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Upcoming Workshops | Workshop Specialties | Recent Workshops
Now booking for FALL 2008 & 2009! If you are interested in sponsoring Astryd Farah to instruct a workshop in your area, please contact her by email or telephone.
To view a list of her workshop specialties, click the above link or visit the promotional page on this site.
Upcoming Workshops
Astryd in Egypt February until August, 2008. During this time she is available for workshops/bookings both in Egypt and outside of the country!
Oslo, NorwayFri/Sat/Sun, May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2008
Astryd Farah is the featured instructor for this annual dance festival! Workshops Saturday & Sunday in Egyptian Oriental dance, Shimmies & Layering and Raks Assaya/Saidi! Performance Friday evening featuring Astryd Farah and Norway's top dancers! Details at
www.1001natt.com.
Cairo, EgyptAhlan Wa Sahlan Oriental Dance Festival, June 28 - July 3rd, 2008
Astryd Farah will be teaching Shimmies, Layers and Combinations in Raqs Sharqi on July 3rd, 10 AM - 12 PM.
www.raqiahassan.net.
San Francisco, CaliforniaSunday, August 31st, 2008
Details TBA...
Contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com or (415) 282-7910 for further info. Evening performance.
NORWAYFri/Sat/Sun, October 31st - November 2nd, 2008
Details TBA at
www.alfarah.no.
Hayward, CaliforniaSaturday & Sunday, November 8th & 9th, 2008, 11 am-4 pm
Carnival Of Stars
22292 Foothill Blvd at Centennial Hall.
Astryd Farah will be one of the featured workshop instructors and performers of the weekend; her workshop will be held 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm! For more info contact Pepper Alexandria at hipaysha@aol.com and visit
www.carnivalofstars.com
More 2008 FALL Workshop dates to be announced soon ~ featuring Astryd in locations on the East and West Coast of the United States and locations in Europe!
2009 Workshops & Events
Las Vegas, NevadaWorkshops and Show
January 10th & 11th, 2009
Northern TexasTatika's Treasures Annual Seminar
January 17th & 18th, 2009
San Diego, CaliforniaHAFLA San Diego!
January 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2009

Workshop in San Francisco, CA. August, 2007
Recent Workshops
Eugene, OregonSaturday, January 5th, 2008, 11 am-4 pm
The Essence of Egyptian Dance
Eugene Ballet Academy/Midtown Arts Center, 1590 Willamette St, Eugene, OR
11 am-12:30 pm: Fundamental Movement in Egyptian Dance. Perfect and refine the classic moves you need for Raks Sharki. Alignment, posture, base, arms, torso...plus shimmy techniques and more. ALL LEVELS.
1:30 pm-4 pm: Classic Raks Sharki Choreography. Whether you prefer to improvise or use choreography for your dancing, understanding how to dance to Egyptian and Arabic music is of utmost importance. Learn classic movement patterns in this choreography workshop and the "WHY to" of Raks Sharki techniques. This workshop is for the intermediate to advanced and/or professional dancer. Music and notes for the choreography included.
Cost: both workshops: $55 by January 1st. After January 1st or individually: Workshop 1: $25, Workshop 2: $35. Space will be limited ~ please pre-register. Email Astryd at astryd@danceastryd.com to sign up, and send check or money order to Astryd deMichele, PO Box 5742, Eugene, OR 97405. Download
registration form HERE.
These will be Astryd's final weekend workshops in the USA before she returns to Cairo ~ to see details about her mid-week workshops Tuesdays, January 8th & 22nd in Eugene, Oregon, visit the
instruction page.
Newark, CaliforniaSunday, December 30th, 11 am-4 pm
Steps, Styles and Spotlights Dance Studio, 40983 Encyclopedia Circle, Newark, CA
11 am-1 pm: Modern & Classic Raks Sharki Technique - Direct from Cairo! More of the latest and greatest from Cairo, modern and classic styles - shimmies of course, and refining those BIG juicy hip circles we love soooo much!
2 pm - 4 pm: The Latest HOT Egyptian Pop Choreography...Modern moves and saucy gestures...funky and fun! A brand new choreography with all the emotive qualities you love about Arabic pop!
