February at Aisha Studios: Shimmies, Guest Teachers, + More
February is here and we have new class topics along with some unique learning opportunities (like studying with an illustrious instructor of Middle Eastern Dance!).
We are excited for what's to come - all the details below!
Dancers in the January All Levels Choreography Workshop
February Class Topic: Shimmies Galore!
Unlock the magic of shimmies with us this month! Shimmies are arguably the most recognized bellydance move. Each week, we'll break down and practice one distinct shimmy. By the end of the month, you'll learn 4 different kinds!
Classes are every Thursday at Elite Ballroom:
6pm - SharQui: The Bellydance Workout (all levels)
7pm - Bellydance Foundations (beginners)
8pm - Bellydance Performance Development (intermediate & up, select Thursdays)
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW STUDENT OFFER
Join Workshops with Our Special Guest Instructor (in-person + online!)
Tarifa Salem, decorated Middle Eastern dance performer and instructor, is visiting us on February 23 and 24 for a weekend of workshops!
Tarifa has been dancing professionally since the 1970s, and comes from a lineage of Lebanese dancers. Her uncle was the famous Ibrahim Farrah, a performer, instructor, event organizer, magazine owner, and troupe director. He is considered by many to be the Father of Middle Eastern Dance here on the east coast.
Tarifa is excited to share three workshops with us, and one of those are exclusive to Aisha Studios students!
Here are the workshop topics:
Raqs Sharqi with Veil and Optional Cymbals - Learn a classic, dynamic raqs sharqi (bellydance) choreography to an Arab pop song. This choreography features both veil and optional cymbals. It’s earthy, playful, and surprising, and it’s sure to give you new pathways and techniques for your own dancing.
Lebanese Folkloric Dance with Handkerchiefs - Inspired by her grandmother’s dancing, Tarifa will share a choreography rooted in her Lebanese heritage. It is energetic, soulful, and will introduce you to fundamental steps and elements of Lebanese folk dance.
Zaar Choreography - Zaar is an ancient dance of healing which was, and still is, practiced by communities in Northeast Africa and various parts of the Middle East. In this workshop, Tarifa will teach a choreography inspired by this healing ritual to Aisha Studios students and members of NC Bellydance Entertainment (NCBE). After teaching it, she will stage it for NCBE with Aisha Studios students getting a first hand look at the work that goes on in a professional company. This workshops is great opportunity to not only learn about the tradition of Zaar, but to also learn the ins and outs of working with a master instructor and choreographer and what it means to train intensively as a part of a bellydance / MENAHT focused dance company.
REGISTER FOR SATURDAY WORKSHOPS (Raqs Sharqi + Lebanese Folkloric Dance)
REGISTER FOR ZAAR (happening on Friday and only available through this special link)
Looking Into the Spring: Special Workshop Series on Improvising to Classic Arabic Songs
Improvising to classic Arabic songs is a transformative skill that not only enhances your dance repertoire but also deepens your connection to the rich cultural and musical traditions of bellydance.
In this workshop series, you'll learn how to express yourself authentically through improvisation to classic Arabic songs.
Workshop Dates: March 16, April 20, and May 18
All workshops are from 11am-1pm at Elite Ballroom, Morrisville, NC + Online on Zoom.
