Learn more about this Spring Spectacular 2023 Workshop -
Sunday, March 26: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Learn more about the workshop, what will you learn, what will you take away. See Cassandra in action, read her responses to our interview about the workshop.
An Interview with Cassandra Shore
What is the inspiration for this workshop? Teaching the defining movement of Raqs Sharqi, the small vibration shimmy that ornaments many classic Sharqi movements, and its sister shimmy, the bigger Baladi shimmy that can be associate with urban Shaabi (as in Dance of the People) and professional dancers.
Why did you choose this topic? Observation of our dance community inspired me to offer this topic!
Why is this topic important? Dancers who dance our beautiful style need to know how to use different types of shimmy for different musical feels and styles in order to fit into the Arab Raqs Sharqi style.
How do you anticipate this will assist your participants? This class will give them technique, tips and creative ideas, as well as practice time with a variety of both traveling and stationary shimmy steps.
How will they use it? They will be able to use it in any Raqs Sharqi, Baladi or Shaabi performance, or just party dancing!
What do you hope they will understand as a result? How to execute a variety of shimmies to best effect.
What are two or three specific things they will be able to take away? SEE QUESTIONS 1, 3, AND 4 above
Video: Cassandra’s solo demonstrates Raks Sharqi, including shimmy ornamentations.
Workshop Description
The defining movement of Raqs Sharqi is the shimmy, performed in a multitude of layers, directions, travel, and ornamentations. Hip shimmies, shoulder shimmies, and a variety of other fun vibrational visuals will be introduced and practiced.
Intermediate/Advanced workshop in Raqs Sharqi dance
You will learn: How to use and control shimmies creatively, and wisely!
Instructor Experience: Cassandra performed thousands of shows as exclusively a professional dancer from 1974 - 2020. She has taught workshops worldwide, including Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco, and was the choreographer and Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company from 1989 - 2021. She has extensive performing and teaching Raqs Sharqi around the globe.
More information at: https://www.facebook.com/TheCassandraSchool
TIP: Not sure what level workshop you should sign up for?
This workshop is rated for the skill level(s) most suited to the workshop material so matching up appropriately will provide you with the best educational experience. However, all workshops can be accessible to a variety of skill levels with some awareness of how and willingness to adapt the material to your abilities. For example, if the material is more advanced than you need, take out layers and focus on the fundamental movement, theme or concept. If you are picking up the material with ease, focus on how your breath and posture can best support you and/or your personal expression.
Get ready to register! Four SPECTACULAR! workshops
- Tay Zavala – Saturday, March 25: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, Capturing Your Audience
- Vanessa of Cairo – Saturday, March 25: 12:30 -2:30 pm, Turns, Transitions & Traveling Steps
- Cassandra Shore – Sunday, March 26: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm, Spectacular Shimmy Slam
- Amina Beres – Sunday, March 26: 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Modern Turkish Oryantal Choreography
Workshop registration will open January 28 at 1 pm CT on the Shop page. You'll need to log in as an active Guild member to view the registration buttons.
Class size is limited to ensure participants have a fantastic experience!?
Cost of each two-hour workshop is $30 (plus the PayPal fee). This includes in-person attendance plus access to a recording that can be viewed for a limited time (it will not be downloadable).
REGISTER FOR ALL FOUR and you’ll have a chance to win!! If you register for all four workshops, your name will be entered in a drawing to win a free Guild membership renewal!!
You must be a Guild member to register. Annual dues are $28.
- Become a member here: Membership Signup
- Renew your membership here: Membership Renewal
What to bring: water bottle, notebook and pen
What to wear: Dancewear. The studio has a lovely wooden floor; so plan to leave any outdoor footwear at the door.
When to arrive: 15 minutes before class begins. If there is bad weather: Check the Guild Facebook page for updates if the weather is a factor. When you arrive, we will ask you to complete a photo and liability release.
Workshop location: Jawaahir Studio, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN.
GPS and Parking address: 3035 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN