Lebanese-Style Drum Solo: Technique & Isolations
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
This workshop focuses on Lebanese-style drum solo aesthetics, emphasizing precision, musical phrasing, and layered isolations. Drawing from Suhaila’s experience performing in Lebanon—where her drum solos became a highlight of the show—dancers explore clarity, restraint, and dynamic contrast while developing a strong rhythmic relationship to the drum.
Dabke Foundations & Staging
SUNDAY, MAY 31ST 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
This workshop introduces Dabke, a communal line dance whose name comes from the Arabic word meaning “to stomp,” practiced across parts of Southwest Asia and North Africa. Dancers will learn foundational foot patterns commonly used across many SWANA regions, along with staging structures that emphasize grounding, unity, and collective rhythm.
Salimpour Vocabulary with Finger Cymbals (Zagat)
SUNDAY, AUG 23TH 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
This class integrates the Salimpour Method of finger cymbal playing, developing coordination, polyrhythmic awareness, and musical embodiment with basic movement. Dancers work on clarity, technique, and the relationship between movement and live rhythm through structured patterns and embodied musical phrasing.
Sa‘idi Cane Dance: Technique & Character
SUNDAY NOV 8: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Using the Salimpour Method, this workshop introduces Sa‘idi cane dance technique—Sa‘idi referring to the people and traditions of Upper Egypt (the Sa‘id)—with an emphasis on grounded posture, rhythmic play, and character-driven movement. Dancers explore strength, humor, and musical dialogue through traditional cane vocabulary adapted for the stage.
