Habiba's one-day intensive workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (break for lunch) features instruction in Ghawazee technique, a Ghawazee-style dance choreography, including staging tips, costuming information, and a 5 p.m. lecture on the history of the Ghawazee and a dance demonstration of the choreo by the fabulous Habiba!  Class will be held in a beautiful, mirrored dance studio in the Student Union Building, Connecticut College.

Habiba offers total education in Ghawazee style dance for soloists, troupes and tribal dancers who want to add this historical heritage to their repertoire. The Ghawazee were the famous public dancing girls of Egypt, who carried on the tradition of entertaining as a hereditary occupation. Habiba has studied extensively with the Banat Maazin of Egypt and recently returned from a special trip where she studied with Khairiyya Maazin, the last of her family who actively performs.

The cost for all this is only $70 in advance ($75 at the door). Shop for lovely costumes and dance goodies with Farasha & Su'ad Dance & Designs all day!

For more information or to receive a workshop flyer, email nancysuad@gmail.com or farashadance@gmail.com. Check out Farasha's website for more info about the Ghawazee Intensive and registration form you can print & mail. Or register online for the workshop through PayPal by emailing Farasha.

Farasha & Su'ad Dance & Designs proudly present Totally Rom, a Turkish Rom (Gypsy) intensive with the fabulous Artemis at the Holiday Inn, Somerset, NJ (right down the road from Rakkasah site!) The 3-hour workshop from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with Artemis separates fact from fiction about Turkish Rromany dance, history and culture. The seminar is suitable for all levels of dancers. Plus afternoon Hafla from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. featuring workshop participants, Farasha, Su'ad and Artemis. Vending by Farasha & Su'ad Dance & Designs. For more information, visit Farasha's Website or email Farasha

Since 1981, Su'ad has been a continuous student and practitioner of Near and Middle Eastern Dance. She teaches at all levels, and specializes in both oriental and folkloric styles of dance. She works on body mechanics, musical interpretation and dance expression, as well as the study of the origins of this art (both regional and historical). She has coined the concepts " Dancing with the Brain and Soul " and "Dance Dynamics". Since 1991, Su'ad has been Artistic Director of Desert Moon Dancers. She also co-sponsors and co-teaches workshops in the Northeast with Farasha of New Jersey, including Master teacher seminars. Su'ad is also a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), where she specializes in teaching historical interpretations of ethnic dance. She & Farasha have both received the SCA's highest award for teaching and dancing. Su'ad was co-organizer of a unique dance event for 2006 - the first New England based Symposium on Near and Middle Eastern Dance. Unlike the usual dance workshop, the Symposium focused on both movement classes with master teachers and researchers and academic classes.

Performer, teacher and choreographer from New Jersey, Farasha began her dance career in Harrisburg, PA in the early 1980's as a member of Troupe Kismet, appearing in the Harrisburg Arts Festival and Musicfest in Bethlehem. In New Jersey, she performed with the Moon & Star Dance troupe. She emcees - and has performed in - the annual East Brunswick Community Fair. She teaches privately and in the community, and has conducted dance lecture/seminars for various educational and community groups, including the Girl Scouts, Rutgers University, Hillsborough and Jackson public libraries, and the College of New Jersey. She also co-sponsors and co-teaches workshops in the Northeast with Su'ad, including Master teacher seminars. Farasha is featured in the book Belly Laughs and is producer of the late Ibrahim Farrah's final concert video, A Journey. As a member of Morocco's Casbah Dance Experience, she performed at Lincoln Center, NYC and in Cairo, Egypt. Farasha was a regular performer at Cleopatra's Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, and can be seen at the Lafayette Grill in Manhattan, and the Cornerstone Café in Rutherford, NJ. Visit her website at: www.farasha.com.