Give to the Max
Give to the Max day has passed, so we want to say a big thank you to those of you who were so generous. And the good news is, it’s not too late! If you didn’t get an opportunity to contribute to Jawaahir, you can still give by clicking DONATE. Thank you!!!!
You can read the letter from Vanessa of Cairo, our Artistic Director, here.
Shows
International Day - Free and Public
International School of Minnesota
Sunday, April 18
Each year, ISM’s campus transforms into a multicultural experience highlighting international cuisine, customs, cultural performances, educational opportunities, and interactive activities for our annual International Day celebration. This family-friendly event is open to our ISM community and the public – we invite you to join us at the next one!
Click here for more information.
International Day of Living Together in Peace
Festival 2026
Saturday, May 16
Casperson Park, Lakeville, MN
Join us for the 6th annual International Day of Living Together in Peace, a community celebration of unity and diversity. Recognized by the United Nations, this event invites residents, organizations, and local leaders to come together in support of mutual understanding, peace, and cultural exchange.
Click here for more information.
Kickoff to Summer at the Fair - Free
Thurs-Sun, May 21-24
Jawaahir is among the elite arts organizations selected this year. The popular Kickoff to Summer at the Fair returns over Memorial Day Weekend! This slice-of-the-fair event features fair food and brews at nearly 50 vendors, music and entertainment and, shopping at 30+ specialty Minnesota merchants!
Click here for more information.
See you at the Fair!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Sunday, June 21. 1:30-3:30
Jawaahir is thrilled to be performing at the Minnesota Arboretum this year!
Click here for more information.
Summer Soirée 2026
Elision Playhouse
6105 42nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55422
Tickets $25, available at the door.
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 at the door.
Purchase your
Couldn't make the show? ...Donate
The full online program for this show is here.
The printable program for this show is here.
Join us in a celebration of dance, music, and culture…
Vanessa of Cairo and Jawaahir Dance Company present their annual Summer Soiree and Intensive! Our 2025 edition is featuring world-renowned stars of dance Sadie and Zahra Zuhair!! This incredible lineup has something for everybody! Do not miss this opportunity to study with the best and enjoy an incredible show! (Scroll down for info on four workshops!)
In conjunction with Vanessa of Cairo’s SUMMER Intensive workshops, we are proud to present an eclectic show featuring Vanessa of Cairo, Zahra Zuhair, and Sadie.
Show: Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Elision Playhouse, 6105 N 42nd Ave, Crystal, MN
Workshops: Friday-Sunday, July 31-Aug 2
at Hothouse Studio, 2303 Kennedy St NE UNIT 201, Mpls
Vanessa of Cairo and Jawaahir Dance Company present their annual Summer Soiree and Intensive! Don't miss this opportunity to study with the best and enjoy an incredible show!
This show features guest artists Sadie and Moussa & Sandra -- and a wonderful collection of local dance companies! (Scroll down for info on our four amazing workshops and the performance lab opportunity!)
Show tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Reservations open soon.
Tickets available at the door: $25
Tickets $20 in advance. $25 at the door.
Purchase your
Here is the detailed program.
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Click here to see many, many, many more photos from this fabulous show last summer!
Check back as we update information on our exciting events and performances. Thank you for supporting us, and we'll see you soon!
Workshops & Classes
Summer Intensive & Soirée ’26
Thursday to Sunday, July 30 thru August 2, 2026
Show Thursday: Elision Playhouse, 6105 N 42nd Ave, Crystal, Minnesota
Workshops Friday-Sunday: HotHouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Minneapolis, MN 55413
This weekend intensive offers both a fabulous show and workshops in diverse topics from some of the best artists and educators in the business!!
Each of the four weekend workshops was carefully chosen to provide students with a well-rounded curriculum that will be valuable to dancers of all backgrounds and styles. The Sunday Performance Lab is an incredible opportunity to receive focused, professional feedback from Sadie and Vanessa.
Don't miss this priceless opportunity to be inspired, and to train and learn from these amazing dancers! They have taught all over the world, and are sharing their knowledge and expertise with us here in Minnesota!
We still have room for you. Register at the door.
Registration opens soon.
Friday July 31, 7:00-9:00pm
The Debke Lab with Sandra & Moussa
Ready to elevate your stomp? Join Moussa and Sandra as we take an intensive look at Dabke technique and style!
We’re going beyond the basic step to explore the diverse textures of this iconic dance. You’ll learn the core patterns that hold the line together, dive into high-energy folkloric pieces, and even experiment with the graceful fusion of "Bellydance Dabke." Suitable for dancers looking to build an understanding of Dabke music and Dabke dance vocabulary.
Saturday August 1, 12 noon-2:00pm
Cool Combos & Killer Drills with Sadie
Sadie's fabulous layering techniques and drills allow dancers of all levels, including beginners, to start having fun with layers, while still challenging even the most advanced dancers and teachers. Get ready for an amazing mind-body challenge while drilling limitless layers!
Saturday August 1, 2:30-4:30pm
Raq Star Dynamics with Vanessa
This workshop focuses on stagecraft and taking your technique to the next level by adapting it for performance. Vanessa guides you through pro-level fundamentals, including turns, posture, and body mechanics, all woven into her fun and dynamic combinations. We explore a handful of styles from Classic Raqs Sharqi to folkloric combinations with style and flair! (Please bring a veil and a cane or asaya if you have one.)
Sunday August 2, 12 noon-2:00pm
Double Trouble with Sadie and Vanessa
Learn a fun and sassy Shabbi choreography, created by Sadie & Vanessa! After learning the choreography, the participants will learn their staging and create a unique performance-ready piece for a an optional video opportunity at the end of the class! (Wearing black & leopard print & sparkles is encouraged for the video if you have it!!)
