Jawaahir & Cassandra Events 1989-2006

2006

Sawwah (the Wanderer)
Jawaahir’s Annual Concert Featuring The Georges Lammam Ensemble

The wanderer, or sawwah; the seeker, the immigrant, the expatriate, the refugee...Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company explore this rich theme through traditional and contemporary dances, drawn from and inspired by Cassandra's recent travels. This exotic experience will be enriched by the unique live Arabic musical inspiration and accompaniment provided by the incomparable Georges Lammam Orchestra.

February 15-18 & 21-25, 2007
8pm Wed - Sat, 7pm Sun
The Southern Theater
$25.00
Wed, Feb 21 pay-as-able

14th Annual Henna Party

Sunday, January 7, 2007
Details to be announced. 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
$10 per person, $8 per person for groups of 5 or more
Call 612-872-6050 or E-mail us at cassandr@jawaahir.org
Printable Flyer

Jawaahir's Fourteenth Annual Henna Party is back by popular demand! Delight in an afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we once again bring the Middle East to the Midwest. Let Jawaahir inspire you with a short performance followed with informal instruction in basic moves from the Arabian Peninsula. Energize as you cut loose with your own moves during the open dancing. Indulge in the ritual of henna painting traditionally done at women's celebrations. Rejuvenate with an assortment of snacks and beverages and mingle with friends and Company members. Experience the hospitality the Middle East is known for!

Jillina’s
Fantasy Fusion Workshop
Jawaahir Dance Company and
Bellydance Superstars present
Belly Dance Workshop with Jillina

Jillina is a spellbinding and gregarious performer whose passion for dance amazes audiences everywhere. As founder and director of the award-winning Sahlala Dancers, Jillina pulls from a strong background in Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop to create a colorful Middle Eastern and world fusion repertoire. As artistic director for the Bellydance Superstars and the choreographer of the Desert Roses, audiences admire Jillina for her artistic interpretations, understanding of the culture, musicality, and innovative style.

Jawaahir Dance Company’s 2nd Annual Gala & Fundraiser
The Grand Bazaar

The night sparkles with a mix of sequins and treasures, as musicians play, dancers perform, and a sumptuous feast awaits you!

Join us for an exciting evening with Special Guest MC Cathy Wurzer Host of "Morning Edition" on Minnesota Public Radio, Storyteller Ahmed Tharwat, entertainment, live music by Latin Sounds Trio and Layalli Sharque, henna artist, appetizers and cash bar and Silent and Live Auctions with exotic items from near and far. Don’t forget to Dress to Shine! For a sample of the nights treasures, see the printable flyer.

Thursday, September 28, 2006,
6-10 PM
The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis
410 Oak Grove Street
Minneapolis, MN
Tickets: $40
Tickets are available at the door.

Festival of Oriental Dance
March 20-26, 2006
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company
are excited to present the First Upper Midwest
Festival of Oriental Dance

See the Full Festival Description
See the Seminar Schedule

Lectures
Monday, March 20: 5:30-6:30 PM, Bollywood 101 by
Thursday, March 23: 5-6 PM, Salome by Andrea Deagon
Friday, March 24: 5-6 PM, Professional Dancers of Rome by Andrea Deagon
JDC Studio Theater:
1940 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Free Admission

Performances
Thursday Friday & Saturday 8 PM
March 23-25, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006, 7 PM
The Southern Theater
1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Tickets $22
Box office: 612-340-1725

See the Performance Line-up

13th Annual Henna Party

Sunday, January 15, 2006
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
$10 per person, $8 per person for groups of 5 or more
Call 612-872-6050 or E-mail us at cassandr@jawaahir.org

Jawaahir's Thirteenth Annual Henna Party is back by popular demand! Delight in an afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we once again bring the Middle East to the Midwest. Let Jawaahir inspire you with a short performance followed with informal instruction in basic moves from the Arabian Peninsula. Energize as you cut loose with your own moves during the open dancing. Indulge in the ritual of henna painting traditionally done at women's celebrations. Rejuvenate with an assortment of snacks and beverages and mingle with friends and Company members. Experience the hospitality the Middle East is known for!

