Thread: Attendance when the stars come from over there

I have been toying with the idea of attending one of the workshops with the big stars from Egypt - but, before I start saving, I am wondering what attendance is typically like when Dina or Mona or dancers of that caliber come to the US to teach? How crowded are these events? Dozens of dancers? Hundreds?

Originally Posted by steffib

I have been toying with the idea of attending one of the workshops with the big stars from Egypt - but, before I start saving, I am wondering what attendance is typically like when Dina or Mona or dancers of that caliber come to the US to teach? How crowded are these events? Dozens of dancers? Hundreds?

It will depend on the sponsor. Best to check whether they have limited the workshop size. I have heard of a workshop in a ballroom with 600 people!!!!! However, I know the Farha Tour in Sydney has been capped at 60. I'd say unless you check you can expect anything between.

When I went to a Little Egypt workshop in Miami in 05 with Dina, there were probably about 50-70 dancers, but it didn't feel like it because we all had space and Dina was pretty easy to see up on the stage.

The experience with Fifi this year in Dallas was about the same... well, there was a bit of concern when Fifi wanted to teach cane and some people unfamiliar with it were swinging it around a bit wildly, but otherwise, no problems.

Most of the time they rotate students as well, and with the exception of some uncooperative individuals who feel it is their right to be up front and center the entire time (and they can be anything from baby bellies to "pros"), most people will switch and so you'll get a chance to get a closer view.

I have been to many and the numbers quoted above about 60-70 is about right for most of them. I have also been to Egypt many times at the various festivals and must say it is a better experience here (in the US) then over there. I learn more here because there are less people and less egos from around the world crowding the front row the entire time. I highly recommend taking workshops from the masters when they are in your local country as opposed to paying all that money and suffering jet lag and dealing with hundreds of people in your class in Egypt.

Speaking of masters....
For those of you in the Southern California area: Tito is coming back to teach workshops, judge a competition and perform of course. I highly recommend his workshops he is a wonderful instructor with fun choreographies and of course the most charismatic performer in this art form I have ever seen.
Here is the link for more info: The Flying Carpet TV .com Presents: Tito In SoCal