Workshops

All festival, workshops and dance camp events will be held at the Carrillo Recreation Center 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, except the class on Wednesday, 8/20 on "Stick", which will be held at Judeen's Middle Eastern Dance Studio: 3595 Numancia St. Santa Ynez, CA 93460.

Tuesday, August 19 (10:00 - 11:30 / 1:00 - 2:30)
ZILLS AND RHYTHMS with Alexandra King
Learn 6 rhythms and how to dance with Zills, plus, learn to play Zills for Yourself in Your Drum Solo!

Wednesday, August 20 (11:00 - 1:00 / 2:30 - 4:00)
SAIDI STICK TECHNIQUE/CHOREOGRAPHY with Judeen
Judeen will technique and choreography for Saidi Stick (Raks Assaya). Based on the Egyptian martial art, Taktib, the stick is an popular part of both the American cabaret as well as the Egyptian cabaret.

Thursday, August 21 (10:00 - 12:00)
SWORD TECHNIQUE with Zahirah
The ancient art of sword dancing is a specialty of Zahirah's. She will teach technique and combinations for a solo sword dance or how to incorporate it into your cabaret.

Friday, August 22 (10:00 - 12:00 / 1:00 - 2:30)
INTRODUCTION TO PERSIAN with Alexandra King
This is the only classical form of dance in the Middle East and it is an integral part of belly dance basics - particularly the Turkish tradition. Alexandra will teach beginning Technique and a short Choreography which will be performed at Chef Karim's dinner show on Friday night!

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Saturday, August 23 10:00 - 12:00

TURKISH ROM with Elizabeth Strong
Move past the basics and deepen your sense of Turkish Rom dance. The head, chest, arms, hips, and feet are all interconnected to create a mannerism - a feeling - that is essentially Turkish Roman.

This class will explore more complex foot patterns and layering. Intended for those who already are comfortable with the basics of this style, or who are willing for an initiation by fire. Really dance the dance and feel the joy that comes with getting to fly within this form!
High Beginning/Intermediate.

Please wear yoga pants, a plain hip sash, bare feet and a comfortable top.

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Saturday, August 23, 1 - 3:00 PM

ORIENTAL VS. BELEDI with Tamra-henna
Tamra-henna decodes the technique and dynamics that give a dance the classic grace of Raqs Sharqi or the light-hearted upbeat feel of Beledi style Tamra-henna begins with a clear description of each style and music suitable for each. Next we learn technique and combinations that we adapt to suit each style. Learn to make dynamic changes in your style to reflect your choice of music!
High Beginning/Intermediate.

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Sunday, August 24, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

LATIN-ARABIC FUSION IN BELLY DANCE with Cris!
Come and enjoy belly dancing with the contagious rhythms of Latin music. This workshop will teach you simple and flavorful combinations mixing Brazilian Samba, salsa and cha-cha moves that can be incorporated into your own belly dance routine.

Wear comfortable clothes (such as yoga pants and tank tops) and be ready to have fun! Participants are expected to have basic belly dancing experience though it is not required.

Click here to register for this workshop