2005

Jawaahir at Mahrajan Al-Fan

Sunday Nov 6, 2-6 PM
Symphony Space
Broadway at 95th Street, NYC
$15; Students with college I.D. $12;
Children $8; under 5 free
(212) 864-5400

Mahrajan Al-Fan a celebration of Arab and Arab-American culture, was created by master musician/composer Simon Shaheen and the Mahrajan Al-Fan Organizing Committee in 1994. Inspired by the Arab-American festivals that flourished from the 1930s to the 1950s, Mahrajan Al-Fan showcases the diversity of Arab culture with the finest names in the traditional and contemporary arts.

Music – Dance – Puppetry
Storytelling – Crafts
Sunday afternoon offers a wide array of programs, including special children’s events. Featured are a recital with the Arabic Music Retreat Ensemble, comprised of participants in the annual Arabic Music Retreat; colorful Tunisian, Algerian and Al-Andalus folk and classical dances with the Jawaahir Dance Company; puppetry with Louay Assaf; a dance workshop with Cassandra Shore; storytelling; and crafts, including calligraphy, embroidery and henna painting.

http://www.worldmusicinstitute.org/mahrajan/mahrajan.html

Jawaahir performs at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

October 18, 2005
8 p.m. - Wyman Series: Jawaahir Dance Company
Contact the Leadership Center at (715) 425-4911 for more information.
Free for UW-RF Students with ID
$3 for 18 and under
$5 for general public
Location: North Hall Auditorium

Jawaahir brings the many facets of Middle Eastern dance to the theater stage. From the lively rhythms of rural Egypt to the glittering courts of the Ottoman Empire, Jawaahir's repertoire captures the essential spirit of Middle Eastern dance.

Jawaahir Dance Company's 15th Anniversary Gala & Fundraiser
With special guest MC Cathy Wurzer, Host of "Morning Edition" on Minnesota Public Radio and Host of "Almanac" on Twin Cities Public Television

Thursday, September 22, 2005,
6-10 PM
The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis
410 Oak Grove Street
Minneapolis, MN

Join us for an exciting evening - silent auction, entertainment, henna, appetizers, and cash bar and other surprises - as we celebrate 15 years of bringing the best of Middle Eastern dance and music to Minnesota!

Ussool al-Andalus
Roots of Al-Andalus
Berber and North African-inspired dances

Thurs- Sun, July 28- Aug. 7, 2005
8pm
The Southern Theater
$23.00 Thurs & Sun
$25.00 Fri & Sat (Discounts Available)

Choreography by Amel Tafsout and Cassandra Shore
Live North African music
Lighting Design by Jeffrey Bartlett
Visual art by Hend al-Mansour and Eileen O’Shaughnessy

Cassandra & Jawaahir welcome guest artist Amel Tafsout for an exciting exploration of the Berber roots of North African music and dance. The term al-Andalus refers to a period in history when three religious groups (Moslem, Christian, & Jewish) interacted positively with each other. Roots of al-Andalus will present a timeline of mystical ancient Berber movements that connect to the contemporary work of both Ms. Tafsout and Ms. Shore. Moroccan and North African musicians will supply the unique syncopated rhythms for the earthy tribal dances of the Algerian Ouled Nail, Tunisian women’s water pot balancing dance, and ‘Alloui “Horse dance”, as well as sophisticated classical Andalusian court melodies on the ‘oud (Arabic lute) and nay (Arabic reed flute), and kemenje (Arabic violin). We’ll rock the house with Rai music and dance, and spectacular performances from Ms. Tafsout and Cassandra.

Workshops with Habiba - Dances of North Africa and Egypt

Saturday, Aug. 6, 1-3 PM Tunisian
Sunday, Aug. 7, 1-3 PM Oriental Dance
$35 each, $60 for both, (Teachers receive the workshop free when they bring 5 students. All registrations must be mailed in the same envelope.)

