LANSING, MI – The Habibi Dancers and special guest artist, Dahlena present “Habibi Raks,” a weekend of bellydance workshops and performance on April 12 and 13, 2014, at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd. East Lansing. The weekend will feature Middle Eastern Oriental, Sai’di, and tribal fusion.
The Habibis will play host to legendary guest artist Dahlena, a dancer and choreographer. Dahlena started dancing in Boston in the early 60’s and has performed in nightclubs across the U.S. plus France, Syria, and Iraq. Her experiences working with some of the finest musicians and dancers from the Middle East have influenced her style of dance, and today her choreography and dance style is modern Middle Eastern, based on a solid foundation of the past.
“Dahlena is truly an icon of Middle Eastern dance,” said Yasmina Amal, Habibi artistic director. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for dancers in Michigan and the Midwest to study and learn from her.”
On Saturday, Dahlena will provide an oriental technique class of drills and combinations unique to her signature style, followed by a Sai’di styling class in the afternoon focused on Luxor style dance without the cane. Sunday she will teach a Spanish fusion technique and combinations class.
“Habibi Raks,” Saturday’s evening performance, will feature the Habibi Dancers, Dahlena, and a number of sister dance troupes from around Michigan and the Midwest. The show will feature dances from American tribal to Oriental cabaret, using a variety of traditional choreography and props including, veils, swords, and zills.
LOCATION: Hannah Community Center
Albert A. White Performing Arts Theater
819 Abbot Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823
PERFORMANCE: Saturday, April 12 at 8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:30
TICKETS: $15 each in advance or $20 at the door
Available at www.habibidancers.org or
New Aladdin’s Restaurant
300 N. Clippert St.
Lansing, MI 48912
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Saturday, April 12: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Oriental Technique: Drills and combinations
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Sai’di Styling: Luxor style dance without the cane
Sunday, April 13: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. “Spanish Fusion” technique and combinations
Concert and workshop registration information at www.habibidancers.org
Photo Opportunities:
·????? Wednesdays from 6:45 – 8:30 p.m., Regular rehearsals at Foster Community Center
·????? Wednesday, April 9 – Staged run-through from 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Southside Community Center, Hill Auditorium
·????? Friday, April 11 – Habibi dress rehearsal 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hannah Community Center
·????? Saturday, April 12 – workshop 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and performance at 8:00 p.m.
·????? Sunday, April 13 – workshop 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
This activity is supported by grants from Ingham County Hotel/Motel Tax Funds for Art and Tourism.
About the Habibi Dancers
Dedicated to the study of Middle Eastern dance, the Habibi Dancers bring together women of all ages and backgrounds. The Habibi’s traditional dances bring to life the indigenous rhythms, distinctive costumes, and expressive dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia and the Saudi Gulf.
For more information regarding the Habibi Dancers, please visit www.habibidancers.org.
