Upcoming Cassandra and Jawaahir Events

Details for Cassandra and Jawaahir public performances, workshops, and seminars here and around the world. Call the office for more information on Young Audience shows and private functions.
 

Minnesota Garlic Festival (Aug)
The Dark Nightingale at the Ritz Theater (Aug-Sept)
Nesma & Karim Nagi Workshops (Aug-Sept)
8@8 at the Ritz (Sept)
Walker MN Ethnic Fest (Sept)
Cassandra at Oasis North (Sept)

Cassandra at MassRaqs (Sept)
Cassandra at Oasis West (Oct)
Amoura Latif Workshop (Oct)
Cassandra at Oasis South (Nov)
Cassandra's Weeklong Intensive (March 2011)

Minnesota Garlic Festival
Jawaahir will be performing

Saturday August 14, 2010, 11am-6pm
McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, MN

About 60 miles west of the Twin Cities. A premiere event for lovers of garlic and good times, and promotes gourmet garlic farming in Minnesota. Family friendly, fun filled and fragrant, this festival features local foods, chefs, music, artisans, games, competitions, and lots of garlic - all in support of a healthy environment, family farms and vital rural communities in Minnesota. Several members of Jawaahir will be dancing in the afternoon.

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Jawaahir Dance Company and the Ritz Theater present:

The Dark Nightingale (al -'Andaleeb al -Asmar)
Music of the iconic Egyptian Singer Abdel Halim Hafez

with guest artists: Nesma of Spain and the Georges Lammam Ensemble

The Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE   map
Minneapolis, MN 55413

August 26 – September 5, 2010

Jawaahir Dance Company is excited to present The Dark Nightingale, centered around the beloved music of late Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez. The renowned Georges Lammam Ensemble, featuring virtuosic Arabic musicians from across the nation, sets the backdrop for unforgettable dances by Jawaahir, Cassandra, and Spanish guest artist Nesma al-Andalus.

Abdel Halim Hafez: Hafez (1929–1977) was known as al-‘Andaleeb al-Asmar (the Dark Nightingale). Despite a fairly short career, he was one of the most influential Egyptian stars of the 1950s and 60s. He is widely considered to be one of the four greats of Egyptian and Arabic music, along with Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and Farid Al Attrach. His mellow, resonant voice, subtle vocal style and notably clean intonation made him a stand out.

Abdel Halim studied at Cairo's Institute of Arabic Music and the Higher Institute for Theatre Music and began his career teaching and playing oboe. During the 1960s, he started to sing colloquial poetry more closely related to popular folk song than ordinary pop songs. His work on these lines had a significant influence on popular song in general. Abdel Halim died March 30, 1977, a few months short of his 48th birthday, while undergoing treatment for bilharzia. His funeral in Cairo was attended by millions of people – more than any funeral in Egyptian history except those of President Nasser (1970) and Umm Kulthum (1975). Fourteen women committed suicide upon hearing of his death.

Abdel Halim's music is still very popular, and he is widely regarded as one of the most virtuosic singers in the Arab world. His albums have sold more copies since his death than any other Arab artist except Umm Kulthum.

Nesma al-Andalus: Born in Spain, Nesma resided in Cairo 1993–1998, where she studied Oriental dance and Egyptian folklore. During that time she performed as a soloist with her own orchestra in over 3,500 shows on the most prestigious stages in Cairo. She broadened her artistic career in the National Egyptian Folkloric Reda Ballet, as the only non-Egyptian dancer to form part of the company. Since 1998 she has danced and taught around the world, and founded her own school and dance company in Madrid: Al-Andalus Danza. Video about Nesma (in Spanish).

Georges Lammam Ensemble: The violin virtuosity of Georges Lammam returns to rock the Ritz, along with Arabic music superstars Elias Lammam (accordion and vocals), Naser Musa Janini (oud and vocals), the inimitable Karim Nagi (riq and percussion), Nicole LeCorgne (tabla), and Miles Jay (bass) (NEW ADDITION!), joined by amazing local artists Tim O’Keefe (percussion), Laura Harada (violin), Dawn Doering (nay), and Salah Abdel Fattah (violin). Video of Karim Nagi playing finger cymbals.

The show features choreography by artistic director, Cassandra Shore, as well as Kathy McCurdy and Helen Voelker of Jawaahir Dance Company. Plus, the show features lighting design by Jeff Bartlett, former artistic director of The Southern Theater.

In addition to this fabulous show, Nesma and Karim Nagi are offering workshops while they're here. See details below.

Videos: If you're new to Cassandra and Jawaahir and want a hint of what's to come, here's Cassandra's Solo from the 2009 Jawaahir show Raqs Nouveau (high-res or low-res). And here, if you have some patience, are other excerpts from that show (or a low-res version for you impatient ones).

And for you videophiles, here's some video of Karim Nagi and Nesma. So, after that, are you ready to buy tickets for The Dark Nightingale?

Tickets: $28; Available online, or by calling 612-436-1129 Tue – Fri 12:30pm –- 4:30pm, or in person 2 hours prior to a performance. Open seating.

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Workshops with Karim Nagi and Nesma al-Andalus
All at Jawaahir Studios, Minneapolis

Workshops with Nesma al-Andalus

Egyptian Baladi Form and Stylings
Tuesday, Aug 31, 6:00-9:00pm. $85
Baladi is the traditional Egyptian urban dance and music style of improvisational call and response. It is often misinterpreted by Western dancers. Nesma clarifies the music and style, and guides you through the musical and movement changes. Her patient and attentive teaching enables you to perform a Baladi in your own unique interpretation, every time!

Modern Style Classic Oriental Dance
Saturday, Sept 4, noon-4:00pm. $120
An unusually rare opportunity to study the classic dance movements with a true Cairene professional. Nesma danced in Cairo, and was taught by the best teachers and dance coaches there. In this workshop, Nesma helps you bring the joy of performing a classic style into your own dance!

On-line registration is available now. You may also register at the door.

Workshops with Karim Nagi
Video of Karim Nagi playing finger cymbals.

Musicality (for dancers)
Monday, Aug 30, 6:00-8:00pm. $50
Despite any mastery of technique and bodily dexterity, true dance expression requires musicality. The best dancers are those who integrate the music into their own movement. Karim demystifies Arab music for the dancer. He identifies several recurring themes in Arab music (using recorded examples) and explains in emotive, non-musical terms. The workshop covers taksim, melodic themes, vocal vs instrumental songs, rhythms and rhythmic changes, melodic modulation, song structure, orchestration, and instrumentation. Karim guides students through several songs and leads them in dancing to each of these themes. This is a movement workshop that helps dancers become the physical personification of the music.

Men's Saidi Stick Dance (for dancers; open to both men and women)
Monday, Aug 30, 8:00-10:00pm. $50
The southern half of Egypt, know as Upper Egypt due to its higher altitude, is called al-Sa'id in Arabic (pronounced Sa-yeed). The Saidi people are famous for this semi-acrobatic stick dance called tahteeb for men (raqs assaya for women). It is essentially a form of martial art where the manipulation of the stick and the demeanor of movement replicate a battle scene. The main motions with the stick include spinning, twirling, rowing, flipping, and striking. Often two dancers will enact a friendly battle with synchronized sparring and coordinated strikes; but the essence of the Saidi dance is in its demeanor. The body moves heavily and confidently with a subtle pulse. Grace is more valued than aggression. This dance is done solo or in groups where the performers' sticks are maneuvered in unison. Karim teaches with the straight cane and covers all the basic spins, flips, and strikes. He stresses ambidextrous technique and utilizes both hands for the entire lesson. He also teaches double cane, culminating in a short standard "friendly battle" choreography. (Some canes will be available at the studio, but bring your straight cane if you have one.) [This class has just been added, so registration for it will be available soon.]

Drum Solos: Dancer - Drummer Communications (for dancers and drummers)
Saturday, Sept 4, 10:00am-noon. $50
This workshop bridges the gap between the two disciplines. Learn how to interpret sound into movement by aligning body parts and motions with drum sounds and riffs. Once the movement-to-sound correspondence is established, you prepare to perform to drum solos. The six-part drum solo is explained, theme by theme. You then perform to any combination of these six major drum solo themes. You learn how to both lead and follow the drummer by maintaining the common language. Improvisation skills are encouraged, and Karim demystifies the daunting prospect of dancing to a LIVE drum solo. This workshop includes both dancers and drummers.

Tabla (for drummers)
Saturday, Sept 4, 1:00-3:00pm. $50
This workshop focuses on the Arabic tabla (aka doumbek, darabuka). Students learn technique, rhythmic vocabulary, and the essential stylistic approach to Arabic rhythm. This workshop creates a strong foundation for later advanced drum performance. It is designed for people with rudimentary knowledge of music, percussion, or Middle Eastern drumming.

On-line registration is available now. You may also register at the door.

