Celebration of Dance! Sept. 14, 2024

---

 Belly dance has been Rahil's constant companion for over half of her life (and the better half, she might add). While she's been dancing for over 20 years, every day she approaches this art form with a fresh perspective and considers herself a lifelong student. Rahil has discovered that her passions for research and history, art and expression, teaching and mentorship, are all satisfied by her time spent with belly dance. She loves learning and growing as a dancer, and she is passionate about helping others learn and grow, too. She is the director of KC Raqs World Dance Studio in Kansas City, where she teaches, performs, and hosts shows and events regularly. 

Saiidi with a Stick!

From southern Egypt, Saiidi dance is a popular and fun addition to your belly dance repertoire! Oftentimes performed with a stick, this powerful and energetic style has a rich history and deep cultural roots. In this workshop, we will learn some fundamental Saiidi steps, try out assaya (stick) technique, and learn fun combos that can be easily incorporated the next time you hear that mizmar! Please bring a stick or a cane if you have one, but there will be some available to borrow.

Raqs Baladi: The Roots of Belly Dance

Oftentimes considered the "mother" of belly dance, baladi dance takes us back to some of our dance foundations. In this workshop, we will examine the meaning of the word "baladi" and explore earthy technique and grounded movements. We will work our way through a short baladi progression to understand how these moves are used in response to the music. Keep your cane or stick handy, as we can incorporate it into this style of dance, too!