Samar Gala
Join us for an exciting and immersive night of live Arabic music and improvised Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance)
featuring Egyptian Super Star
ZARA
SAMAR presents
Egyptian super star
ZARA
A weekend of dance workshops and a special SAMAR Gala
For more information regarding our event, performers, and musicians -contact us at
samar_experience_yyc@outlook.com
The Vision
An Improvised Raqs Sharqi Experience
With the intention of showcasing Calgary's best Arab musicians, we have assembled a beautiful live Arabic band which, depending on the event, may include a tabla player, oudist, kanounist, piano player, violinist, and singer. A selection of the area's professional, Egyptian-style gigging dancers and teachers are invited to perform live with the ensemble. Live in front of the audience, each dancer will have her name drawn from a hat to create an impromptu lineup. These dancers and musicians will make improvised art before your eyes. It is a showcase of Calgary’s best talent that honours the traditional roots of the art.
"What is life,
but a night like tonight?"
ألف ليلة وليلة
from Alf lelah w lelah
Our Events
The SAMAR team offers three types of events.
The Gala Show features a full ensemble of musicians and a generous line-up of professional Raqs Sharqi dancers improvising to the classics. Guests are encouraged to "dress to impress" for this more formal event.
The Lounge Series offers a more intimate, iteractive experience with a smaller band, fewer dancers, and audience interaction (think: Cairo nightclub vibes). Our goal is to rotate through Egyptian-style dancers, availability permitting, to offer variety to our fans
Samar Presents focuses on sharing knowledge and learning. Samar organizers host instructional workshops with dancers and/or musicians with an educational and skill-building focus. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
Sponsors
The Samar organizers are very grateful for the generous support of our sponsors. Please consider supporting THEM in the near future!
Mission Statement
Hala Jamal, Moselle, and Nico are three independent professional raqs sharqi (bellydance) performers that have joined forces to create this special event, “Samar”. The mission of Samar is to foster an appreciation of and support for Arab arts, Arab artists, and Arab business in Calgary, and in particular, the visibility of raqs sharqi and collaboration with live musicians. They aim to cultivate an interest in the beautiful culture of the Middle East for those who don’t know much about it, pair live music with live dance, and bring more of it to Calgarians to enjoy.
