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.
Structure
• Phase 1: Starts April 18 — five weekly classes focused on cane‑manipulation technique and the full choreography. Practice videos and a choreography sheet will be provided.
• Phase 2: Begins the week after the summer recital (week of July 18) — four weeks of rehearsals leading to the debut performance at Bellyqueen’s Arabic Night at The Secret Room in August.
What to bring: A straight
(not hooked) wooden cane, roughly hip height with some weight.
*We’ll organize a group trip during Week 2 to Home Depot on 23rd
Street to purchase and customize wooden dowels for performance
use.
* Limited amount of canes can also be provided on request.
You know I how do it … all yes all the time! Silent the critic and feed the creation. Tools and methods to get out of the mud and into the joy of creating. This workshop is all about making dance pieces quickly and with joy! See you in the YES!