SAMAR is proud to present Zara.
Join for an inspiring 3+ day experience of learning, sharing, and dancing in community with Egyptian SUPERSTAR and Master Teacher Zara Abdelrahman! Only 40 spots will be open for the intensive! Don’t miss your chance!
PLEASE NOTE: Gala tickets sold separately
Early Bird rates available to the first 15 registrants - SOLD OUT
Payment Plans are Available - contact samar_experience_yyc@outlook.com
Zara Workshop - Full Weekend
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Thursday August 7 *Only eligible to those registered for the full weeked*
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Lecture: Egyptian Bellydancers: A Disappearing Act Seeing fewer and fewer Egyptian Dancers in Egypt? Zara invites you to an important talk discussing cultural, political, economic & social issues facing Egyptian Bellydancers. We will together look at how, foreign privilege, the growing importance of social media, the challenges on feminist movements in the Arab world & various events in the Middle East affected the dance industry. In addition to this, we will analyze how these issues have lead to the growing domination of Western & Foreign dancers in Egypt, bringing up the important question: What does the future hold for “Egyptian” Bellydance?
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
Friday August 8 10:00am – 12:00pm
Shaabi and Mahragnat Technique
Come and learn this fresh new style of dance that now dominates the Cairo scene. Zara will guide you through an immersive experience that goes beyond mere steps. You'll explore the origins of Mahragnat, uncover its cultural significance, and learn why it resonates so deeply with audiences today.
Embrace the rhythm of the times and get ready to move with the latest techniques and trends straight from the heart of Egypt!
Zara is excited to share her passion with you! This workshop offers a deep dive into the history, cultural context, and lots of fun TECHNIQUE!
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
1:00pm – 3:00pm Mahragnat Fun Choreo
Oh yes, Zara is going to be teaching you a fun, exhilarating Mahragnat choreography, full of fun fresh moves from Cairo.
Not only will you learn a great choreo, you will also have the chance to perform it alongside Zara in the Friday night Hafla! This workshop covers Technique and Choreography.
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
Friday Hafla night
“Zara’s Hafla”
Featuring dancers from Calgary and special guests from the wider Canadian bellydance community!
Location: TBC
Saturday August 9 10:00am – 12:00pm
Transitions and Flow
Unlock seamless movement in this dynamic workshop focused on fluid transitions, turning technique, and confident travel across the stage. You’ll explore footwork patterns and combinations designed to improve flow, enhance your turns, and connect your movements with grace and intention.
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Majencey – Understanding and application
This workshop is designed to equip you with the skills, techniques, and mindset needed to create a unforgettable bellydance entrance that takes your audience’s breath away. You will explore how Megency music is uniquely crafted to enhance your performance, delving into the various components of a Megency song and their significance.
Discover how to leverage your bellydance skills to maximize the impact of your entrance.
This session will focus on concepts rather than choreography, providing you with invaluable skills that will benefit your dance journey for years to come.
Expect to engage in activities such as listening to music, analyzing video examples of iconic dancers' openings, studying the historical context, dissecting the structure of a Megency piece, and cultivating the mindset necessary to dazzle.
Join us for this interactive concepts workshop that promises to elevate your dance experience.
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
Doors 8:00pm, show 8:30
“Samar: An Improvised Raqs Sharqi Experience” Gala ShowFeaturing LIVE Arabic music from the Samar Band and the lady of the hour, Zara herself! See The Queen in action (do not miss!)
Location: TBC
Stay tuned for all the details
Sunday August 17 10:00am -12:00pm
Tarab
One of Zara’s most popular workshops: delve into the captivating belly dance concept of TARAB. Known as the entrancing state performers experience, it is arguably the essence of bellydance.
Through carefully crafted exercises, Zara shares her years of performance experience to immerse you in the principles of Tarab, guiding you towards reaching this unparalleled state of connection.
You will walk away from this workshop with supercharged audience interaction skills and the know how to confidently let go and express yourself fully through dance.
Tarab is a transformative experience and understanding it is transformative to your dance.
Stop boring, vacuous performances of just stepping out the moves and delve deeper like never before!
Location: TheRoomYYC (5918 5 St SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB)
Waiver
By enrolling in the full weekend workshop or purchasing a single day workshop class, you agree to the following:
I am a legal adult or guardian of the participant, am able body and sound of mind, and understand that dance is a physical activity that can be strenuous. I take full responsibility for my own health and welfare as a participant in this class. I assume all risks and hazards incidental to my participation and do herby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and hold harmless SAMAR (Moselle/Megan, Hala/Catherine, and Nico/Nicole), the dance instructor Zara, and the studio in any claim arising out of any injury to myself, or others, or personal loss.
Privacy Concent
I agree to the collection of this personal information for the exclusive use of SAMAR and I understand that it will not be released or shared with any other business or person.
