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"One of the most respected Arabic dance companies
in the country..."
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Skyway News, Minneapolis, MN |
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"..Without having to visit the Middle East, audience
members experience ethnic artistry.."
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| Pulse of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis,
MN |
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Jawaahir (Ja-WA-heer)  , meaning jewels in Arabic, is the only professional Middle Eastern dance company in the
Midwest. Since its founding in 1989 by Artistic Director Cassandra Shore,
Jawaahir has grown to 17 members and has performed throughout the Midwest
(including Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan)
as well as in California. The Company has established a seasonal concert
series at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis, presented 110 formal concerts
and 240 community concerts, including free performances at area schools,
retirement homes, city parks, and cultural festivals. Jawaahir has hosted
83 guest artists, including distinguished dancers, choreographers, composers,
and musicians from the Middle East, and has collaborated and/or performed
with 26 regional performing arts groups.
The Cassandra School, the teaching arm of Jawaahir, offers year-round
classes in Middle Eastern dance for levels ranging from beginning to professional.
These classes (18 per week) incorporate all relevant aspects of the dance,
music, and culture. The regular classes serve the seven-county metro area
and are sought by students from across the United States who have relocated
expressly to study with Cassandra and the school. In response to student
demand, Jawaahir opened a St. Paul branch of the Cassandra School in 1998.
Jawaahir Dance Company is involved in a myriad of activities:
- Concerts of dance and music
- Dance classes from beginning to professional
levels
- Workshops and master classes with distinguished
guest artists
- Lecture-demonstrations in schools, community
centers, and other settings
- Free public performances
- Collaborations with other artistic and cultural
groups
- Leasing rehearsal and theater space to metro-area
artists
- Newsletter for Friends of Jawaahir
The Company is the primary tenant and has been responsible for managing
our building, located at 1940 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, since 1998.
We sublet studio, theater, and office space to a variety of artists on
both long- and short-term bases.
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