February WorkshopOn February 18, dancers gathered to learn a full choreography to the song Habibi Ya Einy by Maya Yazbek. Here's how it went! March WorkshopOn March 11, dancers gathered to learn cane technique and put it together into a short combination. Here's what they learned!
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Interested in learning belly dance choreography? You don't have to be a performer - you can learn choreography for your own practice and fun! See the schedule below and the descriptions for the workshops. You can register for all three at a discount, or register individually (and take advantage of early bird sales!). If you live in North Carolina and want the chance to perform, there are performance opportunities available for the February and April choreographies!  Saturday, February 18 from 12-2pm ET - Classic Raqs Sharqi
(performance opportunity available) In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn a choreography to Habibi Ya Einy, a classical Egyptian song. This choreography is deceptively simple - it’s not hard to learn, but you’ll look like a million bucks performing it! This workshop is appropriate for all levels of dancer. If you’re newer to bellydance, it will introduce you to how choreographies are structured and how to get the most out of seemingly simple moves. If you have more experience, you’ll learn exciting nuances and leave with a fun, versatile choreography you can use again and again. Saturday, March 11 from 12-2pm ET - Raqs Assaya In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn raqs assaya technique and combinations to Gana el Hawa, a classical song with a surprising saidi twist. This rhythmic, energetic choreo might just make this prop your new favorite. We’ll start by learning and drilling cane moves, then incorporate them into our combinations. No cane/stick experience is required, but intermediate-advanced bellydance (raqs sharqi) experience is optimal. Prop Requirement: no need to bring your own cane or stick if attending in-person, we'll have enough available for everyone! If attending online you'll need a lightweight stick appropriate for balancing and spinning. We recommend a stick about 1/2 inch in diameter and 1 yard long (a sanded dowel rod will work great). Saturday, April 15 from 12-2pm ET - Arabic Pop (performance opportunity available) In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn a choreography to Salamat, a hit pop song from Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram. This choreography is fun, fresh, and contemporary, giving you a taste of what’s popular in Arabic pop music today. All workshops are co-produced by Aisha Studios and Rhythm and Rhinestones. It will feature a 20 minute SharQui - The Bellydance Workout warmup taught by Lina of Rhythm & Rhinestones. It will leave you feeling energized and ready to dance!  Colorful, floating veils are an iconic bellydance prop - and learning to dance with one is quite the arm workout!
About the Event This 1 hour workshop will introduce you to bellydancing with a veil by combining 30 minutes of bellydance fitness + 30 minutes of choreography. No dance experience is needed! This is perfect for beginner/intermediate bellydancers who want to give veil work a try. Dancers with more experience will find the workout portion is perfect for building strength, stamina, and confidence that will shine when you're on stage. We’ll start by learn veil basics in a fun, easy-to-follow fitness format. It’s not just an amazing core, cardio, and upper body workout - you’ll learn authentic bellydance technique too! Once you’ve got the moves down, we’ll move on to a simple, beginner-friendly choreography incorporating these movements set to a beautiful classic Egyptian song. If you join in person, we’ll have extra veils for you to borrow. If you are joining online, you’ll need a rectangular silk or chiffon veil roughly 3 yards long and a yard wide. A piece of lightweight fabric or a large scarf can also work. Email lina@rhythmandrhinestones.com if you need any help purchasing a veil before the workshop. In-person and online options available Join us in-person at Elite Ballroom in Morrisville, NC or attend online via Zoom. Spaces are extremely limited for in-person attendees due to the space required for veil work. Register early to secure your spot. The beautiful, spacious Elite Ballroom is centrally located in the Triangle, NC area just 20 minutes from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. A recording of the workshop will be sent to all attendees within 48 hours. Recording access will be available for 30 days. About Your Instructors This workshop is a collaboration between two NC instructors. Lina is a bellydance fitness instructor based in the Triangle, NC area and organizer of the Triangle Bellydance Events Newsletter. As a certified instructor for SharQui - the Bellydance Workout, she loves helping people get moving in a way that’s fun and artistic. She teaches weekly bellydance fitness classes in Morrisville, NC and online. Learn more at rhythmandrhinestones.com. Aisha is an award-winning belly dancer based in Piedmont Triad Area of North Carolina. She has performed in locations across the East Coast and internationally in Milan, Italy, sharing stages across the world with international stars. Aisha has had the pleasure of performing live with Middle Eastern bands in both NYC and NC. She is known for her authentic, captivating, and effortless style, capturing audiences hearts all the way from the restaurant floor to the theater stage. She currently teaches in-person and online, and holds special performance projects for dancers of all levels. You can find her class schedule at www.aisha-studios.com and her own personal performance schedule and performance projects at www.aishabellydance.com.
