Audition to perform Shahrzad’s Modern Shaabi choreography as part of 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.
The performance is part of an ongoing series highlighting the work of world-touring, guest artists as they visit Sahara Dance, and offering intensive artistic development for advanced dancers. Our hope is that dancers take the opportunity to have professional, individualized feedback from leading dancers around the world.
May the project serve to broaden and enrich our dance artistry and inspiration, as individual dancers and a community.
The Al Fanaanat Project has two parts:
Part 1. Professional Dance Development Video Feedback ($75)
Part 2. Coached Rehearsals & Ensemble Performance (by invitation) ($250)
Part 1. Professional Dance Development Video Feedback
Open to all dancers who learn Shahrzad’s Advanced Modern Shaabi choreography [REGISTER], either in-person, live-streaming, or by recording. Receive personalized video recorded feedback from Shahrzad on your performance of Shahrzad’s choreography.
Dancers may optionally indicate whether or not they would like their video to be considered as an audition to perform for part 2 of the project.
Submissions are open to dancers who are enrolled (hybrid or virtually) in Shahrzad’s Advanced Modern Shaabi choreography on December 22, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. If dancers are not able to attend the workshop in-person or live-streaming, they may learn the piece via the workshop recording.
Though not required, dancers may submit their performance video in costume if they would like additional feedback on professional presentation.
Audition video submissions are due January 14, filmed horizontally, and submitted through youtube.com. Dancers will receive private, individualized feedback videos from Shahrzad.
Part 2. Coached Rehearsals & Ensemble Performance (by invitation)
Select dancers will be accepted from the audition submissions to perform a small ensemble version of the choreography as part of the Al Fanaanat Project. The performance will be at the end of August, 2025 (Date and Venue TBD).
Al Fanaanat Project rehearsals will be directed by Rachel Kay Brookmire and/or Sahara Dance teachers. The dancers selected to perform will receive additional personalized and group feedback and direction on rehearsal videos from Shahrzad via recording.
Rehearsal times and dates will be set, along with costuming, with feedback from the dancers chosen to perform the piece. There will be 3 – 6 two-hour rehearsals scheduled, likely on weekends. There may be additional costuming costs for dancers selected to participate in the performance project. Regular attendance in classes will improve a participant’s chances of being accepted and maintaining / developing the skills necessary for the project.
