Study with an internationally recognized North African dance, music, and culture expert! Amel Tafsout, whose name means “Hope of Spring,” was fascinated by dance and music while growing up among the finest traditional dancers and musicians of Algeria. Her workshops sold out quickly last year — register soon!

Saturday, August 27

11 AM – 2 PM
Ouled Nayl Intensive
Algerian "Dancing Girls” of the Ouled Nayl Tribe  have fascinated and inspired the West for more than a century. They became  known worldwide through the evocative paintings and writings of European travelers known as the  Orientalists, and through a huge number of Colonial postcard photographs. Come learn this captivating dance from someone who has extensively researched the dance and the culture it sprang from.  $85

2 PM - 3 PM
Lunch break
There will be tables available for a swap sale! Please be sure your items are clearly marked, and take responsibility for your own sales. Table space is first come first served.

3 PM - 5:30 PM
Andalusian Court Dance
These dances originate from Arabo-Andalusian dance traditions and are performed by women with a traditional city background at festivities such as weddings or at the end of a classical Andalusian concert. This dance is very soft and gracious and will make you feel beautiful. The dancers begin with small steps, gently moving their hips and using beautiful arabesques with their hands or with scarves. Amel will teach some hand and scarf technique which will be followed by a choreography. Please bring two ”chiffon” scarves. $55

Sunday, August 28

11 AM - 4:30 PM
Zar-Hadra Sufi Dance: Self-healing through whirling and trance Experience an ancient healing ceremony similar to those performed by women in Egypt, Sudan, Morocco & Algeria. We’ll start with a warm-up, breathing exercises, body work and sound healing. Amel will then introduce the whirling/spinning. After a short break, Amel will give some background about the trance. It is crucial that if we want to ‘let go’ we need to feel ‘safe’ in the community as only a ‘safe’ environment can help us to release. For this part the students are asked to bring a long shawl, a flower for the meditation, and some candies, chocolate or something sweet for us to share afterward. Full day $130.