Algerian Rai dance workshop with Esraa Warda

8 hours of instruction with Esraa Warda, right here in Seattle!

Esraa Warda is a prominent Algerian-American dance performer and educator based in New York, specializing in traditional and popular Algerian dance forms like Raï, Chaoui, and Assimi. Her work operates from a decolonial indigenous body knowledge, sexuality, and North African feminism(s) framework. Warda’s teaching pedagogy blends traditional embodied formats and community-based learning with a systematic approach to Algerian dance vocabulary. To learn more about Esraa, visit https://www.esraawarda.com/.

LOCATION:
All workshops will be held at Brasil In Motion/Balance Studio at 418 N 35th St, Seattle, WA 98103.
Street parking.
Please note that this studio is in a historical house on the upstairs floor and entering the studio requires climbing a flight of stairs.

SCHEDULE:
Saturday 2/15: 2-4 pm Algerian Rai Dance and 4:30-6:30 pm Algerian Chaoui Dance
Sunday 2/16: 2-4 pm Algerian Assimi (Algeroise) Dance and 4:30-6:30 pm Key Concepts of Algerian Dance Lecture
See below for class descriptions.

REGISTRATION:
$150 Limited Early Bird Registration, includes all 4 workshops – open to first 10 people to register!
$175 Full Workshop Package, includes all 4 workshops
$50 Single Workshop

To register, click here.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:

Saturday, February 15 from 2-4 pm: Algerian Rai Dance
Raï, Algeria’s “rebel blues,” is a defining musical genre and counterculture of North Africa originating in Western Algeria. It often explores themes of subversion, exile, love, and loss, reflecting the region’s social struggles. We will delve into body-rhythm connection to embody Algeriann Raï’s signature cathartic “groove”.

Saturday, February 15 from 4:30-6:30 pm: Algerian Chaoui Dance
This workshop will explore a traditional dance from one sub-group of the indigenous people (Amazigh) of North Africa, known as the Chaouiya. This group is home to the region of the Aures mountains in East Algeria. Chaoui dance is maternal and grounded, truly symbolic of this tribe’s respect for the divine energy of nature and agriculture. Famously known for the “bounce” of the belly, this style is danced with strong isolations in the pelvis area.

Sunday, February 16 from 2-4 pm: Algerian Assimi (Algeroise) Dance
Assimi, or “danse Algéroise,” is an Andalusian-influenced classical dance from Algiers, danced at the opening of wedding processions by family matriarchs to usher in the evening. This graceful dance embodies the dignity, virtue, and femininity of Algerian women. Students will learn to dance with intention, charm, and meditative coordination of “les mouchoirs” (handkerchiefs) in hand.

Sunday: February 16 from 4:30-6:30 pm: Lecture: Key Concepts of Algerian Dance
Enhance your dance experience with an engaging lecture and conversation that explores the social, historical, and aesthetic aspects of the Algerian dances we have practiced over the weekend. This session provides students with an authentic, critical introduction to key concepts essential for understanding and participating in Algerian dance culture(s)

Stefanie Fatooh, qabilaseattle@gmail.com