UDM 21 | 2026 | Trailer
Details
About: Enjoy this short trailer for the 21st Annual Under a Desert Moon Gala show.
Performance: Trailer
Duration: 1:07
UDM 21 | 2026 | 3pm Show
Watch UDM 21 | 2026 | 3pm Show
Details
About:
ACT 1
| 1. Raqqesat Indigo | “Booty Swing” by Parov Stelar |
| Dancers: Andrea, Erin, Gilda, Gina, Illa, Isabel, Jeannette, Laura, Ni’tanny, Rebecca, Twiggy Inspired by the fun times of the 1920s flappers. (Choreography: Ami) | |
| 2. Beginner | “Bos Shof” by Khader Ahmad |
| Dancers: Ari, Kaya, Manuela, Mary, Monica Stanley, Oxana, Vickie B., Zaytouna Our beginner group performs a fun and lively Raqs Sharqi piece to music by drummer Khader Ahmad. With joyful energy and classic belly dance movements, they celebrate the rhythm and spirit of this vibrant song. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 3. Raqqesat Samia | “Helween (All are Beautiful)” by Dr. Samy Farag |
| Dancers: Ama, Amanda, Carol, Ghazal, Grace, Jewels, Nicolette (soloist), Stephanie Drummers: Aline, Arshia, Dana, Kathy, Kishore, Laura, Lubna, Mihoko, Randy This performance invites you to explore the art of music composition. The Tabla 2 drum class joins the dancers on stage! (Choreography: Nicolette) | |
| 4. Raqqesat Kitty | “Fi Yom We Leyla” by Yassir Jamal |
| Dancers: Aida, Andrea, Asia, Cassandra, Erika, Heather, Kaitlyn, Mari, Negeen Originally sung by Warda Al Jazaira and composed by Mohamed Abdel Wahab in 1978, this classic Egyptian love song tells the story of the sweetness of a whole lifetime of love condensed into just one day and one night. (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
| 5. Ami | “Ahwak” by Elyanna |
| Dancer: Ami When words fall short of expressing emotion, dance becomes the voice of the heart. (Choreography: Ami) | |
| 6. Raqqesat Tsifteteli | “Rixe Sto Kormi Mou Spirto” by Katerina Kouka |
| Dancers: Andrea, Cristiane, Gilda, Heather, Irina, Laura, Melissa, Odiney, Sophianna, Virginia, Zenia A playful and spirited Greek Tsifteteli piece showcasing swooshing skirts and swaying hair. (Choreography: Sophianna) | |
| 7. Randa | “Bahlem Bi Shahrzad” by Shahrzad |
| Dancer: Randa A mejance (entrance song). (Choreography: Randa) | |
| 8. Advanced Belly Dance Fusion | “Bella Ciao” by Becky G |
| Dancers: Ashley, Caroline, Crystal, Grace, Helena, Jeannette, Kelly, Kenya, Meghan, Nicole, Ni’tanny, Paula Bella Ciao is a tribute to resistance, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. With flowing red skirts like poppies in bloom, we honor the courage of those who rise and stand for freedom. (Choreography: Crystal) | |
| 9. Raqs Caravan East | “Drum Kischka” by Carlos Estevez |
| Dancers: Alzena, An, Christine, Claudia, Cynthia, Gail, Gretchen, Jeanette, Jennifer, Karen, Malina, Maria, Megan, Veronica, Ziyaki Our piece is performed to a powerful drum solo, where the music focuses on exciting rhythms and changing speeds. We blend different dance styles with strong energy and personality, bringing the beats to life on stage. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 10. Raqqesat Arabi | “Dabke / El Tannoura” by DJ Rony / Fares Karam |
| Dancers: Aida, Anaya, Ykita, Kelly, Leilah Moon, Yasmeen Drummers: Patty, Randy, Randa, Steffi Dabke, meaning “to stomp,” is performed at weddings and celebrations. It features rhythmic, synchronized stomping and holding hands to symbolize community, unity, and resilience, with roots in ancient communal traditions. We hope you will join us! (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
ACT 2