JDC Studios
1940 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN, USA
FFI: call 612-872-6050 or E-mail Cassandra

Habiba is a leading researcher of the dances of Egypt and Tunisia and teaches
contemporary styles as well as the traditional folkloric dances that have been performed and passed down for many years. An acclaimed performer and accomplished choreographer, Habiba has mastered a variety of styles —from the earthy Raks al Beledi of the Egyptian fellahin, to the exciting feat of balance seen in the Tunisian Pot Dance, to the classical Egyptian dance, Raks al-Sharqi (also known as Oriental or Belly Dance). Habiba’s depth of understanding of these cultures is such that she projects the distinct and separate personality unique to the peoples of each region.

2004

Momo Kadous

Workshops & Performance
April 9 - 10, 2005
The JDC Studio Theater
1940 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN, USA
FFI: call 612-872-6050 or E-mail Cassandra

Saturday Workshop, 1-5 PM, $75 (after April 2, $85), Oriental Dance (Belly Dance).
Sunday Workshop, 1-5 PM, (after April 2, $85), Andalousian.
Both workshops $130

Saturday Performance, $15, (after April 2, $20), 8 PM, doors open at 7:30 PM.
Featuring Momo Kadous, Cassandra, and special guest soloists

“I was astonished by his beautiful choreography”
Raqia Hassan – Egyptian choreographer to the stars.

Momo Kadous is known and respected as a choreographer and dancer in Europe, Arabia and worldwide.

As choreographer of the national folklore group "El Mahalla Lel Fenoun El Shabeyah" he achieved great success with his performances in Egyptian theaters and throughout many Arabian Countries.

Dancing and instructing since the early 80's he founded his own dance theater group "Wadi Nil" and further developed his own unique style. In 1986, he went to Germany and joined the famous Studio Arabeska El Main. He went on to become a star choreographer, admired dancer and excellent teacher, not only in the German Oriental dance scene, but around the world. In 1995, he became the owner and artistic director of Studio Arabeska.

Enchanted Evenings

March 18 & 19, 2004
8 PM, Doors open at 7:30
Tickets: $15, available at the door
Jawaahir Studio Theater
1940 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, USA
FFI: call 612-872-6050 or E-mail Cassandra

Enchanted Evening I
Friday, March 18, guest artists Monique and Kristin will join Cassandra and Jawaahir in an evening of Middle Eastern dance solos and special pieces from The Company’s diverse repertoire. Jawaahir's traditional dances bring to life the indigenous rhythms, distinctive costumes, and expressive dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the Saudi Gulf. Their contemporary pieces are an exciting fusion of East meets West and Cassandra's theatrical flair! Sometimes serious and sometimes campy, Jawaahir’s contemporary pieces expand traditional perceptions of Middle Eastern dance.

Enchanted Evening II
Saturday, March 19, Cassandra, Aliyah, Zulaika, and Tara will perform classical Danse Orientale with the Twin Cities’ powerhouse Arabic dance band, Layalli Sharque.

These performances are part of a week long workshop for dancers from across the US.

Annual Henna Party

Sunday, January 9, 2005
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
$10 per person, $8 per person for groups of 5 or more

Join the festivities at Jawaahir’s Annual Henna Party. Indulge in an afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we bring the Middle East to the Midwest. Participate in the serene ritual of henna painting: the ancient art of using henna to decorate hands and feet with intricate patterns. Energize as Jawaahir gives a short performance and then cut loose with your own steps during the open dancing. Rejuvenate with an assortment of and beverages and light snacks. Mingle with Company members and fellow dance enthusiasts. Wear casual clothes — we will be sitting on the floor. Bring a pillow, rug, or blanket to sit on. Beginners are always welcome, and be sure to bring some friends! You’ll introduce them to a new art form and spend a cozy afternoon dancing and visiting. More information? Call 612-872-6050 or E-mail us at cassandr@jawaahir.org