We had our first Belly Dance Combos - Cairo Style! class of the new year!
Here we are dancing to the hit song Baskotaya M2armesha by Hassan Shakosh, with choreography and performance style inspired by the nightclub dancers of Cairo, Egypt. Want to join in on the fun? Sign up for a class! Your first two drop-in classes are only $10. You can register here. Enjoy this lovely performance by the Aisha Studios Dancers! They are performing Aisha's Set el Hosen choreography, which you can also learn online! Belly Dance1001 Nights: An Afternoon of Belly Dance Enjoy an exciting and glamorous afternoon of bellydance and Middle Eastern dance performances from local pros and their student troupes. Immerse yourself in the art of bellydance and Middle Eastern music! This showcase features professional and semi-pro bellydancers from around the Triangle along with their student troupes. Enjoy classic raqs sharqi (bellydance) and Middle Eastern folk dances in this exciting performance you won’t want to miss. This show is family-friendly. Guests of all ages will appreciate the sparkling costumes, beautiful music, and elegant choreographies. DOORS OPEN AT 2pm EST SHOW STARTS AT 2:30pm EST Can't join us in the theater? Livestream tickets are available! But make sure you join live, because a replay will not be sent out. Holiday Belly Dance Session This special 3 week series is designed to get you moving, release stress, and find extra joy this holiday season! Each class you'll learn some new moves and put them together in a super fun dance combination. And if you know me, you know the playlist will be poppin'! No belly dance experience? Absolutely no problem! Anybody can move and groove in these classes. All you need is access to Zoom and a space at home to dance in. Recordings will be sent out after each session so even if you can't make it live, you can still dance! All three classes are available for $40. Drop in classes are available at $15 each. Energy HealingHoliday Energy Healing Sessions
In both Reiki and Akashic Records Readings Looking for peace and calm this holiday season? Try out a Reiki session. Looking for guidance and clarity? Try out an Akashic Records Reading. Both are at a special price of $30 for 30 minutes.  Live EventsSaturday, October 22 from 3-5pm: All Levels Belly Dance Choreography In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn an all-levels choreography set to Amal Hayati, a classical Egyptian song originally sung by legendary singer Umm Kalthoum. This romantic and dreamy choreography will transport you to the Golden-era of Egyptian belly dance. Register by this Saturday, October 8 to save. Available in-person AND online. Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm: Live Music + Bellydance Show at Elite Ballroom There's nothing like live music! If you're a NC local, come check this show out. Live music from around the Middle East and Mediterranean with Naji Hilal on oud, Alex Gordez on Spanish Guitar, and Danial Zaki on Darbuka, plus special guest rock guitarist Dave Hardman. Bellydance shows by Aisha, Sonya, Angelina, and Jessica. Plenty of open dancing! Bring your own beer or wine. On Demand The NEW Studio All Access Library! Learn Egyptian style belly dance technique, dance to classic Arab hits and the hottest new songs, grow as an artist, and have a damn good time! This is perfect for folks who are looking to learn or develop their belly dance technique and become and more musical and expressive dancer. In the on-demand library, you'll get a collection of 35+ dance classes accessible at a variety of dance levels. You'll even get access to speciality workshops, and a discount code to all live classes and private lessons. And don't worry, the amount of classes continues to grow, so you can be as fabulous of a dancer as you wish! What's even cooler - there is opportunity to get feedback from me each week!  Fall Energy Transformation - 7 Days of Release and Realignment!