| 1. Raqs Caravan East | “Torn” by Nathan Lanier |
| Dancers: Alzena, An, Christine, Claudia, Cynthia, Gail, Gretchen, Jeanette, Jennifer, Karen, Malina, Maria, Veronica, Ziyaki This piece is performed to “Torn,” using veil to express the journey of breaking free and stepping into our true selves. Through emotional movement and flowing fabric, we share a story of strength, release, and self-expression. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 2. Raqqesat Naima | “Drum Solo” by Randy Pinder |
| Dancers: Amara, Angela, Erin, Gina, Madeline, Maria, Melissa, Morgan, Nicole, Romina, Suzana, Tamara Drummers: Patty, Randy, Randa, Steffi The art of the drum solo, where the rhythms of the drummers and the movement of the dancers create an expression greater than its individual parts. (Choreography: Randa) | |
| 3. Florencia | “E’balni Hayk” by Majida El Roumi |
| Dancer: Florencia Khomasi E’balni Hayk, popularized by legendary Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, is a heartfelt song about the vulnerability and transformative power of deep love. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 4. Raqqesat Badia | “Gawaher” by Dr. Samy Farag |
| Dancers: Camilla, Gretchen, Jennifer, Laura, Ria This dynamic mejanse, a traditional entrance composition, weaves together a variety of rhythms and expressive moods, showcasing the dancers’ versatility, musicality, and technique. (Choreography: Jennifer Anya) | |
| 5. Raqqesat Latin | “I Wanna Dance (salsa version)” by Artem Uzunov |
| Dancers: Amara, Cynthia, Erin, Illa, Isabella, Malina, Maria, Morgan, Ni’tanny, Rebecca Blending the precision of belly dance with the heat of Latin rhythm, this performance builds with sharp accents, dynamic shimmies, and undeniable stage presence. Dressed in red and black, the dancers radiate strength, intensity, and fearless feminine power. (Choreography: Cynthia and Julie) | |
| 6. Raqqesat Tahia | “Sallem ‘aal Beit” by Youssra El Hawary |
| Dancers: Anaya, Amelia, Carly, Cristiane, Kelly, Molly, Ykita This modern Egyptian alternative folk music, featuring the very popular accordion, highlights a fusion style prop – the fan veil – borrowed from Chinese dance. (Choreography: Gretchen) | |
| 7. Leilah Moon | “Tabla Baladi, Pt. 2” by Shahrzad |
| Dancer: Leilah Moon Baladi means “of the country” and “bint-il balad” means daughter of the country. This piece combines the aesthetics of baladi with the powerful shimmies and accents of a drum solo. (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
| 8. Raqqesat Soheir | “Lamma Bada Yatathana” by The Ayoub Sisters |
| Dancers: Angela, Illa, Shabnam, Steffi, Via, Virginia Moving between nostalgia and joy, the dancers embody the timeless Andalusian melody “Lamma Bada Yatathana” (“When she began to sway”) with flowing movement and classical expression. (Choreography: Ziyaki) | |
| 9. South Asian Fusion | “Anandaloke” by Rezwana Choudhury Bannya |
| Dancers: Ama, Amelia, Erin, Jewels, Malina, Rohina Anandaloke Mongolaloke is a Bengali song composed by famous poet Rabindranath Tagore which celebrates the divine beauty of nature, harmony, and truth. It evokes a vision of the universe suffused with joy, peace, and radiance. (Choreography: Malina) | |
| 10. Raqs Sahara | “Nihayet Nihavent” by Asana |
| Dancers: Cynthia, Jennifer, Nicolette, Omoladun, Randa, Ziyaki Nihayet Nihavent by Asana captures the depth and beauty of the Nihavent melody. Choreographed by Esmeralda Colabone and performed by Raqs Sahara, this piece brings the music to life through expressive movement. (Choreography: Esmeralda) | |
