Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaminah_gitana
Hello lovely ladies,
I recently relocated to Washington, DC and I was wondering if anyone knew of workshops, haflas, classes, and places to hang out with other belly dancers... 
Thank you!
Aaminah_gitana |
Welcome Aaminah!!!
There is both fabulous cabaret and tribal community here- and quite a few events that are a wonderful way to experience both. We're lucky to have teachers with many many many many years of experience (and all with different styles)- such as Artemis Mourat, Yasmin, Faten Salama, Laurel Victoria Gray and Latifa. We have fabulous troupe like the NDC, wonderful tribal fusion teacher/performers like Asharah, Romka and Shakra Grove as well as ATS instruction.
In addition to the sites listed above- try
www.joyofmotion.org They have classes just starting, including performance classes. I feel the best way to network with other dancers is to take classes. Through classes you'll find out the events and workshops. There are schools that are all exclusionary and who don't recommend their students study elsewhere or support events sponsored by other schools - keep your eyes open to avoid those places. There are more schools that are truly part of the whole community...DC really has a lot to offer.
You like Lucy of DCs style? Take from Yasmin at Joy of Motion.
If you didn't make Yucy's last Arabian Nights in Clinton, MD, she has them monthly. She's one of the biggest sweeties you can imagine. Romka hosts a monthly Tribal Cafe (
www.dctribal.com), up in Baltimore Nina is organizing the All Seasons Hafla. Zareen hosts a quarterly semi-pro hafla called Starlight Shimmy. A lot of these local haflas are structured shows with both students and one or two professional level dancers. Some have live music.
There is always info on tribe - there is a dctribal tribe, dc area belly dance tribe and a Baltimore tribal tribe called "it's tribal hon". We also have local yahoo groups - including a couple professional ones. If you want on, Lucy and Damiena are the ones to contact.
If you'll be performing in venues - there are a lot and we have decent wages here.
http://www.samirashuruk.com/standard...uidelines.html
If you want to SEE a show you have choices ranging from typical dinner-American audience places to Arab nightclubs complete with bands. Of course- most of those just took a break for Ramadan.
Anyway- that should be enough to get you started! :)
Welcome!
Samira