Fall is the season of LETTING GO. Just as the leaves change colors, release from trees, and return to the earth, we can also release what is no longer serving us and returning it back to Source. Ask Yourself:
In this 7 Days of Energy Healing, we will focus on releasing those burdens and cultivating a strong energy field and the courage and confidence to support your next evolution. All you need is 30-45 minutes a day, and an itch to try out Qigong, Reiki, simple prayers to Source, and other energy healing practices.  Classes Sunday, September 4 and Sunday, September 18: Belly Dance & Reiki The Studio's Signature Class to move your energy and release stress. September 24 - 28: 7 Days of Energy Healing 7 days of Reiki, Qigong, and Other Exercises to clear your energy and strengthen your aura for fall Saturday, September 24: Belly Dance Choreography Workshop + Performance Opportunity You'll learn an elegant and earthy veil choreography to a classic belly dance song (and perform if you'd like!). Register by September 10 to save, and look out for more workshops in October and November. Private Sessions
REIKI SESSIONS “Each and every being has an innate ability to heal as a gift from divinity.” - Mikao Usui, the founder of modern day Reiki Reiki is a holistic Japanese energy practice that seeks to bring balance and harmony throughout your mind, body and spirit. Universal life force energy is available to us all, and it can be used to heal. In a Reiki session, a practitioner channels Universal Life Force Energy to clear out energy blockages (emotions, past hurts/pains, unhelpful thought patterns, etc.) and increase the positive flow of energy in ways that can benefit you mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. There are TWO types of Reiki sessions I offer:
AKASHIC RECORDS READING An Akashic Records Reading is an intuitive session in which you can received guidance, clarity, understanding, and healing to deep questions on your heart. Your personal Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones (MTLOs) step forward to answer your questions, telling you what you need to gain understanding and take next steps. Your MTLOs always give accurate information and focus your attention on exactly what's needed, but it can beyond what you imagined for yourself or the situation. Coming with an open mind is vital for your optimal experience <3 You can ask about all types of topics you are curious about in your life and the world around you. These readings given at a suggested donation from $40-$75. Sessions are 45 minutes and happen as an audio call over Zoom.  Learn an elegant and earthy bellydance choreography set to classic Egyptian mejance (entrance) music.
About this event In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn an intermediate/advanced veil choreography to Set El Hosen, a classical mejence (entrance) song originally written for bellydance superstar Nagwa Fouad. You’ll enter the stage with swirling, elegant veil work, then transition to earthy Egyptian hipwork. The overall choreography shows off your range as a dancer and is perfect for a standalone number or as a dynamic start to a larger set. Prop Requirement: one rectangular veil (around 3 yards long) made of silk, chiffon, or a similar lightweight material. Extra veils will be available for in-person attendees to borrow if needed. This workshop also features a 20 minute SharQui - The Bellydance Workout warmup taught by Lina (@rhythmandrhinestones). It will leave you feeling energized and ready to dance! Take advantage of the early registration discount when you register before September 10th. This workshop is part of the Aisha Studio’s fall classic choreography series. Registration for the October 22nd workshop and November 19th workshop is coming soon. Save on multiple workshops - you will be automatically emailed a discount code for future workshops after you register for this one. Join In-Person or Online Choose your own adventure for this hybrid workshop! Learn in-person at Elite Ballroom in Morrisville, NC or attend online via Zoom. The beautiful, spacious Elite Ballroom is centrally located in the Triangle, NC area just 20 minutes from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Space is limited for in-person attendees to allow for social distancing. Register early to secure your spot. A recording of the workshop will be sent to all attendees within 48 hours. Recording access will be available for 30 days. Live Performance Opportunity Want to perform this choreography live with Aisha? Limited spots are available to join Aisha onstage to perform this routine at the Aisha Studios December Bellydance Showcase on 12/3 in Carrboro, NC. Choose the “Workshop + Performance Opportunity” option to secure your spot. This option includes 4 additional rehearsals (two via Zoom and one in person) and a troupe costume. Performance dancers will receive personalized coaching during rehearsals as well as individual feedback after the performance. Additional opportunities in the Triangle, NC area may be available if you have chosen the Performance option. Rehearsal and Performance Schedule In-person rehearsals will be held at Elite Ballroom in Morrisville, NC.
Online rehearsals will be held via Zoom.
The final performance will be Saturday, December 3rd from 2:30-4pm at the Century Center in Carrboro, NC. Please contact Aisha at aishacdance@gmail.com if you are interested in performing but are unable to attend one of the rehearsals. Payment Plan The $210 performance option includes the workshop, all 4 rehearsals, and a troupe costume (which is yours to keep after the performance). A payment plan is available for anyone who would prefer it, no questions asked. Just choose the “Workshop + Performance Opportunity (Payment Plan)” option at registration. If you choose the payment plan, you will be charged $105 at the time of registration, and the remaining $105 is due before November 1st. You will receive an invoice via PayPal for the remaining balance if you’d prefer to pay via card, or you can pay Aisha directly via at the 10/8 in-person rehearsal. Contact Aisha at aishacdance@gmail.com if you have any questions about the performance or payment options. Frequently Asked Questions How much dance experience do I need to take this workshop? This workshop is recommended for intermediate and up dancers of bellydance / raqs sharqi. The pace will be fairly fast in order to learn as much choreography as possible during the workshop. While you’re welcome to join if you’re a beginner, you’ll get the most out of the workshop if you have at least 2-3 years of experience in this style. A recording of the workshop will be emailed to all participants and will be accessible for 30 days. You will be able to review this recording as many times as you like, so it’s a great way to learn at your own pace even after the workshop ends. Can I perform this choreography? Yes, go for it! Please credit Aisha as the choreographer and link to her website (www.aisha-studios.com). There is also an in-person performance opportunity available for this choreography at the Aisha Studios December Bellydance Showcase on 12/3 in Carrboro, NC. This includes four additional rehearsals (two in-person, two online) and individual feedback. See above for rehearsal schedule. Choose the “Workshop + Performance Opportunity” option to secure your spot. Additional opportunities in the Triangle, NC area may be available this year if you have chosen the Performance option. Where can I find a translation of the song we’re dancing to? Set El Hosen doesn’t have true lyrics, but it does have a lot of history! The title translates roughly to “Prettiest of the Pretty” and was originally written for the iconic Nagwa Fouad. See a full explanation of the song here. Can I switch from in-person to online or vice versa? Yes, email Aisha at aishacdance@gmail.com to change your registration if space is available. I already registered but can no longer attend. Can I get a refund? All sales are final. However, you can transfer your registration to another attendee if you both email Aisha at aishacdance@gmail.com to request the transfer. Another option is to switch to an online registration by emailing Aisha, or to participate via the replay. All participants (including those attending in-person) will receive a recording of the workshop you can access for 30 days. In May 2022, an Aisha Studios Community Member + TXTURE Magazine Writer Lucy Sams interviewed Aisha about energy healing practices.  Here's an article excerpt, introducing you to our conversation:
"In the past, exploring anything outside of Christianity has often resulted in backlash for our culture. Times have changed and so have we! Many things that are highly criticized within the Black American community; therapy, veganism, etc. are now being explored with open arms as we as a people do everything we can to become healthy and whole; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As a highly spiritual person, the study of metaphysics has peaked my curiosity on more than one occasion. I took the opportunity to have a conversation with Aisha Cannon, a practitioner of the Energy Healing Arts to have a few questions answered."' No matter your identity or background, you'll be able to journey with me in the exploration of energy and learn more about my personal experiences and the energy medicine I have learned + currently provide. You can read the full article below. |
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