Layalli Masri - “Egyptian Nights”
Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company

Oct 14, 15 & 16, 2004
7:30 pm
4th Street Theater
111 E. Kellogg #155 (4th & Minnesota)
St. Paul, MN

Thurs: $15 adults - $9 children 12 & under
Fri & Sat: $20 adults - & $10 children
Reservations: 612-872-6050

Take a guided tour of Egypt, in downtown St. Paul! Cassandra and Jawaahir present an entertaining and educational performance, demonstrating, explaining, and narrating the colorful and distinct regional styles of Egyptian dance and costume. Come see the soft flowing movements of the “fellahin” (peasants) dance, the exciting spins of the “Tannoura” (dervishes), and the sassy “beledi” (traditional) dance of Cairo, and much, much more.

Voice of Egypt: Um Kalthoum
Jawaahir Dance Company's Annual Season Dance and Music Concert

July 29 - August 8, 2004
The Southern Theater

Um Kalthoum had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley. She rose from humble beginnings to become the most popular singer in the history of the Middle East--and she did it all while living under the strictures of a traditional Islamic state. She became a symbol for Egypt as the country shook off colonialism and confronted modernity, but was also able to transcend national boundaries through her art. Four million people attended her funeral in Cairo in 1975, and to this day her cassettes outsell every other Arabic female vocalist.

Voice of Egypt: Um Kalthoum explores the amazing life and turbulent times of this extraordinary woman and features choreography by Cassandra Shore, writing and direction by Pamela Nice, dance by the members of Jawaahir Dance Company, visual elements by Hend al-Mansour, and music by the Georges Lammam Ensemble.

Special Video Showing and Lecture

July 23-24 and August 3-4.
JDC Studio Theater
1940 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN

Lecture on Egyptian culture and screening of the 1996 documentary film Umm Kulthum: A Voice LIke Egypt.

Amel Tafsout

June 18-20, 2004
The Cassandra School and Jawaahir Studio
1940 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN

5 Exciting Workshops Featuring Dances from Algeria and the Mahgreb

Born in Algeria, Amel is a respected dancer, teacher and choreographer currently living in London. She strives to break down the barriers between the East and West, drawing on ritual and traditional dances from the Maghreb, Middle East, Africa, and Cuba. She conveys the spiritual nature of dance to her audiences and students.

Chisolm, MN

May 15, 2004
8:00 PM
13 West Lake Street
Chisolm, MN

Chisholm Community Ed. and Shirley Taramelli Sponsor Sohaila (JoEllen Handelsman) from San Diego, CA.

Houston, TX

April 3, 2004
8:30 PM
Sheraton Houston
3000 North Loop W
Houston, TX

Little Egypt and Egypt World present Raqia Hassan. Cassandra and Jawaahir will perform.

Enchanted Evenings

March 19, 2004
8 PM
Jawaahir Studio Theater
1940 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN

Enchanted Evening I
As part of Cassandra's Oriental Dance Intensive Workshop, on Friday, March 19, Jawaahir will present a variety of pieces from its vast repertory including traditional dances from the Middle East, exciting contemporary pieces, and innovative theatrical works.

Annual Henna Party

Sunday, January 4, 2004
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
$10 per person, $8 per person for groups of 5 or more

Join the festivities at Jawaahir’s Annual Henna Party. Indulge in an afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we bring the Middle East to the Midwest. Participate in the serene ritual of henna painting: the ancient art of using henna to decorate hands and feet with intricate patterns. Energize as Jawaahir gives a short performance and then cut loose with your own steps during the open dancing. Feast on Middle Eastern foods and visit with Company members and fellow dance enthusiasts. Beginners are always welcome, and be sure to bring some friends! You’ll introduce them to a new art form and spend a cozy afternoon dancing and visiting. More information? Call 612-872-6050 or E-mail us at cassandr@jawaahir.org

2003

Bremer Capital Holiday Performance

Saturday December 27th, 5:00 P.M.
Rivercenter Ballroom, St. Paul

Leylet al-Tarab
Jawaahir Dance Company & Cassandra with the Georges Lammam Orchestra
July 17 - 27, 2003
The Southern Theater

Cassandra and Jawaahir dance Company present Leylet al-Tarab, a “Night of Enchantment” at the Southern Theater. Tarab is Arabic for the special enchantment when audience, musicians, and dancers all come together. Joining Jawaahir in creating this magic will be the Georges Lamman Orchestra from San Francisco and professional Lebanese Dabke dancer L’Emir Hassan Harfouche. Get your tickets early — you won’t want to miss it!

Tenth Annual Henna Party

Sunday, January 5, 2003
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue,Minneapolis, MN

Join the festivities at Jawaahir’s Annual Henna Party. Indulge in an afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we bring the Middle East to the Midwest. Participate in the serene ritual of henna painting: the ancient art of using henna to decorate hands and feet with intricate patterns. Energize as Jawaahir gives a short performance and then cut loose with your own steps during the open dancing. Feast on Middle Eastern foods and visit with Company members and fellow dance enthusiasts. Beginners are always welcome, and be sure to bring some friends! You’ll introduce them to a new art form and spend a cozy afternoon dancing and visiting.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Family Day
Sunday, February 9, 2003

Young Audiences Performance

Saturday, March 1, 2003
11 AM
Brooklyn Park Library
Brookly Park, MN

Young Audiences Performance

Saturday, March 15, 2003
11 AM
Eden Prairie Library
Eden Prairie, MN

Young Audiences Performance

Saturday, March 22, 2003
11 AM
Maple Grove Library
Maple Grove, MN

Enchanted Evenings

March 21 & 22, 2002
8 PM
Jawaahir Studio Theater
1940 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Limited Tickets available at the door: $10 ea. night

Enchanted Evening I
Friday, March 21, Jawaahir will present a variety of pieces from its vast repertory including traditional dances from the Middle East, exciting contemporary pieces, and innovative theatrical works.

Enchanted Evening II
Saturday, March 22, Cassandra and several local guest artists will present an evening of Raqs es-Sharqi, or Oriental Dance, with live music. The evening will conclude with open dancing.

These performances are part of a week long workshop for dancers from across the US.

Wausau, WI

Wednesday, April 9, 2003
Cultural Festival
University of Wisconson Marathon County
Wausau, WI

Brookings, SD

April 11, 2003
South Dakota State University Cultural Festival Brookings, SD

2002

Khusuf al-Qamar, “Eclipse of the Moon”

The Southern Theater and Jawaahir Dance Company present
Middle Eastern Dance Diva Cassandra in
Khusuf al-Qamar, "Eclipse of the Moon"

Thursday - Sunday, August 1 - 11, at 8:00 PM.
1420 Washington Avenue So.
Minneapolis, MN 55454

Come to the newly air-conditioned Southern Theater and witness an "Eclipse of the Moon". Travel to the mysterious Persian Gulf kingdoms, enjoy the pleasures of a cool desert night, and allow acclaimed dancer Cassandra to take you on an unforgettable journey as she presents dances from the far reaches of the Middle East. Guest artists include visual artist Hend al-Mansour and dancers Haroun al-Mansour and Morris Johnson. Live Arabic music by the ever-popular San Francisco based Georges Lammam Orchestra with guest musicians Naser Musa and Suhail Kasper. Lighting design by Jeff Bartlettt.

This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided the McKnight Foundation, The St. Paul Companies, the O'Shaughnessy Foundation, Jawaahir Dance Company, the Southern Theater, and the Friends of Jawaahir.

Ninth Annual Henna Party

January 13, 2002, 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN

An afternoon of henna painting, dance, food, and fun as Jawaahir brings the Middle East to the Midwest.

