6 Hour intensive includes Lunch and ticket to Friday Show
Morning:

The Moving Canvas

Precision drills and movement flow to refine transitions, lines, and shimmies. We will also polish veil technique. Sculpting muscle memory through deliberate repeated practice of traveling steps and combos, both with and without veil.

Afternoon:

The Sound of Bellydance: Hasan Abou El Seoud's Musical Legacy

Explore the profound influence of Hasan Abou El Seoud, one of the most significant composers in the bellydance world. Known for his collaborations with iconic artists like Farid al-Atrash, Ahmed Adiwaya, and Sabah, Abou El Seoud crafted timeless tracks such as Shik Shak Shok, Bint Al Sultan, and Salamet Om Hassan. In this class, we'll delve into his compositions and iconic taxims , understanding their impact on the evolution of bellydance music and why every dancer should be familiar with his work. Lecture, listen, and culminating in movement - A Hassan Abou El Seoud guided dance party!

Fusion Choreography & Performance Intensive with Ebony
Spend the day diving deep into Ebony’s signature fusion style as we train technique, build movement combinations, and learn a dynamic group choreography together. Along the way, we’ll refine musicality, layering, stage presence, and the small details that make choreography come alive onstage. Dancers who participate in the intensive will have the opportunity to perform the piece with Ebony during the festival showcase. Designed for dancers with at least low-intermediate belly dance experience (modifications always offered).

THIS INCLUDES ALL WORKSHOPS (1 per timeslot) and shows .$100 savings! THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE INTENSIVES. PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] your workshop choices upon purchase. Limited Supply. Payment plan available

MAIA- Melaya Leff for Fun
What do chewing gum and bellydance have to do with each other? You'll see!
Sweet and just a pinch of sassy, join us for a fun mini Melaya Leff choreography.
This workshop will go over some of the basic history and stylization of the Melaya (Millaya/Malaya etc). The cloth wrap was used originally as a modesty garment; later it become the basis of a folkloric fantasy tableau dance. Come see what it's all about! Advanced beginner and up, this dance is geared for Melaya basics, you don't have to know anything about the prop. Bring a Melaya (or your heaviest, widest veil). Dancing in heels is optional, but extra credit!

NAIMAH All About That Face" Part 2: The Application Description:
If you missed part one of this makeup series, no worries. This part is all about the application and Naimah will answer any questions along the way. In part one we discussed skin care, makeup application dos and don'ts, makeup styles for casual wear, special occasion or performance, and more. In this class we will be applying makeup to the face to practice your desired looks. Please bring a notebook, any glam inspirations, whatever supplies you have for applying makeup, and a clean, fresh face. Credentials: Naimah is a licensed makeup artist who was employed by Clinique and Sephora and later became a freelance artist. She currently works primarily with photo/performance ready makeup.

You don't have to stop dancing because your body has changed - you just need more options. Whether you're dealing with cranky knees, a sensitive back, tight hips, sore shoulders, foot issues, pregnancy, or simply want to dance more comfortably, this workshop will show you how to adapt movement without losing the beauty, technique, or joy of bellydance.
Together, we'll explore practical options that honor your body. You’ll discover that one step doesn't have to look the same on every dancer - and that's exactly what makes great teaching and accessible dancing. Perfect for instructors dancers alike, you'll leave with a toolbox of effective movement options that build confidence and help you continue dancing for years to come. Because bellydance should fit YOUR body - not the other way around.

You've seen the videos and heard the music now you wanna try Sha'abi! Well you've come to right place, you are going to learn the historical and cultural nuances of Sha'abi this includes hand gestures, moves, and we going to learn the English translation alongside the emotional translation of a few old and new shaabi songs. Come on, you know you want to be Sha'abi Chic!

Kamrah- Raqs Gothique: Imagine this - it’s 2008, everyone is smoking cloves and the DJ is blasting Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, Clan of Xymox, Joy Division…and you’re ready to dance in your brand new corset belt. We’re taking it back to the height of the Gothic belly dance craze with some delightfully dark combos to the best music, old and new.

Are you tired of your veil work? Do you find its presentation on stage predictable? Let's think about all the usual rules applied to this beautiful prop, and break them! In this workshop you will learn Irina's unconventional approach to using the veil vertically, to frame the body. Let's explore new details, textures and concepts. Aside from it singing beautifully in the air, we can make it tangle artistically, snaking around the body. This workshop requires standard length veil (minimum 3 yards), and make sure you are wearing something with a tight waist band or a hip scarf - we will need an occasional anchoring point. Let's dig in and embody moments straight out of Alphonse Mucha’s paintings.
* OPEN LEVEL - no prior veil experience is necessary, however more complex layers will be offered to experienced dancers.

Drum Solo Technique by Angel Bellydance Get ready to sharpen your technique and bring more power, precision and personality to your Drum Solo! In this workshop, Angel will break down some of her favorite Drum Solo techniques while focusing on strong accents, clean isolations, sharp movements, shimmies, musicality and control. We’ll explore how to listen and respond to the drum so your movements don’t just look clean, they actually connect to what you’re hearing. Expect plenty of drilling, fun combinations and those little details that can make your Drum Solo look more polished, confident and performance-ready.

DOUMBEKS & FRAME DRUMS & ZILLS…OH MY!

Drummers! Dancers! Bring your Middle Eastern percussion instruments to this ensemble rhythm workshop for percussionists of all levels! Learn to recognize and play rhythms used for belly dance! Fun, funky, and ever-so- user friendly drills will focus on doumbeks, frame drums and zills, but Turkish spoons and riqqs are also welcome here! Beginners will play basic rhythms, while intermediate players embellish with finger rolls, slaps, snaps and so much more.

Then, feel your confidence grow as we learn one of Casey’s original student ensemble pieces, Heart of the Belly 2027. Using two common belly dance rhythms, you will experience the rhythmic synergy that comes with performing novice and advanced parts for doumbek, frame drum and zills. Those who wish to perform onstage with the ensemble are encouraged to give it a go, but participation is not even remotely required. Class notation will be provided electronically. Please bring your own drum – there will be a few loaners available on a “first come, first drum” basis.

Khuzama
Making It Golden: Embodying the Legacy of the Greats
Description:
Step into the essence of the Golden Era and rediscover what made it timeless. In this
workshop, we revisit the elegance, power, and presence of classic belly dance, focusing
not just on movement, but on embodiment.
We’ll explore the signature qualities that defined the legends including musicality, poise,
emotional depth and learn how to channel those elements into your own dancing.
Refine, elevate, and become an embodiment of the golden era.
Please bring a veil and a notepad. This workshop will be intermediate to advanced.

Grab some spoons and let's make some noise! Sassy Spoons is about fun, musicality, and letting loose while learning the art of Turkish spoon playing. In this upbeat workshop, we'll explore proper spoon technique, musical expression, and playful dance combinations that will bring the music to life.

Participants will learn foundational spoon patterns and how to incorporate them into movement and dance. As time permits, we'll combine what we've learned into a short choreography that you can take home and enjoy.
Perfect for dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to experienced performers looking to add a new skill to their repertoire. No spoons? No worries! Plenty of spoon sets will be available to borrow during class.

Belly Metal
Learn a soulful choreography to a melodic guitar solo by one of the most influential heavy metal bands you probably never heard of.
This workshop blends movements from belly dance and other Arab dance practices with metal headbanging and music, exploring the similarities between these seemingly disparate styles of movement and music.
You can expect to:
> practice your familiar sinuous movements, accents and shimmies to metal
> explore your own authentic voice and expression in this genre
> learn choreography dynamics, musicality, and how to build climax that aligns with the music
This workshop will include a warmup, conditioning, and technique including level changes, a little bit of floorwork and hair/head movements before we start the choreography.
Bring knee pads if you need them. If any of these movements are inaccessible to you, Yamê will offer alternatives and modifications so you can dance safely, honoring your body's needs.

Learn It! Play It! Perform It!
In this workshop, you'll learn the drum part for up to 4 basic Middle Eastern songs. Everyone who takes the class gets to perform in the show that evening. This class is great if you know the basic rhythms. Other types of drums (riq, frame drum, etc.) are welcome.

Kamrah
Layering Challenge: You Want Me To Do What?: Challenging layers, foot patterns, super fast movements - learn Kamrah's signature approach to achieving the Hard Stuff fast - without hating yourself or your teacher - as well as his favorite drills, layers, and combos. Bring water. And a towel. And maybe an emotional support friend.

Latin Bellydance Fusion by Angel Bellydance Bring the FIESTA to your Bellydance! Spice up your Bellydance with the flavor and energy of Latin dance! Angel will break down fun, easy-to-follow Latin steps and rhythms, then show you how to fuse them seamlessly with Bellydance technique. We’ll work on polished technique, isolations, arm styling, traveling steps and, of course, plenty of shimmying! PLUS! We’ll have fun with a couple of brand-new Angel 2027 combos. These short, playful combinations are fresh for 2027 and designed to get you moving, sweating and bringing some serious Latin flavor to your Bellydance. Bring your water, your towel and be prepared to sweat!

FCBD® Style is the foundation of most fusion bellydance styles today. The posture, carriage, arm work, strength, fluidity, and coiled movements fueled the initial dance style and continue to influence fusion dancing as it evolves. In this workshop, we will take classic and modern FCBD® Style movements and blend them with elements drawn from raqs sharqi and other forms of dance. We’ll look at ways of piecing these elements together into a choreography that respects the original formats while exploring options for bending the rules. While familiarity with FCBD® Style or other cued improv formats is encouraged, all dancers comfortable at an intermediate level or above are welcome.

Costuming workshop with DWebb Designs:

A/ Belly Dance Costume Bras Made Simple
D.Webb Designs' Simple Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Have you ever wanted to make your own belly dance costume bra but didn't know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to show you simple, practical ways to transform a bra into a beautiful, stage-ready costume.
We'll cover how to choose the right bra to cover, easy ways to embellish it while keeping it comfortable and functional, how to drape your fabric to make the most of it (especially treasured textiles like Assuit), simple back-closure solutions that are secure, comfortable, and adjustable, and how to cover your straps for a polished finish. You'll also learn how proper strap placement can improve support, comfort, and the overall fit of your costume for your unique body.
And what happens if your bra is just a little too small? Don't panic! Debbie Despina will share a few of her favorite tricks to help solve common fitting challenges so you can step on stage feeling comfortable, supported, and confident.
Whether you're making your very first costume bra or looking for easy ideas to improve one you already own, you'll leave with practical tips you can start using right away.
Examples of finished bras and the methods used to create them will be available to view up close during the workshop.
Bring a notebook and your appetite to learn!

B/ A lecture:
For the Love of Assuit: Honoring Egypt's Shimmering Textile
Assuit (also known as Tulle Bi Telli or Asyut) has captivated belly dancers for generations with its shimmering beauty, rich history, and unmistakable presence on stage. But behind every piece of this remarkable Egyptian textile is a story of artistry, tradition, and the skilled hands that continue to create it.
Join designer, belly dancer, and Assuit enthusiast Debbie Despina Cartsos for a heartfelt mini lecture celebrating one of belly dance's most treasured fabrics. Together we'll explore the history of Assuit, how it became intertwined with belly dance costuming, and why preserving this centuries-old craft matters today.
Through interviews with knowledgeable members of the Assuit and fair-trade community, we'll discuss the current challenges facing the Egyptian artisans, particularly the women who create this extraordinary cloth, and learn how dancers can make informed, ethical choices that help honor and preserve this living tradition.
You'll leave with historical insights, trusted resources for further learning, a deeper appreciation for every piece of Assuit you encounter, and maybe even a prize or two during our Assuit trivia!
Whether you're an avid collector, a costume maker, or simply someone who falls in love every time Assuit catches the light, this lecture is a celebration of the cloth, the craft, and the people who keep its legacy alive.
Hello, I'm Debbie Despina Cartsos, the designer and patternmaker behind *D.Webb Designs, a belly dancer, producer, and lifelong admirer of Assuit. You could say my love for this remarkable textile runs deep - I’m the Greek who got married in a DWebb corset covered in Assuit! Over the years, I've designed costumes using both vintage and contemporary Assuit panels and hip scarves, and made it a personal rule never to waste a single scrap. Every thread and every tiny metal strip represents hours of extraordinary craftsmanship and the dedication of the Egyptian women artisans who create this beautiful cloth.
This lecture is a true passion project, born from deep admiration for Assuit and a desire to honor the artisans behind it while helping preserve their centuries-old tradition.
*DWebb Designs is a female-owned and operated alternative lifestyle brand that ethically sources, designs, and manufactures every piece in New York City. We are committed to slow fashion and believe that every design should celebrate body positivity for all.
Our collections are created by founder Debbie Despina Cartsos, a second-generation designer and professional patternmaker. Our small but fierce team includes Debbie Despina (Founder & Designer), Donna Eileen Manalo (Graphic Designer, Content Creator, Newsletter Writer, and the Godmother of All Goods), Shionie Vidallo (Guru of Sewing Operations), and last but certainly not least, Mr. D.Webb himself Leonidas, affectionately known as Len the wearer of many hats.

Learn the basics of Rachel Brice's Datura Style finger cymbal patterns and put them into practice using both simple Datura improv steps and more complex fusion bellydance combinations. 1-2 years of general bellydance experience is recommended. Previous experience with any group improv format (FCBD, ITS, Datura Style, etc.) is not required. This workshop is open to all dancers, including first time zill players!

Irina
"Make your Skirt Sing"
Join Irina for a workshop, focusing on fun fusion dance combinations that are centered on dynamic and exciting use of a skirt (must be able to stretch your arms out fully with the skirt continuing to cover your legs). Grab your favorite full-length skirt (or a veil that can be tucked into your hips) and join in to work on long lines, detailed articulations and fun flourishes with fabric. In addition to unusual skirt tricks we will also work on a few turning techniques, since spinning with the skirt is one of the most beautiful sights to behold.
* OPEN LEVEL - no prior veil experience is necessary, however more complex layers will be offered to experienced dancers.

AMUSTELA-
The History of American Cabaret Belly Dance (1870–1970)
A Visual Journey Through a Century of Dance, Culture, and Performance
Belly dance in America evolved through a fascinating blend of cultural exchange, immigration, theatrical entertainment, and nightclub performance. Join renowned performer, instructor, and dance historian Amustela for an engaging visual lecture exploring the first 100 years of belly dance in the United States—from its earliest public appearances in the late 19th century through the golden age of American Cabaret.
Beginning with the 1870s and the era of World's Fairs and Orientalism, this presentation traces the evolution of the dance through vaudeville, silent film, Hollywood, immigrant-owned nightclubs, and the flourishing Middle Eastern supper clubs of the 1950s and 1960s. Discover how dancers, musicians, costuming, and performance styles changed over the decades, ultimately giving rise to the uniquely American Cabaret style that continues to influence dancers today. Suitable for all levels of dancers, handouts will be provided.

This class caters to all levels and designed to enhance your flexibility, balance and fluidity. You'll be guided through a series of gentle stretches and flowing movements that promote relaxation, improve posture, increase range of motion and prep you for the day of workshops ahead. Dancer’s Stretch & Flow is a wonderful way to begin your day of joyful dance!

From the top!
New to belly dance or have a friend who wants to participate in the belly dance experience as well while joining you in this dance immersion? Or are you just looking to get your body and your skills ready for the rest of the weekend? If so, this is definitely the class for you. After a gentle warm up, we will be focusing on foundational belly dance movements and steps. Then we’ll put them into practice in a simple combo or two to get you into the swing of things! There will be optional modifications offered to add more challenge for those who want it. No prior experience necessary!

Description:
In this workshop, we focus on making every motion intentional, stretched, and
irresistibly juicy. Learn how to slow down, melt into your transitions, and ooze through
your dance so each movement feels rich, controlled, and deeply expressive.
We’ll explore how to take simple steps and elevate them by savoring the moment,
playing with timing, resistance, and texture so your dancing feels less mechanical and
more magnetic. Because it’s not about doing more, it’s about making every move worth
the squeeze.
This class will be All Levels

Don’t save the drama for your momma! That arresting accent, that lilting flourish, that searing taqsim call for an equally vivid dance interpretation. Designed for intermediate dancers, this workshop uses focused technique and dynamic movement to build dramatic, high-impact phrases that accentuate those arresting moments in the music. Walk away with expressive tools to bring maximum drama to your performance.

Have you ever bought a costume that looked beautiful on another dancer and once you got it, you realized it just doesnt work for you? Have you ever ordered a costume and it just doesnt fit right? Dont feel sad, we have all been blinded by the bling and have been bamboozled by inaccurate descriptions of costumes. But, sad time are over because you have the Mischief Makers Catrice and Natasha in your corner! We are known for our custom made to order costumes, cosplay designs/builds and for our wedding couture line. I am going to be honest, if you can name it we have made it. With our years of knowledge and application we are here to teach you the tips and tricks we have learned along the way to help you get a better fitting, better looking costume, and you'll even have the chance to create your own Mischief and make something just for you in our workshop!

Aziza-
ALL NEW! Around the World: Party-Pop Combos
Travel through the music of Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey with fun, accessible ‘combo-ographies’ set to popular songs from across the area. This class is all about connection—connecting to the culture, the joy of dancing together at a hafla, and the energy of songs that get everyone on their feet. Simple, repeatable combos make it easy for all levels to join in, while gigging dancers will love having ready-to-go party pieces that light up the dance floor!

Fuse unusual movements – twitches, creepy isolations and undulations, and screaming fast, explosive hits with belly dance. Learn the foundations of each of these movements and how to incorporate them into your dance. Class includes strength conditioning, an explanation of the theory behind the movements, drills, and a creepy combo.

This Arabic pop Choreography will engage you with lively engery of modern Arabic music. Angel will share with you a high-engery, fun choreography which blends techniqaue as well as sassy personality which will be a perfect fit for all audiences.

This class caters to all levels and designed to enhance your flexibility, balance and fluidity. You'll be guided through a series of gentle stretches and flowing movements that promote relaxation, improve posture, increase range of motion and prep you for the day of workshops ahead. Dancer’s Stretch & Flow is a wonderful way to begin your day of joyful dance!

From the top!
New to belly dance or have a friend who wants to participate in the belly dance experience as well while joining you in this dance immersion? Or are you just looking to get your body and your skills ready for the rest of the weekend? If so, this is definitely the class for you. After a gentle warm up, we will be focusing on foundational belly dance movements and steps. Then we’ll put them into practice in a simple combo or two to get you into the swing of things! There will be optional modifications offered to add more challenge for those who want it. No prior experience necessary!

Summon your muse. Not as a gentle whisper, but as a force of fire and rhythm. Let’s be bold, electric, and unapologetically expressive. In this high-energy fusion workshop, we blend the commanding presence of raqs sharqi, the attitude of urban street styles, and the grooves of retro funk to create movement that’s as powerful as it is joyful. Build precision, own your space, and unlock more of your range with fierce isolations and dynamic travel steps. This workshop will be high energy, prepare to sweat and have fun. Dance shoes recommended, but not required

Fans with short veils (or without veils) are a beautiful and dynamic prop. Unlike its long-veiled cousin which restricts the dancers’ movement due to the length of the fabric, this fan has truly endless possibilities. This prop can be lyrical and gentle, as well as sharp and demanding. In this workshop, you will learn fun and dynamic techniques, combinations and dynamic throws, which will be threaded together into a short choreography. We will borrow techniques from the Japanese, Chinese as well as Spanish fans, in order to find a variety of nuances. Additionally we will also explore breaking rules of traditional fan-handling and enrich our vocabulary. Learn how to frame yourself and your dance, communicate through and become truly one with the fan, as well as expertly guide the eye of the audience.
* This class requires ONE Right-handed fan - or bring a set and practice becoming ambidextrous!
* Irina will have a few fans on hand for sale!
* OPEN LEVEL - no prior fan experience is necessary, however more complex layers will be offered to experienced dancers.

So often we long to express our romantic feelings (sad or happy) through our bellydance performances. "Oriental Love Song" workshop will allow us to express our emotional feelings of love/romantic through not only Bellydance technique, but also other dance styles such as Lyrical and Contemporary. Learning this blend of acting and dance is the perfect opportunity to leave your heart all over the dance floor while also leaving a piece of your soul in the hearts of your audience.