Astryd is also available for privates and small group classes in SF bay area December 23rd through 29th - BOOK NOW as reservations are filling. For workshops contact: Shayna at shay@shaynaz.com. Visit www.shaynaz.com. For private lesson scheduling contact Astryd at astryd@danceastryd.com or call her at (541)514-0749.
Seattle, WashingtonSunday, December 9th, 11 am - 6:30 pm
Workshop, privates and small group classes.
11am- 2pm: Egyptian Oriental Technique (1 hour), & Sassy Saidi Shaabi choreography (2 hours). Skin Deep Studio, 3rd floor of Centro De La Raza, 2524 16th Ave S #311, Seattle, WA 98144. Small groups to follow at Alimah's home studio (FULL):
3 - 4 pm: Hot Off the Press, The Best From Cairo", 4 - 5 pm: Body Alignment & Posture Drills/Technique, 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Egyptian Oriental Drills & Combos including shimmies layers kitir!. For registration and booking email or telephone Alimah at vlnhappy@hotmail.com or (206)650-1949.
www.alimahdances.com/instruction.php.
Portland, OregonFriday & Saturday, December 7th & 8th
Privates and small group classes...there are a few spots left! Email Astryd or phone her at (541)514-0749.
Las Vegas, NevadaSaturday/Sunday, December 1st/2nd
Backstage II, 3425 Backstage Blvd., Las Vegas, 89121
Saturday, 11 am - 1 pm: Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...plus shimmies and layers! Movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down.
2 pm - 4 pm: Sassy Saidi Pop Fun, heavy duty saidi and shaabi pop choreography with assaya (cane). Don't miss this one...another original in Astryd's oh-so-Egyptian style with that happy, sassy, grin-filled zealous-ness! (Don't forget your cane!)
Sunday, 12 pm - 2 pm: The Latest HOT Egyptian POP Choreography! Modern moves and saucy gestures...funky and fun! In her usual style, Astryd presents a brand new choreography with all the emotive qualities you love about Arabic pop!
Printed notes provided for all workshops and music available for purchase.
Pre-registration discount through November 24th! Contact Britt Sheflin at
britt@brittshimmy.com, or phone her at (702)556-1574 for info or to register. Visit Britt's website at
www.brittshimmy.com.
Eugene, OregonThursday, November 15th, 6 pm - 8 pm
Astryd Farah School of Dance presents: JIM BOZ in workshop and evening show!
Combinations: Sassy to Sublime - Energize and intensify your performances with Jim's signature Foundation Textures, Transitions & Arm Frames ~ 3 exciting combinations in 3 different expressions!
Held at the Tamarack Wellness Center @ 3575 Donald Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405
Register early: $30, or at the door for $35.
Email Astryd
astryd@danceastryd.com or call (541)514-0749. Mail early registrations to Astryd at PO Box 5742, Eugene, OR 97405 (must be received by Wednesday, Nov 14th).
Medford/Ashland, OregonSaturday, November 10th, 1 pm - 4 pm
Ayesha's Oasis Dance Studio, 3052 Samike Drive, Medford
Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian
Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly
broken down.
(PLUS: Evening show @ 7 pm for students and workshop participants at the studio.) Workshop pre-registration, $35, at the door, $40. Contact Ayesha at
mandala79@aol.com or 541-779-3940. Visit
www.ayeshasoasis.com .
San Diego and Los Angeles, CaliforniaSaturday/Sunday, November 3rd/4th (Both days schedule as follows)
11:30 am: Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes. Combinations, Drills and Oriental Technique including shimmies and layers! Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.
2:30 pm: Sassy Saidi-Shaabi Pop! Fun, heavy duty saidi and shaabi pop choreography with assaya (cane). Don't miss this one...another original in Astryd's oh-so-Egyptian style with that happy, sassy, grin-filled zealous-ness!
San Diego Workshops & Showcase (8pm) held at:
North Park Lion’s Club, 3927 Utah Street (Just off University), San Diego, CA. Los Angeles/North Hollywood Workshops at: Madilyn Clarke Studios, 10852 Burbank Blvd (in the NoHo Arts District), North Hollywood, CA.
www.bellydancesandiego.com. Contact Jim Boz at
contact@jimboz.com or call 877-682-5873.
Newberg, OregonSaturday, October 27th
11 am - 1 pm: Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...Movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down.