Dancing to Byzantium

February 14-17 & 21-24, Thursdays - Sundays, 8 PM
The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN

A tapestry of dances, from folk to funny to mystical, set to a mosaic of music performed by musical guests Gypsophilia. Led by composer and University of Minnesota alum Scott Robinson, this Philadelphia-based musical ensemble specializes in the sacred and secular music of Greece, Turkey, and the Dancing to Byzantium marks Jawaahir's 12th co-production with the Southern Theater, the Twin Cities' leading venue for experimental and collaborative work.

Byzantium Guest Artists Workshop

World Music for Dancers
Dr. Scott Robinson
Saturday, February 23, 2002, 1-3 PM
The Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN

Cassandra's Oriental Dance Intensive Workshop

March 18-23, 2002
Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN,
This 6 day workshop includes:
*5 Days of classes (5 hours/day)
*Saturday review session
*3 Performances! (including a dinner & performance opportunity for participants)
*Technique of Oriental & Folkloric
*2 Choreographies
*Special classes (including Arabic Music & Rhythms, Historical Information, and Costume Workshop)

Enchanted Evening I

March 22, 2002, 8 PM
Jawaahir Studio Theater, Minneapolis, MN,

Jawaahir presents a variety of pieces from its vast repertory including traditional dances from the Middle East, exciting contemporary pieces, and innovative theatrical works.

Enchanted Evening II

March 23, 2002, 8 PM
Jawaahir Studio Theater, Minneapolis, MN,

Cassandra and several local guest artists present an evening of Raqs es-Sharqi, or Oriental Dance, with live music provided by The Twin Cities foremost Arabic band Layalli Sharki. The evening will conclude with open dancing.

Young Audience Performances

• April 11, 2002
  Pleasant View Elementary, Sauk Rapids, MN
  
• April 11, 2002
  Hillside Elementary, Sauk Rapids, MN
  
• January 20, 2002, 1:00 P.M.
  Landmark Center, St. Paul, MN
  
• January 24, 2002
  Waconia, MN

Theatrical Programs

2001

Orientalia-Bits and Pieces

July 12-22, 2001, Thursdays - Sundays, 8:00 P.M.
The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Dinner/lecture/demonstration/, Sundays, 5:00 - 6:45 p.m.

Cassandra reflects on her lifetime in Arabic dance with inspirations from the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and her own imagination. The Georges Lammam Ensemble of San Francisco returns to Minneapolis this summer, astonishing audiences with their virtuoso microtonal improvisations of Oriental music. Joining them will be guest dancer Dalia Carella of New York

Company Choreography Show
March 29-31, 2001, 8 PM
The Jawaahir Studio Theater
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Company members and apprentices present some of their own works.

2000

Dreams

July 13-16, July 20-23, 2000,Thursdays - Sundays, 8 PM
The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Sunday pre-show dinner/lecture, 5 PM

A visionary performance of contemporary and traditional Arabic dance and music features Jawaahir Dance Company, Cassandra with the Georges Lammam Orchestra and guest dance artist Saara Soikkeli of Finland

1989-1999

Jewels

July 22-25, July 29-Aug.1, 1999, Thursdays - Sundays, 8 PM
The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Arabic Music Lecture Demonstration/Dinner Discussion, Sundays, 5:30 PM

"Jawaahir", which means jewels in Arabic, brings to life the brilliance, mystery, and beauty of its namesake. Joining Jawaahir was Georges Lammam from San Francisco with his five member orchestra, Sahra Sa'eeda from Los Angeles, and Margo Abdo O'Dell from Minneapolis.

Shoma

Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Thursday-Sunday July 9-12 & 16-19

A Marriage of Dance, Music and Storytelling - this ground breaking collaboration between characteristically Cassandra Shore and writer Kay Hardy Campbell, is based on the legend of a Bedouin woman who supported herself through storytelling in the Arabian city of Jeddah.

A Magical, Middle-Eastern Matinee (A special children's matinee performance of Shoma)
Saturday, July 18, 1998
Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Adapted from Jawaahir's evening-length performance, The Children's Shoma was a lively introduction to the arts and culture of the Middle East, complete with colorful costumes and a happy ending.

