
CAIRO INTENSIVE
WITH
ZARA
August 15-17
2025
Toronto, Canada
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
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Friday August 15
7-9 p.m.
Melaya Leff: Come and learn this fun, playful dance style inspired by the people of the seaside town of Alexandria. In this workshop you will learn to dance with the Melaya, a popular piece of clothing from the 1930-1960's and how to enchant your audience with it. This workshop will be technique, history, and a short choreography.
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Saturday August 16
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Old School Shaabi: Come and learn about the history of Shaabi, its roots and its meaning to the Egyptian people. We will be embodying this dance of the people to a classic old School Shaabi tune ZAHMAH and learning a fun choreo. this workshop consists of, History, context, understanding and a short choreography.
2-4 p.m.
Abdel Halim Hafiz
Do you know who the second BIGGEST selling Arab artist of all time after Umm Kalthoum? ABDEL HALIM HAFEZ of course... COME AND FIND OUT WHY!
In this workshop we and learn about this EGYPTIAN STAR and Heartthrob of the 60s and 70s. Not only that we go into depth understanding on of his most famous songs SAWAH.
We will work through the meaning of the song, the musicality and how to express one’s self through dance.
This workshop will comer History, Cultural Context, Musicality, Song Translations and Understanding and hence Improve your improvisation expression in your dance. -
Sunday August 17
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Egyptian Bellydancers: A Disapearing Act
Seeing less and less Egyptian Dancers in Egypt? - Zara invites you to an important talk discussing cultural, political, economic & social issues facing Egyptian Bellydancers.
We will look at how foreign privilege, the growing importance of social media, the challenges on feminist movements in the Arab world & various events in the Middle East affected the dance industry.
In addition to this, we will analyze how these issues have lead to the growing domination of Western & Foreign dancers in Egypt, bringing up the important question: What does the future hold for “Egyptian” Bellydance?2-4 p.m.
Baladi
Discover the essence of a TRUE Baladi! Are you ready to master one of the most captivating solo performances a bellydancer can showcase? Join us for an enlightening workshop where we dissect the elements of a traditional Baladi tubule. You'll learn how to express a deep, grounded Taxim, culminating in a dynamic finale that puts you in the driver's seat. This workshop focuses on Technique, Expression, Understanding, and enhancing your improvisation skills. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your dance!
PRICES
Early Bird: first 15 People to Register
Full Package: $350 Weekend Only: $280
Regular Price
Full Package: $450 Weekend Only: $380
To Register
For Canadian participants: E-transfer to asli@aslirakkas.com
International participants: PayPal to asli@aslirakkas.com (Please send via “Friends and family” to send full amount).
Email proof of your payment to asli@aslirakkas.com
All prices are in CAD dollars
Please note that registration is non-refundable.
We will be having a Gala Show on Saturday August 16th (in the same venue as the workshops). Please let us know if you want to perform at the Gala Show in your registration email. Performance spots are limited but we will also have a waiting list. Performance spots are only reserved for workshop participants.
About Zara
Zara is a beloved international belly dancer based in Cairo, Egypt and London, UK. She is a dynamic dancer who is half Egyptian and half English.
Zara is featured in various music videos and bollywood films. Most recently, in Egypt she starred in a film with famous shabbi singer Shaaban Abdel Rahim and in a Ramadan special TV drama featuring Dina and Haifa Web.
Her dancing has taken her around the world - Zara has performed not only in the UK and Egypt but also East Africa including: Kenya (in both Nairobi and Mobassa) and Tanzania (in both Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar). Other countries she has worked in include Pakistan and Malta.
Zara is a popular bellydance teacher regularly booking sold out workshops across the world. She specializes in Egyptian Baladi, Raqs Sarqi, Oriental, Fellahine, and Saidi. People especially love her Shaabi and Fego street dancing style. She teaches online on through her YouTube Show “Yalla Nor2os”.