Sunday, May 31th Workshop Schedule

(View Saturday's Schedule)

Discounted rates available for multiple classes and groups!
Contact us for rates and to pay by check or credit card.

Free Beginner Belly Dance Classes on the hour from 1 to 4 Saturday and Sunday.

Q & A with Morocco Saturday 3pm and Sunday 1pm.

10:00AM – 1:00PM Kaeshi Chai
Brooklyn Baladi $70
Kaeshi will teach a powerful Tribal Fusion choreography to New York based Middle Eastern band, Djinn’s, "Brooklyn Baladi". This choreography covers many popular Tribal movements including, Egyptian Basic, Torso Rotation, Taksim, Arabic, Choo Choo Arc, Triplet shoulder pushes, Sidewinder, Satellite, 90 degree backbend, Turkish drop and more. She will also explain how Tribal style differs from Cabaret style comparing posture, use of muscles, choice of music, intention and movement vocabulary.

10:00AM – 1:00PM Tarik Sultan
Shabbi $70
Tarik Sultan will teach choreography to a popular shabbi song. He will be explaining the cultural context of shabbi music, as well as the concept of beladi style. Choreography notes will be provided.

10:00AM–1:00PM Sera Solstice
East Coast Tribal: Power in Expansive Movement $70
Move from your core. Connect to the dramatic imagery that you create through dance. Learn expansive movements that can be used to contrast with isolations to create dynamic dance. In this workshop you will learn a few combos from Sera’s choreographies grounded in Tribal Fusion with a taste of Kung Fu, and Modern Dance.

10:00AM - 11:30PM Casey Bond
Play 7 Favorite Belly Dance Songs! $40
Using the basic "no frills percussion" versions of fundamental Middle Eastern rhythms (maqsum, ayub, malfuf, bolero, saidi, chifteteli, etc.) you’ll learn to play along with these songs, with all the "breaks" and rhythm changes. Dancers- this is a proven way to gain confidence and lose those "live music" performance fears! We’ll play along with these classic belly dance songs: "Miserlou", "Layla", "Fire Dance", "Zeina", "Uskudara", "Hadouni, Hadouni" and "Mevlana". Please bring a doumbek, frame drum, zills, riqq or any small hand drum.

12:00PM - 1:30PM Carmine T. Guida
How to Play a Drum Solo for a Dancer $40
The drum solo is the climax of any belly dancer show. This is a great time for the dancer and drummer to improvise and communicate. In this workshop, you will learn how to build your own solos and improvising techniques. You will also learn what the dancer is expecting from you and how to play something interesting and exciting for them. This workshop is perfect for drummers who know the basics. This workshop is also great for dancers to learn about the drum solo from the drummer's perspective.

2:00PM - 3:30PM Carmine T. Guida
Middle Eastern Rhythms for All Percussion $40
If it makes noise...Bring It! Add some Middle Eastern rhythms to your repertoire with this great workshop! Great to play for dancers and at the drum circle too. All djembes, doumbeks, shakers and tambourines are welcome. You will learn several different rhythms in different time signatures. Perfect for hobbyists and serious players too.

2:00PM – 5:00PM Morocco
Raks al Assaya/ Egyptian Women’s Cane Dance $70
A variety of steps in a short, usable routine that parallels the amazing Cane Dance that Morocco herself does. Choreography notes will be provided.

4:00PM - 5:30PM April Centrone
Revealing the Secrets of Traditional Arabic Riq $40
Centrone will lead students through the basics of posture, grip and strokes associated with playing the riq. For more intermediate players, Centrone will reveal little-known tricks, secrets of the legend Michel Merhej Baklouk. Centrone will uncover the keys to a true traditional sound, a rare look into the Arabic school of riq.