Haflat al-Zaffaf
Sundays, July 12 & 19, 1998
Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN

A Special pre-show dinner, discussion provided an inside view of Saudi Arabian woman's life.

A Silken Trail

August 7-10, 1997
Southern Theater, Minneapolis, MN

Audiences embarked on a Caravan with Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company traveling through the countries and cultures along the ancient silk routes. Special Guest Artists Ruby Jazayre, Carolyn Krueger, and Shahrezade joined Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company as guides to the expressive and evocative dances of the Middle East, North Africa, the Persian Empire, and Central Asia.

Workshops
2001

Orientaila Guest Artists Workshops
The Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• Music For Dancers
  Georges Lammam, July 14, 200
• El Mundao Gypsy Choreography
  Dalia Carella, July 21, 2001
  
• Oriental Dance Choreography
  Dalia Carella, July 22, 2001

2000

Amel Tafsout Workshops and Performances
October 27-29, 2000
The Cassandra School Studios, Minneapolis, MN
A native Algerian dancer, Amel Tafsout taught a multitude of ethnic/tribal/folk dances from North Africa.

Dreams Workshops with Guest Artists
Cassandra Studio, Minneapolis, MN

• Arabic Drum Technique
  Souhael Kaspar, July 17, 2000, 8-10PM,
  
• Music for Dancers
  Georges Lammam, July 18, 2000, 8-10PM
  
• Oriental Dance Choreography
  Saara Soikkeli, July 22, 2000, 1-3PM, & July 23, 2000, Noon-2PM

Oasis Dance Camp
oasisdancecamp.com
September 13-17,2000 in Northern Michigan
October 4-8, 2000 near Seattle, Washington
November 1-5,2000 near St. Augustine, Florida
Oasis Dance Camp is the longest running residential dance camp in the United Sates specializing in dances of the Middle East and the Arab world. OASIS continues to feature the internationally acclaimed dance artist, CASSANDRA along with a guest teacher, and percussionist Nicole LeCorgne for four days of dance immersion with instruction in classical technique, Egyptian Oriental, and folkloric. Other exciting dance events include: cultural talks, drumming, costuming, hafla, henna party, videos, dance library, sunrise conditioning class, vendors, good food and friends

1989-1999

Nadia Hamdi Workshop & Performance
April 30, May 1-2, 1999
The Cassandra School Studios, Minneapolis, MN

Nadia Hamdi, one of the most accomplished and admired Egyptian stars of Raks as Sharqi, was born into a family of professional musicians and dancers. She grew up and learned her craft in Mohamed Ali Street in Cairo, the famous musicians and entertainers' quarter. Nadia has been the featured performer at countless Egyptian weddings and in Cairo's five-star hotel night clubs. Performances featured; Nadia Hamdi, Morocco (NYC), Mona N'Wal (Madison), Jawaahir Dance Company, Cassandra, and Margo Abdo O'Dell.

Jewels Workshops with Guest Artists
Cassandra Studio, Minneapolis, MN

• Music for Dancers
  Georges Lammam, Tuesday, July 27th, 8:30-10PM
  
• Drum Technique
  Souhail Kaspar, Saturday, July 31st, 1-2:30PM
  
• Egyptian Dance Technique
  Sahra Sa'eeda Sunday, August 1st, 1-3PM

Ragia Hassan Workshops and Dinner Show
October 30 & 31, 1999

We were delighted to welcome back Egyptian choreographer Raqia Hassan for her third visit to Minnesota. Widely considered one of the finest teachers working today, Raqia specializes in Egyptian theatrical style and has trained many of Egypt's top dancers, including Mona Said, Nelly Fouad, Aza Sharif, and Fifi Abdou A dinner show was held at the Beirut Restaurant on Saturday, October 30 at 9:30 featuring Cassandra, Jawaahir, and special guests Shahrazad Javaheri and Nadia Sahar.

Elena Workshop & Performance
May 1-2, 1998
Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN

Elena Lentini began performing Middle Eastern dance in 1969, dazzling audiences in New York area Middle Eastern clubs with her grace and intensity. Elena brings to dance a unique lyrical focus, a quality of mystery, a commitment to integrity of every movement as she sculpts fluid designs with her body.
Master Class, by invitation- Sunday, May 3

Costume Workshop and Fashion Show
September 27, 1997
Nancy Hauser Dance Studios, Minneapolis, MN

Participants learned to construct their own beautiful and professional-looking costumes for a fraction of the cost of an import! This workshop covered basic costume construction in Orientale and folkloric styles, as well as advanced design construction and fitting! There was time for alteration techniques and help with any specific problems or questions from the class. The evening fashion show consisted of "home grown" fashions, that is, all of the costumes were made by one of the local dancers. Also, as a special treat, Cassandra displayed her collection of authentic Middle Eastern folk costumes. Contributing costumes for the fashion show were Cassandra, Zulaika, Leila, and Elena! Questions from the audience were encouraged at the informal showing.

Educational Programs
2001

Student Performance
January 22, 2001, 9:30 A.M.
Northfield Elementary School, Northfield, MN

Lecture/Demonstration
April 25, 2001
8th Grade Mid East Sampler
Chippewa Middle School, St. Paul, MN

Educational Performance
April 27, 2001, 10:00 A.M.
William Byrne Elementary School, Burnsville, MN

Educational Performance
May 17, 2001
Cultural Festival
Fridley Middle School, Fridley, MN

2000

Young Audience Performances
www.yamn.org

• January 7, 2000
  Parkview Elementary, Roseville, MN
  
• April 7, 2000
  Blake School, Hopkins, MN
  
• November 23, 2000
  Brimhall Elementary, Roseville, MN
  
• January 12, 2000
  Waite Park Elementary, Roseville, MN
  

Lecture/Demonstration
April 19, 2000
8th Grade Mid East Sampler Chippewa Middle School
Chippewa Middle School, St. Paul, MN

1989-1999

Young Audience Performances
www.yamn.org

• October 15, 1999
  Blake School, Hopkins, MN
  
• October 11, 1999
  St. Francis Xavier School, Startel, MN
  
• September 1, 1999
  Hosmer Library, Minneapolis, MN

Other Performances
2001

Eighth Annual Henna Party
January 7, 2001, Cassandra Studios

Arts Midwest Conference Showcase
Showcase Performance
September 21, 2001
Raddison Hotel, St. Paul, MN

Firstar Capital New Year
December 31, 2001
River Center Rotunda, St. Paul, MN

2nd International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance
May 26, 2001
Orange County Community College
Costa Mesa, CA

Festival of Cultures
June 23, 2001
Sioux Falls, SD

Evart Development Musical
June 30, 2001
Evart, MI

MELD Annual Meeting
April 28, 2001
Minneapolis, MN
2000

Annual Henna Party
January 9, 2000
Cassandra Studios, Minneapolis, MN
An afternoon of henna, dance, food, and fun as we bring the Middle East to the Midwest

Firstar Capital New Year
December 30, 2000
Science Museum Auditorium, St. Paul, MN

Jawaahir is part of an extravaganza of music, dance, art and theater in downtown St. Paul the day before New Year's Eve

1989-1999

University of Minnesota
April 13, 1999
Coffman Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN

Ethnic Dance Theater's Silver Gala
May 15, 1999
Concordia College, St. Paul, MN

Renaissance Festival
August 14 &15, 1999
Middle East Weekend at Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN

University of Minnesota
October 5, 1999
Coffman Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN

First Star's Capital New Year
December 31, 1998
Ordway Music Hall, St. Paul, MN

"You will become mesmerized when Jawaahir Dance Company sways to Middle Eastern rhythms." So says the publicity for this exciting New Year's Eve event