Fun, flirty and full of infectious energy! Grab a single, Right-handed fan - big or short, Flamenco-style or a thin Chinese one (preferably not made of paper) and lets dance! In this workshop series, you will learn fun and dynamic techniques and combinations that incorporate this versatile prop. Each week will culminate in a new dynamic combination! *This class requires one fan, (fan with a short fabric trim is preferred, but not full fan-veil because the long fabric will get in the way of our movement).
“Femme Fatale” is a serpentine and sensual cross-cultural fusion choreography workshop taught by Irina Akulenko. This is a serpentine and focused dance that will explore your range of motion, control over isolations, and allow you to feel more in tune with your body. We will be dancing to a relaxed-paced trance-like track, exploring our ability to express without really traveling off a small footprint. While this is an intermediate level choreography, dancers or all levels are welcome and will be offered simplified versions of the combinations.
Tired of trying to memorize choreographies? Do you want to learn how to put your prior dance knowledge to work to freely express yourself to the music of your choice in a way that’s natural, sensual and authentic? Then this is the class for you. Experience the richness of Egyptian dance improvisation in this five-week course led by master instructor Tarik Sultan, focused on musical awareness, responsiveness, and expressive freedom.
Egyptian and Arabic music continually shifts between soaring melodies and grounded rhythmic passages. In this class, dancers learn not only to recognize these musical textures, but to embody them—making spontaneous choices that feel clear, connected, and purposeful.
Throughout the course, dancers will:
· Practice translating melodic phrasing and rhythmic accents into movement using classic Egyptian vocabulary and layered variations
· Train the ear to catch musical details, transitions, and emotional color in real time
· Build confidence improvising with clarity, nuance, and personal voice
· Work with a diverse range of music, including traditional, folkloric, and contemporary Egyptian selections
This course is ideal for dancers who want to deepen their relationship with music, expand their improvisational range, and bring greater authenticity and presence to their dancing—whether on stage or in the studio.
Over the course of 8 weeks, dancers will dive into a fusion belly dance performance project centered on channeling the formidable power and presence of one of the most iconic monsters of all time — the Kraken.
This project is designed for dancers at an advanced
beginner and intermediate level or above.
Prior fusion experience is a plus (but not required).
Attendance: You’ll receive weekly video tutorials to support your practice at home, but these are meant to complement—not replace—class time. To be part of the performance, please plan to attend all sessions, unless we’ve made special arrangements in advance. If you miss two or more classes, it may affect your ability to participate in the show.
Students will have the opportunity to perform this choreography at the Djam NYC Monster Mash Show on Sunday, May 17th, 7pm at the Secret Room.
WHEN:
8 Week Course: Tuesdays 7.30-9pm 3/24-5/12
Performance: Sunday May 17
4.30pm: Tech Rehearsal
6.30pm: Doors Open
7-9.30pm: Show
WHERE:
8 Wk Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440
Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studios 4A, New York, NY 10003
Show: The Secret Room NYC, 707 8th Ave, New York,
NY 10036
INVESTMENT:
$250, $225 Unlimited Pass Holders
* Includes a video and photos of the performance.
* Participants are expected to invite at least two paying audience
members
* Costume is an extra cost
In this workshop we’ll explore and play in the fierce and flowing energies that come along with a fan in hand! After a brief lecture of the fascinating history of the fan, we’ll practice various handling techniques and put them together in a short choreography; the choreography will be based in belly dance movement and have a fusion flair to complement the fan.
Fused elements for the fan will be inspired by Flamenco, Ball Culture & Drag, and Victorian Fan Language.
**Please bring any foldable hand fan. Open to all levels
Friday March 27th, 6.30-8.30pm
Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Fl, Studio 4D, New York, NY
10003
Press “Playwrights” on the intercom to open the front door and
activate the elevator