Raqqesat Arabi is the Sahara Dance Student Company specializing in performing folkloric dances of the Arab world.
The Nubians are a linguistically and culturally diverse population hailing from southern Egypt and northern Sudan. The folkloric dance style of the Nubian people of southern Egypt is distinct from that of their Arab neighbors in the region. Students will explore fundamental technique and gestures that define Nubian dance, characterized by an upbeat and joyful style with simple footwork and relaxed arm movements. Master the unique Jerk rhythm and immerse yourself in the dance tradition of one of the oldest cultures in Africa.
Sahara Dance Summer Caravan
Get excited to perform at our biggest theater show yet, Sahara Dance Presents: Bellydance Evolution, “The Jungle Book” and Sahara Dance Summer Caravan!
Summer company dancers will have the opportunity to perform at our grandest theater show to date (August 24th at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre). Enjoy the camaraderie and magic of being part of a professional, theatrical belly dance production!
Summer Focus
The focus for Summer company dancers will be on performing large-scale visions of belly dance on the grand stage (theatre seating nearly 500!). Time to get in shape for summer and to showcase the best of our dancing and choreography, alongside the professional cast of Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution (BDE)!
Summer Caravan is the first act of a two-part show and each Sahara Dance company will perform a choreography (they will not be Jungle Book themed; that is the BDE act). BDE will perform “The Jungle Book,” following our act.
With Jillina in town we will restage a variation of our epic, 8-minute World Culture Festival (WCF) choreography! The WCF choreography will be a sizzling finale number to close the Summer Caravan show. Cast members may perform the drum solo as part of company class finale, or larger sections of the choreography as an additional performance offering.
As hosting BDE is a unique and huge undertaking, we will be organizing a special “Meet and Greet” with the cast for select audience members following the show. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of Sahara Dance and BDE belly dance history, and enjoy dancing as part of an exceptional summer show. This special one-time show is sure to be a hit for the whole family, including children!
Summer company members may have additional performance opportunities at Summer festivals, including Friendship Heights Alliance Makers Market on May 18th.
Enjoy the camaraderie, growth, and dance mastery that comes with a full semester to learn a new choreography and perform at a professional theater show. Special focus is placed on projection, stage presence, upper body carriage, movement extension, musicality, cultural context, and performer camaraderie.