2 pm - 4 pm: Egyptian Pop Choreography Modern moves and saucy gestures...funky and fun! In her usual style, Astryd presents a brand new choreography with all the emotive qualities you love about Arabic pop!
Held at the Newberg Community Center, 502 E. 2nd Street, Newberg, OR 97132
Contact Monica Tweet at
4tweets@comcast.net.
Santa Fe, New MexicoSaturday/Sunday, October 20th/21st
Contact Myra Krien at
myramosaic@msn.com.
Workshops held at The Railyard Performance Center, 1611 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501 :
Saturday, 1:30 - 4:30 pm: Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...Movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes --
today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian
Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly
broken down.
Sunday, 10 am - 1 pm: Egyptian Pop Choreography!!! Modern moves and saucy gestures...funky and fun. In her usual style, Astryd presents a brand new choreography with all the emotive qualities you love about Arabic pop! ALSO featured during this time,
Drummers workshop with Christopher Pfeffer - remarkable Arabic tabla player for the Oregon band
Ala Nar (and Astryd's husband!) At Pomegranate Studios.
Sunday, 2 pm - 4 pm: Rhythms for Dancers. Arabic tabla rhythms combined with combinations used in Raks Sharki. Tune your ear to the most common rhythms in "bellydance music"...know how to hear the changes and change your technique accordingly. Rhythms will be broken down and explained, dance moves to associate, plus an exciting and common Arabic piece of music will be presented as an example with many rhythm changes and embellishments. An incredible workshop...informative, interactive, challenging and fun. Increase your knowledge of Arabic music! Printed handout including rhythm sheet. Accompanied by live percussionist Christopher Pfeffer!
For all weekend event info contact
myramosaic@msn.com.
www.mosaicdance.net. Printed notes included in all workshops, music available for purchase.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaSaturday/Sunday, October 6th/7th
Saturday, Oct. 6th, 11am - 1pm: Combinations, Drills and Oriental technique with a focus on shimmies and layers! Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.
1-2:30pm - pre-paid on-site lunch break with Q & A session about Cairo life and travel2:30pm - 4:30pm: Rhythms for Dancers. Arabic tabla rhythms combined with combinations used in Raks Sharki. Extend your knowledge by training with a professional dancer on how to interpret common Middle Eastern rhythms through your dancing. Accompanied by live percussionist Christopher Pfeffer!
Sunday, Oct. 7th, 1:30pm - 4:00pm: Hot POP Choreography...Direct from Cairo!!! Modern moves and saucy gestures...funky and fun. In her usual style, Astryd presents a brand new choreography with all the emotive qualities you love about Arabic pop!
All workshops held at Cental Family YMCA Aerobics studio, 775 West-End Blvd, Winston-Salem. Saturday night Halfa...see the
performance page for details.
www.1001dance.com. For info/registration, please contact Sylvana at
sylvana@1001dance.com.
St. Petersburg/Tampa, FloridaSaturday/Sunday, September 22nd/23rd
Saturday, 11am - 1pm: Combinations, Drills and Oriental Technique including shimmies and layers! Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.(Gala Show Saturday night, see the
performance page for details.)
Sunday, 11am-1pm: Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...current movement fromt he stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes.
2:30pm-5:00pm: Hot new Pop Choreography, 2007! If you enjoyed her choreography last year, get ready to learn her latest!
Workshops to be held at: Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio at Yoga Moves 1045 9th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL.
www.hip-expresions.com.
Contact Karen Sun Ray at
karen@hip-expressions.com or telephone her at 727.643.5517.
Newport, OregonSaturday, September 15th, 1 pm - 4 pm & Sunday, September 16th, 2 pm - 4 pm
Saturday features Astryd Farah teaching the BEST from Cairo...2007! Techniques & Combinations: Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down.
At: All That Jazz Studio, 630 SW Hurbert, Newport, OR
Contact Raven at (541) 574-0451 or email her at
rchakerian@hotmail.com.
Sunday features a workshop in Arabic Drumming for Bellydance with Christopher Pfeffer
(of the fabulous Ala Nar Ensemble!). Learn techniques and rhythms for Arabic music geared towards dance -- perfect for drummers playing percussion for dancers...or dancers playing percussion...or anyone wanting to gain deeper understanding of Arabic rhythms!Several drums available to lend for workshop. At: Cafe Mundo, Coast & NW 2nd, Newport.
