“THE MOST REGRETFUL PEOPLE ON EARTH ARE THOSE WHO FELT THE CALL TO CREATIVE WORK, WHO FELT THEIR OWN CREATIVE POWER RESTIVE AND UPRISING, AND GAVE TO IT NEITHER POWER NOR TIME.” ~MARY OLIVER
Want to perform bellydance on stage? Join a Sahara Dance Performance Company!
There are several student performance companies from which to choose. Check the Classes Schedule to see what’s currently available! More on each company below.
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 their dance lineage 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 and folklore.
Sahara Dance Resident Performance Companies:
- Raqqesat Arabi – folkloric student company
- Raqqesat Badia – Beginner I / II student company
- Raqqesat Beirut – Lebanese style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
- Raqqesat Indigo – Fusion style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
- Raqqesat Kitty – Intermediate student company
- Raqqesat Nadia – Intermediate / Advanced student company
- Raqqesat Naima – Intermediate / Advanced student company
- Raqqesat Samia – Beginner II / Low Intermediate student company
- Raqs Caravan East – Advanced student company
- Raqs Sahara – Professional company
While providing a strong learning environment for students, from beginner to 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.
To participate in a dance company you must simultaneously be enrolled in the corresponding technique class. Beginners may enroll in Raqqesat Badia along with a beginner technique class. More specific information about prerequisite levels is here.
If you are a current student wondering whether you are ready to move up, consult with your current teacher for feedback about your appropriate level. In this process, please be gentle with yourself – remember everyone grows at their own pace, and there is not a preset amount of time to spend at each level. Please note, Raqs Caravan East and Raqs Sahara are by invitation only.
If you are not yet enrolled in any Sahara Dance classes but have previous belly dance experience, just email us about recommendations on levels – info@saharadance.com.