| 11. Finale | “Feel the Heat“ |
| Performers: Full Cast | |
Performance: 3pm Show
UDM 21 | 2026 | 6pm Show
Watch UDM 21 | 2026 | 6pm Show
Details
About:
ACT 1
| 1. Raqqesat Indigo | “Booty Swing” by Parov Stelar |
| Dancers: Andrea, Erin, Gilda, Gina, Illa, Isabel, Jeannette, Laura, Ni’tanny, Rebecca, Twiggy Inspired by the fun times of the 1920s flappers. (Choreography: Ami) | |
| 2. Beginner | “Bos Shof” by Khader Ahmad |
| Dancers: Ari, Kaya, Manuela, Mary, Monica Stanley, Oxana, Vickie B., Zaytouna Our beginner group performs a fun and lively Raqs Sharqi piece to music by drummer Khader Ahmad. With joyful energy and classic belly dance movements, they celebrate the rhythm and spirit of this vibrant song. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 3. Raqqesat Samia | “Helween (All are Beautiful)” by Dr. Samy Farag |
| Dancers: Ama, Amanda, Carol, Ghazal, Grace, Jewels, Nicolette (soloist), Stephanie Drummers: Aline, Arshia, Dana, Kathy, Kishore, Laura, Lubna, Mihoko, Randy This performance invites you to explore the art of music composition. The Tabla 2 drum class joins the dancers on stage! (Choreography: Nicolette) | |
| 4. Raqqesat Kitty | “Fi Yom We Leyla” by Yassir Jamal |
| Dancers: Aida, Andrea, Asia, Cassandra, Erika, Heather, Kaitlyn, Mari, Negeen Originally sung by Warda Al Jazaira and composed by Mohamed Abdel Wahab in 1978, this classic Egyptian love song tells the story of the sweetness of a whole lifetime of love condensed into just one day and one night. (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
| 5. Ami | “Ahwak” by Elyanna |
| Dancer: Ami When words fall short of expressing emotion, dance becomes the voice of the heart. (Choreography: Ami) | |
| 6. Raqqesat Tsifteteli | “Rixe Sto Kormi Mou Spirto” by Katerina Kouka |
| Dancers: Andrea, Cristiane, Gilda, Heather, Irina, Laura, Melissa, Odiney, Sophianna, Virginia, Zenia A playful and spirited Greek Tsifteteli piece showcasing swooshing skirts and swaying hair. (Choreography: Sophianna) | |
| 7. Randa | “Bahlem Bi Shahrzad” by Shahrzad |
| Dancer: Randa A mejance (entrance song). (Choreography: Randa) | |
| 8. Advanced Belly Dance Fusion | “Bella Ciao” by Becky G |
| Dancers: Ashley, Caroline, Crystal, Grace, Helena, Jeannette, Kelly, Kenya, Meghan, Nicole, Ni’tanny, Paula Bella Ciao is a tribute to resistance, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. With flowing red skirts like poppies in bloom, we honor the courage of those who rise and stand for freedom. (Choreography: Crystal) | |
| 9. Raqs Caravan East | “Drum Kischka” by Carlos Estevez |
| Dancers: Alzena, An, Christine, Claudia, Cynthia, Gail, Gretchen, Jeanette, Jennifer, Karen, Malina, Maria, Megan, Veronica, Ziyaki Our piece is performed to a powerful drum solo, where the music focuses on exciting rhythms and changing speeds. We blend different dance styles with strong energy and personality, bringing the beats to life on stage. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 10. Raqqesat Arabi | “Dabke / El Tannoura” by DJ Rony / Fares Karam |
| Dancers: Aida, Anaya, Ykita, Kelly, Leilah Moon, Yasmeen Drummers: Patty, Randy, Randa, Steffi Dabke, meaning “to stomp,” is performed at weddings and celebrations. It features rhythmic, synchronized stomping and holding hands to symbolize community, unity, and resilience, with roots in ancient communal traditions. We hope you will join us! (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
ACT 2
| 1. Raqs Caravan East | “Torn” by Nathan Lanier |
