24th | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Arabic Rhythms in Belly Dance: Learn how rhythm forms the foundation of musicality, confidence, and authentic expression. Through ear training, movement exploration, and practical application, dancers will deepen their understanding of Arabic music and strengthen their connection to the rhythms that drive belly dance.

Register Here for Day 1

Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Lyrical Song: Dancing with Emotion: Explore how dancers translate emotion, lyrics, and musical nuance into movement. This workshop focuses on artistry, interpretation, and developing a deeper emotional connection to performance.

Register Here for Day 2

Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Mastering Improvisation: Develop practical tools for spontaneity, creativity, confidence, and artistic freedom. Through structured exercises and guided exploration, dancers will learn to trust themselves and respond naturally to music in the moment.

Register Here for Day 3

Workshop One: Why Musicality Matters

For Marta, rhythm is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

“Without rhythm, choreography just falls apart.”

Understanding music goes beyond counting beats or memorizing combinations. Marta believes dancers become more expressive when they understand what they are hearing and why movement choices connect to the music.

Through rhythm training, dancers learn to recognize musical patterns, respond naturally to changes in the music, and create performances that feel intentional rather than mechanical.

Musicality transforms movement from a sequence of steps into an artistic conversation with the music.

Workshop Two: Why Emotion Matters

Technical accuracy alone is not enough to create a memorable performance.

For Marta, emotion is the language dancers use to communicate with their audience.

“Technique without emotion is just a bunch of random moves. It’s emotion that turns you from a dancer who gets all the steps right into a true artist.”

By learning how to interpret lyrics, melodies, and musical mood, dancers create performances that resonate beyond technique.

It’s what allows an audience to laugh, cry, smile, or hold their breath during a performance.

In Marta’s approach, emotional expression isn’t an optional layer added after technique. It’s an essential part of dance itself.

Workshop Three: Why Improvisation Matters

Improvisation plays an equally important role in artistic growth.

Unlike choreography that has been rehearsed countless times, improvisation asks dancers to trust their training, instincts, and connection to the music.

“Improv forces your brain and body to work right here, in the moment.”

Many dancers find improvisation intimidating at first. Marta’s approach breaks the process down into practical, accessible tools that help dancers build confidence step by step.

She believes improvisation helps dancers discover their authentic artistic voice while developing greater freedom and presence on stage.

“When you mix rhythm, emotion, and improvisation together, it literally takes your dancing to a whole new level.”

What Makes a Dancer Truly Memorable?

Many dancers spend years building technical skill.

But according to Marta, technical excellence alone isn’t what audiences remember.

What stays with people long after a performance ends is how it made them feel.

“Technique is great, but without soul, it’s just steps.”

For Marta, memorable performers create connection:

• Connection to the music.
• Connection to themselves.
• Connection to the audience.

When those elements align, dance becomes more than movement – it becomes an experience people carry with them long after the performance ends.

“When you bring that raw emotion and really live the music, you give the audience an experience they’ll keep thinking about long after you leave the stage.”

Looking Ahead: Costa Rica 2027

Dancers who connect with Marta’s philosophy will have an opportunity to continue that journey at the 2027 Heart of Belly Dance Retreat in Costa Rica.

The retreat theme, Technique & Transformation, reflects many of the same ideas Marta discussed throughout our conversation.

Participants will strengthen their technical foundation while exploring how technique supports musicality, emotional expression, confidence, creativity, and personal growth.

Beyond workshops, the retreat creates space for connection, reflection, community, and inspiration.

Returning to the Sahara Dance Community

For Marta, returning to Sahara Dance is about more than teaching workshops.

It’s about reconnecting with a community she describes as passionate, dedicated, and deeply invested in growth.

“The people there have this incredible passion for learning and they truly give 100% every single time.”

Reflecting on her previous visit, Marta shared that what stands out most is the warmth of the Sahara Dance community and the opportunity to connect with dancers who share a common vision.

“It feels like coming back to your people.”

As she prepares for her August return, she’s looking forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new dancers, sharing ideas, and creating meaningful experiences together once again.

Join Marta at Sahara Dance in Washington D.C. and Costa Rica

Great dance isn’t just about executing choreography – it’s about creating moments people remember.

Throughout our conversation, Marta returned again and again to the same themes: musicality, emotion, connection, and the courage to trust yourself as an artist.

Whether you’re joining her this August in D.C. or next spring in Costa Rica, you’ll have the opportunity to study with a teacher whose approach continues to inspire dancers around the world.

As many of us discovered during Marta’s March visit, Marta brings extraordinary expertise to her teaching, but also warmth, humor, and generosity. She’s uplifting, light-hearted, and has a contagious sense of humor that makes learning both challenging and fun.

Join Marta this August in Washington D.C. or next spring in Costa Rica to explore the ideas at the heart of her teaching: musicality, emotion, improvisation, and meaningful connection – and discover how those elements transform both the dancer and the audience.

We hope you’ll join us.

Register for Marta’s 3-day DC August Intensive here

Sign up for the Costa Rica Heart of Belly Danc e Retreat with Marta here

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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]

This summer is sizzling at Sahara Dance! 

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