Contact Raven at (541) 574-0451 or email her at
rchakerian@hotmail.com.
Color Flyer (click here for pdf file)
San Francisco, CaliforniaSunday, August 26th, 11 am to 4 pm
at Dance Mission, 3316 24th Street at Mission, San Francisco, CA
11:00-1 pm - Hot off the Press! The best from Cairo...Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down.
1-2:00 pm - lunch break....Q & A about Cairo life and travel
2-4 pm - Combinations, Drills and Oriental technique including shimmies and layers kitir! Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.
Contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com or (415) 282-7910 for further info. Evening performance at Pena Pachamama in San Francisco. See the Performance page for details.
Eugene, OregonWednesday, August 8th and 29th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
at the Eugene School of Ballet, 1590 Willamette St., Eugene.
Two-Night Summer Intensive ~ The Essence of Egyptian DanceThe best from Cairo...Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and
min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down. Combinations, Drills and Oriental technique including shimmies and layers
kitir! Get into the Cairo groove with fun gestures and the "why to" of Oriental technique.
Email Astryd astryd@danceastryd.com or call (541)514-0749.
Newport, OregonSaturday, January 20th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
At: All That Jazz, 630 SW Hurbert, Newport, OR
Egyptian Oriental Dance/Modern & Classic Raks Sharki Technique$35 in advance, $45 at the door
From the stages of the Mother city come the current moves -- what's hot now. A mixture of classic movements done with a modern flair as well as movements reflecting a fresh style that gushes "Cairo". Detailed handout of techniques is provided + workshop music available for purchase. For registration or information contact Raven at (503) 320-2625 or email her at
rchakerian@hotmail.com.
Eugene, OregonSunday, January 14th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
At: Eugene School of Ballet, 1590 Willamette St, Eugene, OR
$30 pre-registered; currently enrolled advanced students receive discount!
Egyptian POP Choreography ~ "Fakerny": Sassy & sexy! Utilizing steps direct from Astryd's most recent 6 months in Cairo, she will teach an original choreography to one of the latest pop songs of Cairo's Arabic hit radio. She combines graceful moves and steps with saucy gestures to highlight the meaning of this pop song, which musically retains a lovely oriental feel. Detailed notes provided and music available. Email
Astryd or call her at (541)683-7778 to register.
Salem, OregonSaturday, December 16th, 12:30-3:30 pm
Saidi Dance/Raks al AssayaAt: RJ Dance Studio, 317 Court St, Salem, Oregon, 97301
$35 in advance, $45 at the door
Astryd Farah presents technique and choreography based on her most recent folkloric studies in Cairo with the stellar Reda Troupe choreographer, Shalaby. Fun, sexy, sassy and sweet. Please bring your cane or stick, or Astryd will provide one to lend during the workshop. A traditional dance of Egypt, originally executed by the men, we will explore techniques and combinations as well as become more familiar with the music and style. Detailed handout provided and music available for purchase at the workshop. Email
cira@ciradance.com (Cira/Jody Beckwith-Jones) or phone her at (503)585-8366 to register.
St Petersburg, FloridaSunday, November 19th, 2006; 11 am - 4 pm
Hip Expressions Dance Studio,
517 9th Street N, St Pete
Featuring Modern Egyptian Oriental Technique & Astryd's new, HOT Pop choreography
Modern Egyptian Oriental dance technique: From the stages of the Mother city come the current moves -- what's hot now. A mixture of classic movements done with a modern flair as well as movements reflecting a fresh style that gushes "Cairo". This technique workshop covers many of the steps used in the following pop choreography workshop.
HOT New POP Choreography: Sassy & sexy! Utilizing steps direct from Astryd's most recent 6 months in Cairo, she will teach an original choreography to one of the latest pop songs of Cairo's Arabic hit radio. She combines graceful moves and steps with saucy gestures to highlight the meaning of this pop song, which musically retains a lovely oriental feel.
Also featuring Astryd in shows Sat/Sun, Nov 18th/19th, see the performance page for details. For registration and info visit
www.hip-expressions.com or email Johanna at johannak@tampabay.rr.com.