| Dancers: Alzena, An, Christine, Claudia, Cynthia, Gail, Gretchen, Jeanette, Jennifer, Karen, Malina, Maria, Veronica, Ziyaki This piece is performed to “Torn,” using veil to express the journey of breaking free and stepping into our true selves. Through emotional movement and flowing fabric, we share a story of strength, release, and self-expression. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 2. Raqqesat Naima | “Drum Solo” by Randy Pinder |
| Dancers: Amara, Angela, Erin, Gina, Madeline, Maria, Melissa, Morgan, Nicole, Romina, Suzana, Tamara Drummers: Patty, Randy, Randa, Steffi The art of the drum solo, where the rhythms of the drummers and the movement of the dancers create an expression greater than its individual parts. (Choreography: Randa) | |
| 3. Florencia | “E’balni Hayk” by Majida El Roumi |
| Dancer: Florencia Khomasi E’balni Hayk, popularized by legendary Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, is a heartfelt song about the vulnerability and transformative power of deep love. (Choreography: Florencia) | |
| 4. Raqqesat Badia | “Gawaher” by Dr. Samy Farag |
| Dancers: Camilla, Gretchen, Jennifer, Laura, Ria This dynamic mejanse, a traditional entrance composition, weaves together a variety of rhythms and expressive moods, showcasing the dancers’ versatility, musicality, and technique. (Choreography: Jennifer Anya) | |
| 5. Raqqesat Latin | “I Wanna Dance (salsa version)” by Artem Uzunov |
| Dancers: Amara, Cynthia, Erin, Illa, Isabella, Malina, Maria, Morgan, Ni’tanny, Rebecca Blending the precision of belly dance with the heat of Latin rhythm, this performance builds with sharp accents, dynamic shimmies, and undeniable stage presence. Dressed in red and black, the dancers radiate strength, intensity, and fearless feminine power. (Choreography: Cynthia and Julie) | |
| 6. Raqqesat Tahia | “Sallem ‘aal Beit” by Youssra El Hawary |
| Dancers: Anaya, Amelia, Carly, Cristiane, Kelly, Molly, Ykita This modern Egyptian alternative folk music, featuring the very popular accordion, highlights a fusion style prop – the fan veil – borrowed from Chinese dance. (Choreography: Gretchen) | |
| 7. Leilah Moon | “Tabla Baladi, Pt. 2” by Shahrzad |
| Dancer: Leilah Moon Baladi means “of the country” and “bint-il balad” means daughter of the country. This piece combines the aesthetics of baladi with the powerful shimmies and accents of a drum solo. (Choreography: Leilah Moon) | |
| 8. Raqqesat Soheir | “Lamma Bada Yatathana” by The Ayoub Sisters |
| Dancers: Angela, Illa, Shabnam, Steffi, Via, Virginia Moving between nostalgia and joy, the dancers embody the timeless Andalusian melody “Lamma Bada Yatathana” (“When she began to sway”) with flowing movement and classical expression. (Choreography: Ziyaki) | |
| 9. South Asian Fusion | “Anandaloke” by Rezwana Choudhury Bannya |
| Dancers: Ama, Amelia, Erin, Jewels, Malina, Rohina Anandaloke Mongolaloke is a Bengali song composed by famous poet Rabindranath Tagore which celebrates the divine beauty of nature, harmony, and truth. It evokes a vision of the universe suffused with joy, peace, and radiance. (Choreography: Malina) | |
| 10. Raqs Sahara | “Nihayet Nihavent” by Asana |
| Dancers: Cynthia, Jennifer, Nicolette, Omoladun, Randa, Ziyaki Nihayet Nihavent by Asana captures the depth and beauty of the Nihavent melody. Choreographed by Esmeralda Colabone and performed by Raqs Sahara, this piece brings the music to life through expressive movement. (Choreography: Esmeralda) | |
| 11. Finale | “Feel the Heat“ |
| Performers: Full Cast | |
Performance: 6pm Show