Sunday August 2, 2:30-4:30pm
Performance Lab & Professional Feedback Session with Sadie and Vanessa
Limited to 12 students. NOT included in Workshop package.
An incredible opportunity to receive focused, professional feedback from Sadie and Vanessa, two performers with decades of stage experience! In this supportive lab setting, dancers will have the opportunity to perform a short piece (improv or choreography).
Sadie & Vanessa will be evaluating on several criteria:
-What is working beautifully and should be kept and nurtured
-Specific suggestions for elevating stage presence, musicality, and technique
-Guidance on refinement, polish, and professional-level details
-Insight into how your energy is reading to an audience
Our goal is to help you keep your unique essence while refining the elements that will take you to the next level, helping you step more fully into your power as a performer.
Spots for performers will be limited to 12. Performances are limited to 5 minutes. You will be able to film or record your performance, and the feedback will be given verbally.
Do not miss this amazing opportunity!
All workshops at HotHouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Prices
- Full VIP package including four workshops and one show ticket (does NOT include Performance Lab): $260 in advance. $260 at door with NO show ticket.
- Single Workshops: $70 each in advance. $75 at the door if space is available.
- The two Saturday workshops: $130 in advance. $140 at the door if space is available.
- Sunday Performance Lab (limited to 12 participants): $50 in advance. $60 at the door if space is available.
Reserve your spot now—We plan to sell out!
No refunds, no exchanges.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Workshops are in-person only. (Not on zoom.)
Registration coming soon!
We still have room for you. Register at the door.
On-going Classes
Jawaahir encourages dance students to support our city’s wonderful local instructors who specialize in Raqs Sharqi and Arab dances. Look to Jawaahir Dance Company founder, Cassandra Shore, and current and former JDC members Renee Szudy, Louise Indritz, Laila Sabouni, Kathy McCurdy, Angela Skrade, and Alana Mari. Also, check out the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance for local events and class listings, and of course stay tuned to us here at jawaahir.org, our newsletter, and social media pages.
News
Vanessa's Variations
This fun and informative workshop focuses on technique and combinations.
Although this fabulous workshop is over, it was recorded. For a limited time, you can still receive the link to the recording by clicking the Purchase button below.
Mentorships with Vanessa
Even though the mentorship is closed for 2025, you can contact Vanessa for private coaching sessions, and to get on the waitlist for next year’s program.
Vanessa is now accepting mentorship applications for 2025.
Experience Unique Mentorship
Every year is a new opportunity to show up for yourself… Let Vanessa guide you through your own unique journey in 2025. You will Transform through this experience.
This program is designed for up to 20 dancers of all levels. No matter what style you prefer, or how much time you can devote… You will Transform through this experience.
Contact VanessaRaqs@gmail.com
Transform includes:
- Exclusive workshops & classes with Vanessa
- Access to recordings
- 4x one-on-one private coaching sessions
- Feedback and discussion with Vanessa to help you set your goals, create your intentions for this year
- 20% discount for additional private lessons
- Private Facebook group dedicated for members only
- Access to live group meetings and Q&A with Vanessa
- Activities & projects with Vanessa
Reservation Request
(If you're on a phone, turn it sideways.)
Payment
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Zorongo Location
Zorongo Studio, 3715 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls; entrance from the alley behind the building off 37th Street.
Hothouse Dance Location
Hothouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Mpls
About Sandra & Moussa
Moussa Faraj has dedicated over 20 years to mastering the traditional Levantine folk dance Dabke. He is a proud member of The Arabian Knights Zaffa Group in Detroit and Al Awtar Zaffa Group in Houston, performing and teaching Dabke at weddings, cultural events, and celebrations across the United States.
Sandra is a bellydancer and performer, co-owner of Hips & Dips Bellydance, and co-producer of Raqs Houston. With over 10 years of performing Dabke alongside Al Awtar Zaffa Group in Houston, she has deeply immersed herself in the richness of Lebanese folklore and dance.
Together, Moussa & Sandra perform as a powerful duet, bringing their love for one another to life on stage. Their connection is woven into every performance as they share their passion for dance, drumming, and Dabke—blending traditional rhythm with expressive artistic storytelling.
About Sadie
Sadie is a Colorado-based performer and international dance icon whose dynamic stage presence and creativity have earned her a 20-year career touring to over 50 countries. You may have seen one of her viral YouTube videos or caught her performance on America's Got Talent. Most recently, Sadie had the honor of coaching Shakira in preparation for her Diamonds World Tour.
Sadie is the founder of RaqsOnline.com, the world's largest online school for Raqs Sharqi, World Dance, and Fitness. With over 700 classes (and counting!) led by expert instructors from around the globe, Raqs Online continues to grow as a resource and hub for dancers everywhere.
Stay connected with Sadie at SadieBellydancer.com and RaqsOnline.com or join her for one of her unforgettable destination retreats to Egypt, Costa Rica, and beyond, including "Cosmic Heart Tours" with Vanessa.
About Vanessa
Vanessa, the Artistic Director of Jawaahir, is an American-born dancer who lived and danced full-time in Egypt from 2008 until 2020, when the Covid pandemic brought her back to the USA.
To date, Vanessa is the first and only American woman to start and operate a production company in Egypt. She has held contracts in five-star hotels and has danced and acted in productions at the Balloon Theatre, one of Cairo’s most famous establishments.
Since 2011, she has been invited to numerous countries to teach and perform, and she is thrilled to share her insight, experience, and love of dance with you.
Vanessa holds a BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University.
She currently offers online private coaching and her mentorship program "Transform." She has served as the Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company since September 2022 and, along with Sadie, organizes their "Cosmic Heart Tours" through Egypt and beyond!
Elision Location
6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN.