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	<title>Intermediate 2 &#8211; Sahara Dance</title>
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	<link>https://saharadance.com</link>
	<description>an artful approach to belly dance</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:50:23 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>Intermediate 2 &#8211; Sahara Dance</title>
	<link>https://saharadance.com</link>
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<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">193434264</site>	<item>
		<title>Tabla 3 Brush Up</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-tabla-3-sundays-1000-1055-am/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:48:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35281</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Move beyond the foundational principals of playing the tabla into a world of musical self-expression.

In this class we will practice creating and playing solos and learning songs/routines all while maintaining proper technique.

The class will also explore different approaches to use when playing with other musicians as well as strategies to use when playing for belly dancers.

Prerequisite:
<ul>
 	<li>Successful participation in Tabla 2 and/or instructor approval.</li>
 	<li>Students must demonstrate mastery of intermediate techniques, fluency in switching between rhythms, and ability to construct short solo phrases.</li>
 	<li>Note: This level requires multiple sessions of Tabla 2 before advancing.</li>
</ul>]]></description>
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<ul>
<li>Miss a class? No problem! Registered students have access to video recordings of each class, so you can dance on your own schedule.</li>
<li>Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35281</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tabla 2 Brush Up</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-tabla-2-sundays-1100-1155-am/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:46:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35276</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<strong>Adv Beginner/Intermediate Tabla</strong>

Now that you have a solid foundation it is time to move beyond the basics.

Expand your drumming vocabulary and learn how to put all of your knowledge together in a musical context. In this class you will continue to expand upon both your techniques (pops, half teks, rolls and other combinations and sound variations) as well as your knowledge of rhythms, drum solos and songs.

Prerequisite:
<ul>
 	<li>Successful participation in Tabla 1 and/or permission from the instructor.</li>
 	<li>Students must demonstrate consistent tone quality, clean execution of basic techniques, and confident performance of foundational rhythms.</li>
 	<li>Note: This level require multiple sessions of Tabla 1 before advancing.</li>
</ul>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18557"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li>Miss a class? No problem! Registered students have access to video recordings of each class, so you can dance on your own schedule.</li>
<li>Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35276</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Romani &#038; Tsifteteli Technique Brush Up</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-romani-tsifteteli-technique-sundays-500-555-pm/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:27:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35267</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Explore the musicality, stylization, and expressive depth of Turkish Romani dance and Greek Tsifteteli, two interconnected dance styles with unique qualities rooted in shared Anatolian and Eastern Mediterranean cultures.

Both styles are grounded in improvisation, musical interpretation, and personal expression. Turkish Romani dance brings energetic, grounded footwork, rhythmic torso articulations, and expressive gestures shaped by the distinctive 9/8 rhythm, while Greek Tsifteteli offers fluidity, subtle isolations, and strong emphasis on emotional connection, often in social or interactive settings.

Each class will include cultural context and focused technique work, balancing
combination drills with improvisation. Students will explore both social and
performance approaches while developing musicality and individual expression
across these interconnected styles.
<ul>
 	<li>May 31 class is rescheduled to June 28 from 6:00-6:55 pm</li>
</ul>
This class is recommended for Intermediate and above as it will incorporate a
variety of fundamental technical skills
<p class="requirements"><em>Prerequisite: </em>Sahara Dance Intermediate 1 Technique.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18509"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li><b>Limited Availability for In-Person Classes: </b>In-person class spots are few and capped to allow for social distancing if necessary.</li>
<li>Your <strong>In-Person</strong> class registration secures your physical spot in the studio for all classes within the semester. In-Person registrants may attend the class live, in person, or virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li><strong>Online</strong> registrants may attend the class virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li>Miss a class? No problem! Registered students have access to video recordings of each class, so you can dance on your own schedule.</li>
<li>Curious about the curriculum? All registered students receive a password to access to the Sahara Dance curriculum for each level, including class choreography sheets.</li>
<li>In-Person classes are held at our Sahara Dance studio in Tenley: 4433 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC.</li>
<li><b>PLEASE NOTE: Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. The Zoom link remains the same each week. </b>Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35267</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Intermediate 2 Performance &#8211; Raqqesat Tahia</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-raqqesat-tahia-thursdays-630-725-pm/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:22:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35265</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Raqqesat Tahia Company is named after famed Golden Age belly dancer and actress Tahia Carioca, considered by many to be a true ‘bint al balad’ ("daughter of the country" or working class woman who is "intelligent, lively, straightforward, charming and most importantly dependable") and known for her iconic gestures and flirtatiousness in her dancing.  The Raqqesat Tahia Company is an Intermediate 2 level company whose choreographies focus on exploring different props along with playful stage presence.

The prop for summer 2026 will be candle tray.
<p class="requirements">Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate 2 technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Intermediate 2 Technique class or above for the duration of the performance class, with a strong recommendation to enroll in the Intermediate 2 props class preceding the company class.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18563"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li><b>Limited Availability for In-Person (In-Person) Classes: </b>In-person class spots are first come, first serve, with limited space available.</li>
<li>Dancers will perform at the Sahara Dance Summer Caravan: featuring Marta Korzun on Sunday, Aug 23rd, 3pm and 6pm at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD (plan for a full day of technical rehearsal starting in the morning).</li>
<li>Your In-Person performance class registration secures your physical spot in the studio for all classes within the semester. You may attend the class live, in person, or virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li>Miss a class? Registered students have access to video recordings of each class for the duration of the semester.</li>
<li>75% live attendance (in-person) is required to perform; extended absences need approval from the teacher to be included in the performance. Please communicate absences to the teacher in advance, when possible.</li>
<li>Curious about the curriculum? All registered students receive a password to access to the Sahara Dance curriculum for each level, including class choreography sheets.</li>
<li>Classes are held at our Sahara Dance studio in Tenley: 4433 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC.</li>
<li>Performance Classes will culminate in a performance that is open to the public, at a local venue to be announced at the beginning of each class series. (Venue locations change throughout the year). Save the entire day for tech rehearsal and performance(s). It is possible there will be two shows.</li>
<li>The DC-MD-VA local region has many festivals and there will likely be additional performance opportunities for company members, including the Fiesta Asia Street Fair in the summer and Tenleytown Art All Night in the fall.</li>
<li>Concurrent enrollment in a technique or specialty class is required for all performance students.</li>
<li>In-person attendance will be required in select classes to set blocking. Required in-person class attendance dates will be set by the teacher during the first two weeks of class, after polling enrolled students to accommodate schedules as best as possible.</li>
<li>Costumes for performance classes are selected by the teacher, in consultation with company members. Costumes are individually purchased and owned. Performance companies almost always reuse costumes for multiple semesters. Sometimes costumes may be borrowed, or purchase used, from previous dancers. Efforts are made in coordination with the company members to keep costume costs reasonable and styles flattering for all bodies.</li>
<li>Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. The class Zoom link will remain the same each week. Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35265</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Intermediate 3 Performance &#8211; Raqqesat Kitty</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-raqqesat-kitty-tuesdays-830-925-pm/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:05:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35259</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Raqqesat Kitty is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to enhancing belly dance skills for stage and mastering the Intermediate 3 curriculum, and is home for students seeking to further develop as belly dance performers. Raqqesat Kitty honors Alexandria-born dancer Katy "Kitty" Fotsaty by incorporating versatile styling, elegance and playful movements. Special focus is placed on polished and elegant movement execution, stage charisma, traveling steps, layering and use of props. Choreographies may include props.

Costuming parameters will be set by the teacher in consultation with founding Raqqesat Kitty members. Consideration will be given to select costumes which will work for future performances by Raqqesat Kitty.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22893" src="https://saharadance.com/wp-content/uploads/SV97672-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg" alt="" width="1800" height="1200" />

Prerequisites &#38; Requirements:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate technique class (or equivalent) and permission of company director; and
2) Simultaneous <strong>in-person enrollment in Leilah's Sahara Dance Intermediate 3 Technique class on Tuesdays is highly recommended. </strong>For those unable to take Leilah's technique class, <strong>in-person</strong> enrollment in another Intermediate or above technique class is permitted with permission from the director.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18563"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li><b>Limited Availability for In-Person (In-Person) Classes: </b>In-person class spots are first come, first serve, with limited space available.</li>
<li>Dancers will perform at the Sahara Dance Summer Caravan: featuring Marta Korzun on Sunday, Aug 23rd, 3pm and 6pm at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD (plan for a full day of technical rehearsal starting in the morning).</li>
<li>Your In-Person performance class registration secures your physical spot in the studio for all classes within the semester. You may attend the class live, in person, or virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li>Miss a class? Registered students have access to video recordings of each class for the duration of the semester.</li>
<li>75% live attendance (in-person) is required to perform; extended absences need approval from the teacher to be included in the performance. Please communicate absences to the teacher in advance, when possible.</li>
<li>Curious about the curriculum? All registered students receive a password to access to the Sahara Dance curriculum for each level, including class choreography sheets.</li>
<li>Classes are held at our Sahara Dance studio in Tenley: 4433 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC.</li>
<li>Performance Classes will culminate in a performance that is open to the public, at a local venue to be announced at the beginning of each class series. (Venue locations change throughout the year). Save the entire day for tech rehearsal and performance(s). It is possible there will be two shows.</li>
<li>The DC-MD-VA local region has many festivals and there will likely be additional performance opportunities for company members, including the Fiesta Asia Street Fair in the summer and Tenleytown Art All Night in the fall.</li>
<li>Concurrent enrollment in a technique or specialty class is required for all performance students.</li>
<li>In-person attendance will be required in select classes to set blocking. Required in-person class attendance dates will be set by the teacher during the first two weeks of class, after polling enrolled students to accommodate schedules as best as possible.</li>
<li>Costumes for performance classes are selected by the teacher, in consultation with company members. Costumes are individually purchased and owned. Performance companies almost always reuse costumes for multiple semesters. Sometimes costumes may be borrowed, or purchase used, from previous dancers. Efforts are made in coordination with the company members to keep costume costs reasonable and styles flattering for all bodies.</li>
<li>Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. The class Zoom link will remain the same each week. Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35259</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Intermediate 2 &#8211; Intro to Veil and Balancing Props Brush Up</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-intermediate-2-intro-to-veil-and-balancing-props-thursdays-730-825-pm/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[An Nguyen-Gia]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:19:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=35242</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In this introductory props class, you'll practice the art of belly dance while incorporating the graceful manipulation of a veil and the crowd-pleasing act of balancing props.

For the first part of the semester, you will learn to gracefully incorporate props like swords, candles, and trays into your dance, enhancing your posture, poise, and control while you wow the audience.

Later in the semester you will discover how to use the veil to accentuate your movements, add drama to your performance, and captivate your audience with its ethereal beauty. From classic Egyptian entrances to American Cabaret style wraps and flourishes, you'll learn the techniques to enhance your artistry and extend your dance through the prop.

<p class="requirements">Prerequisite: Sahara Dance Intermediate 1 Technique; Please bring a 3-yard silk veil, options for balancing props will be discussed in class, and do not need to be purchased in advance.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18509"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li><b>Limited Availability for In-Person Classes: </b>In-person class spots are few and capped to allow for social distancing if necessary.</li>
<li>Your <strong>In-Person</strong> class registration secures your physical spot in the studio for all classes within the semester. In-Person registrants may attend the class live, in person, or virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li><strong>Online</strong> registrants may attend the class virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li>Miss a class? No problem! Registered students have access to video recordings of each class, so you can dance on your own schedule.</li>
<li>Curious about the curriculum? All registered students receive a password to access to the Sahara Dance curriculum for each level, including class choreography sheets.</li>
<li>In-Person classes are held at our Sahara Dance studio in Tenley: 4433 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC.</li>
<li><b>PLEASE NOTE: Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. The Zoom link remains the same each week. </b>Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">35242</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Fusion Performance &#8211; Raqqesat Indigo</title>
		<link>https://saharadance.com/product/summer26sdc-raqqesat-indigo-wednesdays-630-725-pm/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Roderica Deguitos]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:42:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://saharadance.com/?post_type=product&#038;p=32687</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Raqqesat Indigo is a student company with its roots stemming from one of Sahara Dance’s original creations, Raqs Caravan West. Paying homage to the <span class="il" style="font-size: 1.5rem;">Indigo</span><span style="font-size: 1.5rem;"> Belly Dance Company, founded by Rachel Brice and Mardi Love in 2003, Raqqesat </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 1.5rem;">Indigo</span><span style="font-size: 1.5rem;"> will continue the tradition of fusion belly dance. Dancers will perform to an array of different styles of fusion music, including French classics, slow and sassy numbers, and vaudevillian inspired choreography accompanied by theatrical props.</span>

Summer26: Let us linger in the moment with a slowed, vintage jazz fusion piece—where heels and fringe still take flight, only now with a languid, sultry grace.

Raqqesat Indigo is only available to attend in person, and not available for online participation. Being in person helps create a unified company and helps students integrate blocking and individual adjustments.

Costuming parameters will be set by the teacher in consultation with Raqqesat Indigo members.
<div><img class="aligncenter wp-image-24167 size-full" src="https://saharadance.com/wp-content/uploads/53418499423_8c72ac6931_c.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="450" /></div>
<div style="height: 10px;"></div>
<p class="requirements">Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate 1 (formerly Low Intermediate) technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Intermediate Technique class or above</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="content_block" id="custom_post_widget-18563"><div class="fine-print">
<ul>
<li><b>Limited Availability for In-Person (In-Person) Classes: </b>In-person class spots are first come, first serve, with limited space available.</li>
<li>Dancers will perform at the Sahara Dance Summer Caravan: featuring Marta Korzun on Sunday, Aug 23rd, 3pm and 6pm at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD (plan for a full day of technical rehearsal starting in the morning).</li>
<li>Your In-Person performance class registration secures your physical spot in the studio for all classes within the semester. You may attend the class live, in person, or virtually, live-streaming.</li>
<li>Miss a class? Registered students have access to video recordings of each class for the duration of the semester.</li>
<li>75% live attendance (in-person) is required to perform; extended absences need approval from the teacher to be included in the performance. Please communicate absences to the teacher in advance, when possible.</li>
<li>Curious about the curriculum? All registered students receive a password to access to the Sahara Dance curriculum for each level, including class choreography sheets.</li>
<li>Classes are held at our Sahara Dance studio in Tenley: 4433 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington DC.</li>
<li>Performance Classes will culminate in a performance that is open to the public, at a local venue to be announced at the beginning of each class series. (Venue locations change throughout the year). Save the entire day for tech rehearsal and performance(s). It is possible there will be two shows.</li>
<li>The DC-MD-VA local region has many festivals and there will likely be additional performance opportunities for company members, including the Fiesta Asia Street Fair in the summer and Tenleytown Art All Night in the fall.</li>
<li>Concurrent enrollment in a technique or specialty class is required for all performance students.</li>
<li>In-person attendance will be required in select classes to set blocking. Required in-person class attendance dates will be set by the teacher during the first two weeks of class, after polling enrolled students to accommodate schedules as best as possible.</li>
<li>Costumes for performance classes are selected by the teacher, in consultation with company members. Costumes are individually purchased and owned. Performance companies almost always reuse costumes for multiple semesters. Sometimes costumes may be borrowed, or purchase used, from previous dancers. Efforts are made in coordination with the company members to keep costume costs reasonable and styles flattering for all bodies.</li>
<li>Registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent approximately one hour prior to class. The class Zoom link will remain the same each week. Registration will remain open up until 30 minutes prior to the class start time, or as spaces remain available.  The live-streaming access to classes are offered through Zoom and are Eastern Standard Time zone.</li>
<li>Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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