Egyptian-Style Intensive
Melissa Gamal
with
in
Calgary, AB Canada
SAMAR is proud to present Melissa Gamal.
Join for an inspiring 3-day experience of learning, sharing, and dancing in community with beloved Master Teacher Melissa Gamal! Only 40 spots will be open for the intensive! Don’t miss your chance!
Super Early Bird rates available to the first 10 registrants.
Payment Plans are available - contact samar_experience_yyc@outlook.com
Workshop with MELISSA GAMAL in
Calgary, AB Canada
Date: Friday, August 21st - Sunday, August 23rd 2026
in Calgary, AB Canada.
Location: Free Spirit Dance (112 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB)
Workshop Schedule
Friday August 21st
3 pm - 5 pm: Hear it, Feel it, Dance it
Develop a deep connection between music and movement in this
workshop focused on musicality for dancers. We'll build a foundation for
dance expression by exploring the layers of Middle Eastern music; looking
at things like melody, rhythm, tempo, texture and dynamics to create soulful performances.
Saturday August 22nd
10 am - Noon: Baladi... with sagat (finger cymbals)
Let's dive into Baladi from the inside out -- bringing it back to the core.
We'll look at our fundamental dance movements, along with posture, weight
shifts, attitude, etc. - and discover how subtle changes in the execution and
intention of our steps can help us relax into the grounded, natural vibes of
Baladi.
1 pm - 3 pm: New shaabi & Cairo Trends
The latest techniques and movement trends from Cairo set the tone for this workshop! Over the decades, shaabi music has changed and evolved, and so has the dancing done to this music. Today's popular dance movements tend to pack a punch, have a lot of sass... and might get you into a little bit of trouble! We'll talk about some of the differences between Pop, Shaabi, and Mahraganat music, and learn some exciting combinations to songs burning up the Egyptian music charts and club scene.
Sunday August 23rd
10 am - Noon: Expressive Arms & Hands
A deep focus on articulation, intention, and musicality, exploring how arms and hands can become powerful tools of expression, nuance, and emotional storytelling in dance.
1 pm - 3 pm: Golden Era Styling
Travel back in time to the golden age of Egyptian cinema with this glamorous workshop. From the subtle and expressive, to the movie star dramatics, we’ll explore overall themes and elements that set the framework for this styling, as well as signature movements from some of the big stars during this renowned
era of Raqs Sharqi. (Optional: Students can wear low dance heels, a circle
skirt, and bring a veil)
Melissa's Hafla and Samar Gala
MELISSA'S HAFLA
Friday, August 21st, 2026, 7:30pm
Join us for a dancers' night out here in YYC! Enjoy amazing performances from our wonderful workshop attendees. Location and details to follow.
If you are interested in performing, please express your interest by contacting us by July 31, 2026 at samar_experience_yyc@outlook.com
SAMAR GALA
Friday, August 22nd, 2026
7:00 PM Doors open
7:30 PM sharp – Show starts (no late entry)
La Cité des Rocheuses (4800 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB)
The show of the year! An amazing live music and dance showcase, featuring Melissa Gamal and guests. In true Samar fashion, dancers will be improvising to randomly drawn songs on the spot - how exciting.
Ticket includes show ONLY. Cash bar. Café Theatre restaurant open onsite at 5:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
The Gala Show is not included in the workshop packages.
$46 general admission + fees
🚗 Free lot parking
Payment and Payment Plans
Register and pay through the link below.
Payment plans are available. Contact us at samar_experience_yyc @outlook.com to make arrangements with us
*Please note, we will need 50% of the total amount to hold your spot*
| Where to Stay
We don’t have an official host hotel or a reserved room block for this event, so you’re welcome to stay wherever best fits your budget and travel plans.
The hotels below are all within about a 5–10 minute drive of Free Spirit Dance and are generally among the more affordable options in the area.
If you’d like to coordinate accommodations with other attendees—whether that’s sharing an Airbnb, finding a roommate, or booking the same hotel—reply with your phone number and we’ll start a WhatsApp group. It’s a great way to make the weekend more affordable and connect with other dancers before the event.
Nearby options:
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Calgary–University Northwest
2231 Banff Trail NW, Calgary, AB T2M 4L2
https://www.hilton.com
Coast Calgary University Area Hotel by APA
1804 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3Y7
https://www.coasthotels.com/coast-calgary-university-hotel-by-apa
Econo Lodge Motel Village
2440 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0M5
https://www.choicehotels.com