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8 @ 8
The CIA (Choreographers in Accord) performs in Minneapolis

The Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave NE map
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Friday and Saturday, September 10-11, 2010 at 8pm
Ticket details TBA.
Tickets will be available at The Ritz Theater box office or at the door.

• ARENA Dances
• Ballet of the Dolls
• Ethnic Dance Theatre
• Flying Foot Forum
• Jawaahir Dance Company
• Katha Dance Theatre
• Shapiro & Smith Dance
• Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre

Interested in seeing a dance company but don't want to invest a whole evening? Here's your chance to see a sample from 8 of the Twin Cities' premier dance companies — at 8:00 — get it? These companies are presenting highlights from some of their best work. This show was wildly successful last year, and sold out both nights! Don’t miss this dance extravaganza!

Further information here, or call the Jawaahir office at 612-872-6050.

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Walker Minnesota Ethnic Fest
Jawaahir will be performing at 1:45pm.

Saturday September 11, 2010, 11am-5pm
Walker, MN

About 3 hours north of the Twin Cities. Several members of Jawaahir will be dancing in the afternoon. More information to follow.

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Oasis Dance Camp North - Celebrating 26 years of dance
Cassandra will be teaching and performing

September 15-19, 2010
Traverse City, Michigan

www.oasisdancecamp.com then click Camp North.

Now celebrating its 26th year! OASIS North is held at a rural camp outside Traverse City, Michigan that every year is transformed into the largest casbah in Michigan. Camaraderie, friendship, and dance combine to make a memorable experience that keeps campers coming back year after year.

This year Cassandra, Ava Fleming, Nicole LeCorgne and other guest artists will be teaching. If you must choose one camp to attend, this is the one.

Again in 2010: Dance Camp - No Experience Necessary
So you want to come to Oasis but you're just starting out, or your best friend has always wanted to try it since you love it so much, here is the opportunity to meet each of those needs! Along with novice, intermediate and advanced levels, Oasis will offer 'learn the basics' classes for the beginning student! Classes will be taught by Zulaika (Patricia Auch) formerly of Jawaahir.

New in 2010: Pre-Camp Master Level Class
To get even more out of our time with Cassandra, we will be holding a pre-camp Master Level Class. This session will meet on the Wednesday camp begins at 2:00 pm. Topics are: Specialty Rhythms and Working with a Class Accompanist.

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MassRaqs

September 24-26, 2010
Medford, Massachusetts

MassRaqs! brings together an exceptional group of instructors to celebrate the art of Oriental "Belly" Dance. Cassandra is teaching alongside Bozenka (FL), Meiver (MA), and Shadia (MA). Come for 3 exciting days of lectures, workshops, and dance performances, to take your dance skills to the next level and leave you inspired!

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Oasis Dance Camp West
Vashon Island, Seattle, WA

October 6-10, 2010

www.oasisdancecamp.com then click Camp West.

Cassandra will again be teaching at Oasis West, held at a rural camp on Vashon Island in Puget Sound near Seattle. Tall pines, walks in the fresh salt air, the smell of the woods, and views of the sound together with great teachers make this one of the most popular Middle Eastern Dance camps in the states.

Again in 2010: Dance Camp - No Experience Necessary
So you want to come to Oasis but you're just starting out, or your best friend has always wanted to try it since you love it so much, here is the opportunity to meet each of those needs! Along with novice, intermediate and advanced levels, Oasis will offer 'learn the basics' classes for the beginning student! Classes will be taught by Zulaika (Patricia Auch) formerly of Jawaahir.

New in 2010: Pre-Camp Master Level Class
To get even more out of our time with Cassandra, we will be holding a pre-camp Master Level Class. This session will meet on the Wednesday camp begins at 2:00 pm. Topics are: Specialty Rhythms and Working with a Class Accompanist.

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Amoura Latif Workshop
Jawaahir Studios, Minneapolis

Come study with Amoura Latif in her first workshop in the States since the 1980s!
October 16-17, 2010

Classic Oriental Dance
Saturday, October 16, 1:00-5:00pm. $120
Amoura teaches you graceful flowing combinations, through space and in place, that are typical of her style. She emphasizes movement quality phrasing and dynamics, expressive poetic arm movements, and increasing your personal presence. You also explore the use of breath with movement. How do we as dancers experience and embody tarab (musical enchantment) in our conversation with the melodies and the rhythms of the Oriental music?

Raks Assaya Choreography: "Samah Innoba"
Saturday, October 17, 11:00-3:00pm. $120
In this workshop Amoura teaches a choreography that contrasts different qualities and moods of the stick dance: the coquettish playful feminine with the proud elegant masculine. In addition to technique, she emphasizes expression, musical interpretation, and cultural understanding. This choreography is appropriate for those with or without experience dancing with a cane.

On-line registration will be available shortly. You may also register at the door.

Amoura Latif’s life-long involvement with oriental dance spans three continents and over 30 years. In her early years in San Francisco, she studied with the legendary teacher Jamila Salimpour, performing with the folkloric dance group Mash’allah. As her love for the traditional dance and music grew, she relocated to the near east (Israel/Palestine) where she was able to deepen and enhance her understanding of the dance arts and culture, gaining treasured professional experience through the collaboration with many renowned artists and musicians in the oriental arts scene.

She was one of the first to teach and perform in this country of origin, becoming a leading dancer there and helping to pave the way for what is now a vibrant oriental dance scene. In 1990, she was the artistic consultant and representative at the International Oriental Dance festival in Jerusalem, the first dance festival of its kind held in the Middle East.

Amoura has had the privilege to study in both the west and in Egypt with some of the great luminaries of the dance world, including Jamila Salimpour, Ibrahim Farrah, Ibtisam el Masri, Ibrahim Akef, and Ahmed Jarjour.

In the 1990s, she was invited to teach in Vienna and quickly established herself as a significant teacher and performer working throughout Europe (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, England, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Hungary) including the Bolzano Dance Festiva in Italy from 2006 to the present. Her special projects have included artistic direction and choreography for Alwan al Sharq (Salam Islam festival Vienna 2002), El Jameel Dance theater (Vienna, 2005), and Augenblicke (Ingolstadt Germany, 2008).

Recently, Amoura has brought the dance to the contemporary theatre world, performing as dancer and actress with the company “Cabula 6” at the Impulstanz, Tanzquartier Vienna, and at the award-winning innovative community arts project “Macondo.” She is also an instructor of the Heart Rhythm Meditation method, which brings added dimension to her work as an artist.

Amoura’s history and her life experience as a dancer who achieved artistic maturity through her work on three continents have given depth and a broad perspective to her work.

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Oasis Dance South Retreat

November 3-7, 2010

www.oasisdancecamp.com then click South Retreat.

Oasis South moved up the beach on Jekyll Island to the Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center. We stay in two and three bedroom town houses with full kitchens and living rooms. Classes and other camp activities are in the luxurious resort ballroom. The resort includes a solar heated pool and martini bar. You can see more information at www.jekyllislandga.com. We have had great reviews on our new location.

Oasis South is the ideal camp to bring along friends and family. The island has lots of activities for non-dancers to do during class time. Special rates for non-dancing roommates are available.

New in 2010: Pre-Camp Master Level Class
To get even more out of our time with Cassandra, we will be holding a pre-camp Master Level Class. This session will meet on the Wednesday camp begins at 2:00 pm. Topics are: Specialty Rhythms and Working with a Class Accompanist.

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Cassandra's 2011 Weeklong Intensive
A review of a past workshop by one of the participants, Sherezzah Bint al-Waha.

Monday-Saturday, March 21-26, 2011
Jawaahir Studios
1940 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

A six-day workshop:

• Five days of dance classes (10am to 4:30 or 5:00 daily)
• 3 performances included: Participant dinner show, Enchanted Evening, Cassandra's Cabaret
• Technique for Oriental and Folkloric
• Conditioning and stretching
• Lecture classes
• At least 3 helpful teaching assistants available to give you individual attention
• Saturday review/video session
• Vendors

Cost of the complete weeklong package: USD $675. Space is limited to 30 participants.

Information on accommodations, schedule, etc will go out after January 1, 2011. If you are coming from out of town and want advanced information about accommodations or things to do in the area, contact Eileen at booking@jawaahir.org or 612-872-6050.

A $100 non-refundable deposit will secure your place in the Intensive. Balance due March 1, 2011. Cancellations receive 50% refund (less deposit).

See photos from past Participant's Show, Enchanted Evening, and Cabarets

Cassandra's 2011 Weeklong Intensive online registration available now.

The schedule is here.

Additional details on the Weeklong Intensive page.

Dahlal is planning on being here for your vending pleasure on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Dahlal is the leading provider of costumes, music, scarves, beads, and everything else Belly Dance.

Alsadu is planning on being here for your vending pleasure on Thursday and Friday. Alsadu specializes in historic non-Western textiles, rugs, artifacts, jewelry, ceramics, and furniture.

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