Melissa Gamal
As an experienced instructor, Melissa's classes and workshops are sought after for her attention to technique as well as her knowledge of historical and cultural contexts. She has been invited to teach and perform across Canada, the USA, and in Egypt. As a guest in this cultural art form, she travels regularly to Egypt for her own personal studies, in order to bring the most informed and up-to-date instruction to her classes.
Friday,
February 9
6pm-9pm: Sagat Masterclass
Open to: Advanced level dancers
80$ early bird (before Jan 1), 100$ regular
This masterclass workshop is intended for a more advanced dancer. We'll start by learning some of the musician style finger cymbal techniques, and then start working it into our dancing. Start the weekend right by challenging your brain, your body, and your fingers!
Saturday, February 10
10am-12pm: Shimmy Layering and Drum Solo
Open to: all levels/all styles
60$ early bird (before Jan 1), 70$ regular
The first part of this workshop focuses on some of the shimmies and layering techniques often used in Egyptian drum solos, which we'll then use in a super fun drum solo choreography.
1pm-3pm: Hear It, Feel It, Dance It: Musicality for Dancers
Open to: All levels/all styles
60$ early bird (before Jan 1), 70$ regular
This afternoon is a deep dive into what we're hearing in Egyptian music, and how to interpret that into our bodies for dance in a way that's both intuitive and thoughtful. Sound like a contradiction? You'll just have to jump in and see how it works!
Sunday,
February 11
10am-12pm: Cairo Trends and Shaabi Style
Open to: All levels/all styles
60$ early bird (before Jan 1), 70$ regular
It can be hard to keep up to date with the current trends from half a world away, but luckily we have a Melissa, who travels to Cairo several times a year. She'll show us the hottest music and dance trends, so you too can keep up with the kids these days.
1pm-3pm: Golden Era Stylings
Open to: All levels/all styles
60$ early bird (before Jan 1), 70$ regular
What sets apart the bellydance legends of the golden era (1940-1970) from the modern Egyptian dance stars? Stylization! Find out how just a few changes in your dance can take you from modern to classic, and what you can learn from the most beloved dancers from that era.
Bundle your workshops and save money!
Friday Masterclass: 80$ early bird (before Jan 1), 100$ regular
One workshop (Sat or Sun): 60$ early bird (before Jan 1), 70$ regular
One full day (Sat or Sun): 110$ early bird (before Jan 1), 130$ regular
Four workshop package, Sat and Sun: 210$ early bird (before Jan 1), 250$ regular
plus BONUS: the four workshop package includes one free ticket to the Saturday night gala show!
Show tickets for Saturday night gala show: 20$ in advance, 25$ at the door