Sahara Dance Performance Curriculum
To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.
~ Eugene Louis (Luigi) Faccuito ~
While providing a strong learning environment for students, both beginner and 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.
Please note class prerequisites, where applicable.
Student Dance Companies
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 the dance 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, Lebanese, and folkloric.
Raqqesat Badia Company
Raqqesat Badia is named after Badia Masabni, the godmother of Egyptian belly dance, and is a foundational company for students seeking to develop as belly dance performers and make new friends.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Beginner I/II
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): 32 weeks of Beginner I or Beginner I/II Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Beginner I/II or Beginner II Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): None
Raqqesat Samia Company
Raqqesat Samia, named after Samia Gamal, the national dancer of Egypt, is designed for those who have mastered the foundational Beginner II steps and are ready to elevate their dance journey to the next level.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Beginner II/Low Intermediate
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Beginner II Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): None
Raqqesat Arabi Company
Raqqesat Arabi is the Sahara Dance Student Company specializing in performing folkloric dances of the Arab world.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Low Intermediate
Style: Folklore
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Low Intermediate class
Concurrent Requirement(s): any Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): None
Raqqesat Indigo Company
Raqqesat Indigo is a new student company with its roots stemming from one of Sahara Dance’s original creations, Raqs Caravan West. Paying homage to the Indigo Belly Dance Company, founded by Rachel Brice and Mardi Love in 2003, Raqqesat Indigo will continue the tradition of fusion belly dance. Dancers will perform to an array of different styles of fusion music, French classics and much more. Slow and sassy to vaudevillian inspired choreography will be accompanied by theatrical props.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Low Intermediate
Style: Fusion
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class or above
Concurrent Requirement(s): Low Intermediate Fusion Combos Class
Other Requirement(s): None
Raqqesat Kitty Company
Raqqesat Kitty is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to enhancing belly dance skills for stage and mastering the Intermediate curriculum, and is home for students seeking to further develop as belly dance performers. Raqqesat Kitty honors Alexandria-born dancer Katy 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.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Intermediate
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Intermediate Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Intermediate Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): Permission of Company Director
Raqqesat Nadia Company
Raqqesat Nadia is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to mastering the Intermediate / Advanced curriculum for stage performance. Nadia Gamal, known as “The Queen of Bellydance,” was highly revered for her graceful movements, extensive use of footwork, and dynamic stage performances. She influenced many dancers including Ibrahim Farrah, and is often credited with originating and inspiring the modern Lebanese stylization of Raqs Sharqi.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Intermediate/Advanced Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Intermediate/Advanced Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): Permission of Company Director
Raqqesat Naima Company
Raqqesat Naima is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to mastering the Intermediate/Advanced curriculum for stage performance. Naima Akef, considered by many the greatest Egyptian dancer of the Golden Era, was renown for her impressive technique, versatility, and stage savvy. Raquettes Naima members practice the stylistic nuances for performing Egyptian dance with a broader movement repertoire and dynamic expression. Special focus is placed on polished and confident movement execution, intricate layering, personal expression and mastery of complex choreographies.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Previous completion of Sahara Dance Intermediate/Advanced Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Intermediate/Advanced Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): Permission of Company Director
Raqs Caravan East Company
Raqs Caravan East is a Sahara Dance student company specializing in raqs sharqi for stage. Students learn ensemble choreographies for performances at student shows, community events and in other educational environments.
Type: Student Dance Company
Level: Advanced
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Advanced Technique class (or equivalent as assessed by directors)
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Advanced Technique class with minimum 80% live attendance required
Other Requirement(s): Invitation Only by Company Directors
Attendance of biweekly rehearsals required.
Attendance of biweekly rehearsals required.
Professional Dance Companies
Raqs Sahara Company
The award-winning Raqs Sahara is the featured dance company at all Sahara Dance productions. Raqs Sahara performs regularly throughout the DC metro area at private parties, weddings and festivals.
Type: Professional Dance Company
Level: Advanced/Professional
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): None
Concurrent Requirement(s): None
Other Requirement(s): By invitation
Al Fanaanat Project
Audition to perform Shahrzad’s Advanced Drum Solo choreography as part of the Al Fanaanat Project! Al Fanaanat Project aims to help dancers develop professional level artistry in raqs sharqi, while enjoying the camaraderie of performing together. Al Fanaanat translates as “The Artists” in Arabic.
Type: Professional Dance Company
Level: Advanced/Professional
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): None
Concurrent Requirement(s): None
Other Requirement(s): By audition.
Mandatory attendance of coached reherasals, if audition is selected for the performance project.
Mandatory attendance of coached reherasals, if audition is selected for the performance project.
Sahara Dance Entertainment
Sahara Dance Entertainment provides professional belly dance entertainment for corporate parties, weddings and private events. We specialize in creating captivating and memorable performances, including solo dance performances and spectacular troupe performances with exciting choreographies and props. Our award-winning dancers have performed throughout the DC/MD/VA area at numerous restaurants, embassies and private events.
Type: Professional Dance Company
Level: Professional
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): N/A
Concurrent Requirement(s): N/A
Other Requirement(s): By audition
Performance Classes
Belly Dance Party Performance Class (All Levels)
Let’s bring the nightclub to the stage! Help create the party vibe with a sizzling choreography at Sahara Dance Summer Caravan. This special all-levels performance class is designed to create a simple and celebratory choreography for those who want to share their enthusiasm and love of belly dance on stage. Combining sensual belly dance moves with upbeat, impressive accents, perform a crowd-pleasing choreography to a classic song remixed for the club!
Type: Performance Class
Level: All Levels
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): Beginner I Belly Dance Technique
Concurrent Requirement(s): Any Sahara Dance Technique or Conditioning Class
Other Requirement(s): None
Beginner I Performance
Designed for students who are currently taking (or have completed) Sahara Dance Beginner I technique and wish to practice an ensemble dance for stage performance. Master a beginner choreography, which draws upon the Sahara Dance Beginner I curriculum. Ideal for students wanting to experience the exhilaration, artistry, and camaraderie of group performance and hone their foundational dance technique.
Type: Performance Class
Level: Beginner I
Style: Raqs Sharqi
Completion Requirement(s): None
Concurrent Requirement(s): Any Sahara Dance Beginner I or Beginner I/II Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): None
Bollywood Performance
Type: Performance Class
Level: Beginner/Low Intermediate
Style: Bollywood
Completion Requirement(s): None
Concurrent Requirement(s): Any Sahara Dance 16-week Technique class
Other Requirement(s): None
Status: On Hiatus
Baladi Performance
Type: Performance Class
Level: Low Intermediate
Style: Baladi
Completion Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class or above
Other Requirement(s): None
Status: On Hiatus
Belly Dance Fusion Performance
Type: Performance Class
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Style: Fusion
Completion Requirement(s): None
Concurrent Requirement(s): Sahara Dance Belly Dance Fusion Technique Class
Other Requirement(s): None
Status: On Hiatus
Student Drum Company
Sahara Tabla
Directed by Randy Pinder, Sahara Tabla is the featured percussion ensemble for all Sahara Dance productions and community events
Type: Student Drum Company
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Style: Drumming
Completion Requirement(s): Tabla I
Concurrent Requirement(s): Tabla II/III
Other Requirement(s): Permission of Company Director