Newberg, Oregon IntensiveSaturday, October 28th, 2006; 12 pm - 4:30 pm
Newberg Community Center, 502 E. 2nd Street, Newberg, OR 97132
Featuring Modern Egyptian Oriental Technique (2 hrs) & new, HOT Pop choreography (2 hrs)
Modern Egyptian Oriental dance technique: From the stages of the Mother city come the current moves -- what's hot now. A mixture of classic movements done with a modern flair as well as movements reflecting a fresh style that gushes "Cairo". This technique workshop covers many of the steps used in the following pop choreography workshop.
HOT New POP Choreography: Sassy & sexy! Utilizing steps direct from Astryd's most recent 6 months in Cairo, she will teach an original choreography to one of the latest pop songs of Cairo's Arabic hit radio. She combines graceful moves and steps with saucy gestures to highlight the meaning of this pop song, which musically retains a lovely oriental feel. Email
dalalpdx@yahoo.com for further info/registration, or call her at 503-841-2739.
Las Vegas, NevadaSunday, October 22nd, 2006; 12 pm - 4:30 pm
Backstage II, 3425 Backstage Blvd., Las Vegas, 89121.
Pre-registration discount through October 14th!
12 pm - 2 pm: Egyptian Oriental Dance/Raks Sharki Technique. 2:30 - 4:30 pm: Saidi/Raks al Assaya technique. Astryd Farah presents fresh moves and steps with grace, sass and style - direct from the stages of Cairo! Performances Friday & Saturday nights, details on the performance page. Contact Brittany Sheflin at
meyvadancer@hotmail.com, or phone her at (702)556-1574 for info or to register. (Please bring a cane or stick to the Saidi workshop).
Arcata, CaliforniaSaturday, Sept. 2nd, 2006; 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Common Ground Community Center, Westwood Shopping Center, Arcata
$25 in advance, $30 at the door
Modern Egyptian Oriental Dance: Utilizing steps direct from Astryd's most recent 6 months in Cairo, she will teach an original choreography to one of the latest pop songs of Cairo's Arabic hit radio. She combines graceful moves and steps with saucy gestures to highlight the meaning of this fun and sassy pop song. Detailed handout provided and music available for purchase at the workshop. Contact Shoshanna at
dance@shoshannaland.com. Evening performance at Mosgo's -- visit the performance page for details.
San Francisco, CaliforniaSunday, August 27th, 2006; 12 - 2 pm
Amina Goodyear's Dance Studio, 829 Elizabeth St., San Francisco, CA
$30 payable in advance to: The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco CA 94114.
Astryd presents Modern Oriental Egyptian Dance technique following her return from the past 6 months in Cairo. Written handout of steps and techniques included. Space limited. Post-workshop Giza Talk session with Astryd Farah about Egypt, begins at 2:30pm. Evening performance at PenaPachamama with the Lammam Brothers, see the
performance page for details. Email aminajune@aol.com or phone her at (415) 282-7910 for further info or to register.
Martinez, CaliforniaWednesday, August 23rd, 2006; 6 pm - 7:45 pm
Classical Egyptian Oriental Dance, part 2 (see below, Aug 21st for part 1)
Yosifah's Home Studio
Advanced/professional level. Registration required as space is limited. Please email to Yosifah Rose at: yosifah@yosifah.com
Martinez, CaliforniaTuesday, August 22nd, 2006; 8:15 - 9:30 pm
Raqs al Assaya
Martinez Community Center, 818 Green Street at Las Juntas
Level 2. Sign up and info with Yosifah Rose: yosifah@yosifah.com. Drop-in's are okay too!
Lafayette, CaliforniaMonday, August 21st, 2006; 8:15 - 9:30 pm
Classical Egyptian Oriental Dance, part 1 (see above, Aug. 23rd for part 2)
Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd. (Toyon Room).
Level 2/Intermediate. Sign up and info with Yosifah Rose: yosifah@yosifah.com. Drop-in's are okay too!
For information on past workshops previous to 2006, email Astryd!
Workshop Specialties
Astryd Farah deMichele is available nationally and internationally to teach and perform with emphasis on several different aspects of Oriental Dance and dances related to Oriental.
Please refer to the page "Promotional" for current offerings and full descriptions. Below is a general list of her specialties: