EVENTS, WORKSHOPS & RETREATS |
SEP 8 & SEP 22: BELLYDANCE WORKSHOPS WITH SAMANTHA GIRIDHAR
SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 8 & 22, 3-5 pm
Still & Moving Center
1024 Queen St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
COST: $39 each or $70 for 2
INFORMATION AND TICKETS: https://www.stillandmovingcenter.com/event/bellydance-workshops-with-samantha-giridhar/2018-09-08/
PRECISION BELLYDANCE BOOT CAMP: DRUM SOLO CHOREOGRAPHY
September 8, 3-5 pm
Drum solos are some of the most dynamic and technically challenging pieces in the art of bellydance. They present a way for dancers to show exactly how precise they can be – nothing gets the hearts and hips pounding like a dynamic drum piece! Among her students, Sammie has a reputation for pushing dancers to improve via her challenging and dynamic choreographies. In this workshop, Sammie will challenge you to give emphasis to each and every beat of the drum. No “polite” hips here – we are going to sweat and embody that beat! Join us for a stimulating, shimmy-filled time, and take away a full piece that you can pull out anytime to impress family and friends!
IMPECCABLE IMPROVISATION IN BELLYDANCE
September 22, 3-5 pm
Improvisation. Some say “yay,” and some say “yikes!” There is no right or wrong way to feel about improvising – however, all agree that it is a fantastic skill to have for those inevitable moments when you go blank onstage (or at that random hafla drum circle). Whether you are new to the idea of improvisation, or whether you have been improvising for years, Sammie has a couple of tricks up her sleeve to get you more comfortable and looking poised on stage. Her trial and error is your benefit! Through a variety of exercises, you will learn to think on the spot, avoid “muddiness” in your movements, and gain comfort with your own unique style and default patterns. Get ready for a mentally stimulating workshop that will bring together everything you’ve learned so far about bellydance!
Samantha Giridhar
Sammie is an active member of the Hawaii Bellydance Community and the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawaii (MEDAH). For Sammie, it was love at first shimmy in the Spring of 2007, and she has never put down her hip scarf since! A dancer in the American Cabaret style, Sammie teaches, performs, hosts events, and directs several performance troupes on island. She is devoted to bringing the Hawaii Bellydance Community together regardless of style or background, and loves to work with dancers of all skill levels. Sammie has had the opportunity to study under a variety of different instructors including Thana Tarab, Karim Nagi, Elena Faye, Sabah, Victoria Teel, Moria Chappell, Bagoas, Madame Onca, Petite Jamilla, Bozenka, Mira Betz, and Frank Farinaro – all of whom have played a role in shaping her own unique style. She is excited to be teaching workshops at Still & Moving Center for the first time!
SEP 9: SEPTEMBER BELLY DANCE CAFE AND COSTUME SWAP! (Hosted by Sammie in Hawaii)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 10 AM – 1 PM
onG kinG aRts cenTer
1154 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
PRICING AND PAYMENT (Refunds are only available through the Friday prior – September 7th):
$15 gets you a discounted pre-order to get on our guest list if you pay by Friday, August 10th!
$20 gets you in at the door!
A discount of $5 off admission will be given to anyone bringing belly dance items for the costume swap!
Kids under 12 – $5 admission anytime 🙂
Want to add a meal ticket? Add one for $10 for the perfect accompaniment to the show!
FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS, PLEASE VISIT https://www.facebook.com/events/299281843984356/
EVENT:
The September Belly Dance Cafe includes a fun mini-lesson by one of the amazing featured dancers and an awesome show to enjoy over your brunch.
10:00 – Doors open! Come in, have brunch or grab a coffee, meet and greet with the dancers, and relax!
10:30-10:45 – Mini-lesson in belly dance by one of our featured performers! Get up and shimmy your cares away!
11:00-11:30 – Show Set 1 – Check out some of our amazing performers!
11:45-12:15 – Show Set 2 – Can’t get enough? Our dancers can’t either! Check out part II of our awesome lineup!
After the show, stick around to chat and shimmy with our dancers as we close out our event!
SEP 15: AIN’T NO HAFLA LIKE A BDRAQS HAFLA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 6 PM – 10 PM
Aloha Dancesport Center
350 Ward Ave, Ste 200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
With a reputation for fun, great entertainment, and an AWESOME raffle, we couldn’t wait to host hafla number 3 to bring our belly dance ohana together again!!! Come and join the lovely ladies of Belly Dance Raqs (UH West Oahu AND UH Manoa), the new Blue Troupe, and Lilikoi Dance for a night of mini-lessons, awesome performances, potluck food, and raffle drawings! All entry fees go to supporting the Belly Dance Raqs Dance Scholarship and student organizations ♥
***Please note that this event is ALCOHOL FREE and family friendly :)***
POTLUCK:
We’ll provide all cups/plates/drinks/napkins/cutlery! If you bring a dish, we will take $5 off of your admission to the event!
TICKET INFORMATION AND RAFFLE:
Admission:
Before the Door – $10 (your early purchase includes 2 raffle tickets FREE)
At the Door – $15, or $10 with a potluck item
Children under 12 – $5
Raffle Tickets – 1 for $2, 3 for $5, 8 for $10, 15 for $15, or 25 for $20 – you will be able to choose the prizes that you’d like to win!
Use the ticketing link listed (PayPal) and send as FRIENDS AND FAMILY (not for goods and services) to avoid the fees! Sammie also accepts Venmo (send to Samantha Giridhar). Payments in cash or check can be given to any Belly Dance Raqs or Lilikoi Dance member!
***Please note that we will not be able to issue refunds – apologies for the inconvenience***
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT https://www.facebook.com/events/1691574500926668/
SEP 23: SEPTEMBER DOUBLE WORKSHOP WITH SAMMIE AND DAYL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 at 4 PM – 6 PM
Aloha Dancesport Center
350 Ward Ave, Ste 200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
SPECIAL PRICING IN DECEMBER:
Drop ins for both workshops – $30
Drop ins for one workshop – $15
Students enrolled in technique – add ATS for $10
Students enrolled in technique AND Blue Troupe – ATS included***Please note that refunds are not issued past the event date, and that Sammie does not allow rollovers month to month for missed classes***
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT https://www.facebook.com/events/1952201381743624/
WORKSHOP TOPICS:
Sammie’s Workshop: Save the Drama for…. Actually, Bring It! 4-5 PM
In this fun workshop, Sammie will introduce some super dramatic combos in the American Cabaret Dance style. We’ll make sure the AC is up because we’re walking on the hot and sassy side! Take away some awesome ideas for your own choreographies and learn how to keep your audience enthralled!
Dayl’s Workshop: Continuing Introduction to ATS!!! 5-6 PM
American Tribal Style® belly dance is a celebration of feminine and evocative movements that are rooted in the earth. It has been designed to bring out the best in people of all ages, shapes and sizes. The dance is created through group improvisation using a common vocabulary of movements, steps and cues. ATS® combines movement from folkloric inspired dances to a fusion of modern and ancient dance techniques from North India, the Middle East, Spain and Africa. For more information about ATS®, please visit http://fcbd.com/about/
In this workshop you’ll continue to learn the basic moves on which to build your repertoire! Open to dancers and movers of all ages, genders and abilities. All levels of ATS experience will be catered to!
SEP 29: ALIA BELLY DANCE IN HONOLULU ~ WORKSHOP AND HAFLA
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
WORKSHOP: HOW TO PUT THE MIDDLE EAST BACK INTO YOUR DANCE
Saturday, September 29 at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Aloha Dancesport Center Studio 2
350 Ward Ave, Ste 200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
COST:
MEDAH members $20 (complimentary entrance to hafla included)
Non-Member $25 (complimentary entrance to hafla included)
Hafla to follow in the evening!
Learn the secrets to making your dancing Middle Eastern as opposed to just doing Middle Eastern moves to music.
HAFLA: HAFLAT RAQS SHARQI
Saturday, September 29 at 6:00 pm -10:00 pm
Ong King Arts Center
1154 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813
HAFLA ADMISSION:
MEDAH members $5
Non-Member $10
FEATURING:
Special perfoce by visiting instructor Alia
Live middle eastern band “ Island Oasis”
Live Drumming
Live singing by Adly
Food and beverages provided by Ong King
An Open dance floor for all to enjoy and dance!
ATTIRE:
Come ready to dance! You can come in costume, or in your favorite belly dance wear! Tell your friends to get dressed and meet you on the dance floor!
HAFLA DINNER
Add a delicious vegan and gluten-free meal prepared by Ong King!
COST:
PRE-ORDER due by September 22: $12
Limited quantities available for $15 on the day of the event.
Some FAQ
“Haflat Raqs” what does that mean? A Dance party
‘Hafla’ is an Arabic word and has multiple meanings: party, celebration, and/or concert
Haflas are a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community to share joy and friendship by dancing and making music together. Haflas can be a time to perform with or for each other, but at their essence they are a chance to support each other and allow hobbyist , students, teachers and professionals alike to come together in non- competitive and supportive environment.
What should you expect to see when you walk in to a hafla?
Fellow enthusiast of dance and music – you found your people!
A room full of music, color, sparkles and smiles.
Dancers and musicians of all skill level out on the dance floor together
Perhaps a sneak peak of students with their teachers working on the latest combos from class
Familiar faces or friends you haven’t met yet
Leave room for spontaneity: A chance to follow a dancer in a different style, practice a tricky musical rhythm with live music. Play your new drum, maybe sing Who knows –It’s a party!!
Do haflas have rules? Yes and no. At their very core they are meant to be social
Can anyone come join the dance floor at a hafla? – YES, YES, YES! However, there may be times set aside for brief performances or activities.
Should I wear a costume?
For the dancers:
Wear what makes you feel fabulous you dancing Queen or King !
If you are aching to show off a new hip scarf, pants, skirt, choli or all of the above or more, you absolutely should!
For Musicians and Singers:
Wear what makes you feel like the superstar you are!
Don’t have a costume, or a costume will get in the way while you are jamming out. No worries!
You can accessorize where you can ( hat, head piece etc.), a cool top or dress shirt that is unique to the occasion, pants or skirts that are comfortable and functional enough but still sure to standout . A caftan if you wish.
The options are endless, come subtle and cool, come dressed to impress. Just come!
There will probably be a mixed of folks in full costume and folks in street clothes. (Since some may want to come an join last minute)
Can I come and jam with my own instrument? If you just want to show up and jam to whatever’s happening, feel free! (But if there’s a set band /singer/ dancer in a set instead of an open jam session, please ask before jumping in. There will always be time for open jam after the set)
ABOUT ALIA:
Alia is a professional Belly Dancer, and has worked all over the world, especially in Egypt, where she earned her Performer’s License there (which is the highest qualification you can earn in the Middle Eastern Dance world). While in Egypt (1996 – 1997), she had the unique experience of being the only foreign dancer to have performed for President Mubarak. Originally from New Zealand, but now lives in Australia, she almost 30 years of dance and teaching experience and brings a wealth of information. In Melbourne, Alia performs at restaurants, weddings and functions, both in the cabaret and folkloric styles.
Join us at her workshop!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT medah808@gmail.com
OCT 12-14 WORKSHOP WEEKEND WITH BAGOAS!
OCT 14: SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY BAGOAS AT ONG KING
Sammie in Hawaii and MEDAH are excited to host visiting artist, Bagoas from Seattle, Washington! Bagoas will offer two workshops designed for dancers of all levels! The weekend concludes with a performance to remember as Bagoas brings down the house at the October Belly Dance Cafe on October 14th!
ABOUT BAGOAS:
Bagoas is an award winning tribal fusion belly dancer known for his musicality, lyricism, technical power, precision, dramatic presentations, overwhelming charisma and down to earth interaction with his audience. In 2010 he won the title of the Yellow Rose of Texas at Ya Halla Y’all in the Professional Tribal Alternative Men’s category. Since then, he has been published in Zaghareet magazine, What Weekly, and Belly Dance Japan, and has performed at oriental dance events along the East Coast including Rakkasah East, Belly Horror, River City Raqs, DC Tribal Café, and Seven Cities Tribal Cafe. He has also been a featured performer and workshop instructor at events such as the premiere Annapolis Fringe Festival, the Winter Festival of Wonders, TribalCon, Hard Raqs Festival, Cues and Tattoos, and the Super Fun Dance Camp retreat.
WORKSHOP TOPICS:
Friday – 6-9 PM: What Just Happened?!
Description: Bagoas will teach a high energy Tribal Fusion choreography brimming with musicality, muscular isolation and attitude that will leave your audience wondering “What just happened?!” A wide range of movement will be used including layering, traveling, popping and locking, ticking, arm patterns and turns. Student will leave with a full choreography that they can perform as a whole, or dissect into small combos to incorporate into their own choreographies.
Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Breath and Shadow
Description: This workshop will break down the mechanics of the breath within the context of common belly dance isolations. Students will be coached through breathing exercises and techniques that can be used to develop phrasing and a broader range of movement options. These exercises will then be applied to short combos to help tie breath into movement. Bringing awareness to the breath allows dancers to increase their performance endurance, and to discover their potential slinkiness by adding that luscious, molasses-like aesthetic to choreographies and combos.
PRICING:
Early Bird Package (for both workshops BEFORE August 31):
MEDAH Member or College Student – $80
MEDAH Member or College Student – $100
Breath and Shadow: $60
Sammie accepts PayPal payments (sent as friends and family) to paypal.me/swon, Venmo payments to “Samantha Giridhar,” and cash or check in person. Please contact Sammie through Facebook Messenger or via email at sammieinhawaii@gmail.com if you would like to discuss a payment plan!***Please note that we will only be able to issue refunds BEFORE October 1***
Private Lessons:
Bagoas will also be available for private lessons. Please contact him directly at bagoasdances@gmail.com for all the details!
DEC 2-9: 8th Annual Belly Dance Retreat with Zoe Jakes & Kami Liddle
Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center
12-6860 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road, Pahoa, Hawaii
December 2nd- December 9th, 2018
Embark on an experience of a lifetime at the world famous Kalani Honua Retreat Center with Belly Dance Super Stars, Zoe Jakes and Kami Liddle. Soak in the beauty of Hawaii and deepen your dance with a total of 34 hours of Fusion Belly Dance training! This retreat is designed to help you take your dance to the next level, by giving you the tools and techniques that will assist you in your growth as a dancer. Receive personal attention from Kami and Zoe that will catapult your dance!! Join us for this amazing week of dance, inspiration, and adventure! Connect with dancers from around the world as you relax and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer! Enjoy the healthy, local, and mostly organic meals that Kalani is famous for. This dance retreat is intended for Intermediate/Advanced dancers, but beginners who are up for a challenge are welcome! This retreat is open to 30 participants during the week-long intensive and an additional 70 during the weekend intensive.
http://www.shakti808.com/retreat
SHIMMY CLASSES IN HAWAII |
DRUNKEN DRILLZ
Aloha Friday Bi-Monthly
Boozy Bellydance Shindig
2nd & LAST FRIDAYS, 7-8:30 pm
$20 drop in
Geared towards Beginner/Intermediate Students
Belly Dance Raqs Classes with Sammie
Instructor Bio and Contact:
Sammie (Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/SammieinHawaii/, email: sammieinhawaii@gmail.com)
As a dancer, Sammie continually seeks to challenge herself through participating in workshops and classes with a variety of instructors, creating new choreography, and performance! She has had the amazing opportunity to take lessons and/or workshops with Thana Tarab, Karim Nagi, Elena Faye, Sabah, Victoria Teel, Moria Chappell, Bagoas, Madame Onca, Petite Jamilla, Bozenka, Mira Betz, and Frank Farinaro – all of which have played a role in her growth and development as a dancer.
While Sammie will always miss her belly dance family on the East Coast, she is excited to have a new belly dance family here in Hawaii, and to spread her love of dance even further!
Also available for private lessons, choreography coaching, and custom choreography!
Do you have a song you’d LOVE to choreograph?
Sammie would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to work with you and/or your small group this summer to make your vision come to life! Whether you want to be guided through the choreographing process, or whether you’d like her to create a custom piece just for you, she can work with you to achieve your dance goals!
Benefits of private lessons: Individual (or small group) attention, Classes customized to YOU, Works with YOUR schedule, Convenient meetings at your place or my home studio!
What’s on the Menu:
- Individual Private (Solo or Group) Sessions – 1-2 hours on a topic of your choice
- Beginner Belly Dance Starter Kit – 4-6 1-hour sessions for the dancer who wants a good starting point for the basics!
- Intermediate/Advanced Dancer Coaching – 4-6 1-hour sessions for the dancer wanting to more seriously advance their dance – individual assessment, feedback, and strategies to build and develop individual style!
- Choreography Coaching – 4-6 1-hour sessions for the dancer wanting additional support through the choreographing process!
- Custom Choreography – 4-6 1-hour sessions for the dancer wanting a full piece choreographed in my style just for them!
Contact sammieinhawaii@gmail.com) for details on pricing for any of the specialized packages offered this summer (she also offers college student rates).
Turkish Belly Dance for Fitness with Murat Demirtas
Not your typical belly dance class!
Destress, have fun and get an amazing workout!
Murat’s Turkish Belly Dancing Class for Fitness is like none other, helping cardiovascular capacity and increasing muscle strength through basic and unique movements. While the focus is on the hips and abs, this belly dance helps you to vibrate all the muscles in your body, which in turn helps to increase cell activity.
Classes are at the Still and Moving Center, Friday 4.30-5.30pm and 5.40-6.40pm.
http://www.stillandmovingcenter.com/information/classes/dance/
Bellydance Happy Hour with Ashlee
WEDNESDAYS 6:15-7:15 pm
$45 per month (4 weeks), $15 drop in
NOW ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
BEGINNERS | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
GOLDEN LIGHT STUDIOS
1001 Dillingham Blvd. #227, Honolulu, HI 96817
ASHLEE 808-499-9702
Facebook: @AuroraDanceCompanyHawaii
About Ashlee:
Ashlee found her love of dance at a young age and grew up with music and movement playing a big part of her life. She stumbled upon her first Belly Dance class in 2006 and fell in love. Having taken multiple workshops and classes over the years Ashlee is an avid seeker of learning and challenging herself to seek out new knowledge and actively develop new skills. As of early this year she has gained her certification as a SharQui bellydance® instructor.
She is grateful for the all the experiences and the amazing people that belly dance have brought in to her life.
She looks forward to “shimmying” with you soon!
About The Class:
The class is multi-level and for everyone !
SharQui is the perfect marriage of authentic bellydance and fitness. Its fitness accredited with AFAA and ACE fitness associations and has been tested and taught to pro instructors , Dancers and fitness enthusiasts – and it works. SharQui is fun and easy-to-follow and have women and men dancing and Shaking their Beauty right from the start!
New session of belly dance classes in Honolulu Hawaii with Malia Delapenia!
August 20- October 1 (excluding Labor Day 9/3)
Monday’s 7:00pm- 8:00pm
Dance back into your fun and sensual side💗
We will shimmy, laugh and undulate to our happy sexy selves 💃🏾
All levels welcome 🙏
HONOLULU CLUB
932 Ward Ave FL #7
Honolulu Hawaii
(Conveniently locates directly across from the Neal Blaisdell Center)
Validated complimentary parking in structure
Please arrive 10mins prior to your very first class to register at the front desk
Rates and more info www.MaliaDelapenia.com
2 SESSIONS: AUG 28 & SEP 10 ~ ARABIC LANGUAGE CLASSES
MEDAH’s very own Arabic language professor, Adly Mirza, will be teaching in the evenings! Get your spot so you can deepen your Middle Eastern cultural knowledge.
دعنا نقوم به!
Belly Dance Classes For Fun & Fitness with Teresa Harlow
Every Sunday @ 5:30pm, Except for Special Events & Holidays
$50 for Month or Drop in $15
(Ask about New Student & Yoga Loft Teacher specials)
Benefits of Belly Dance classes:
-
- Cure for Bordom
- Makes you happy
- Makes you feel like a goddess
- Helps stimulate your brain
- strengthen and town muscles
- Does not cure obsession with shiny things
Waipio Location: We are located off Ka Uka Blvd on Ukee street in the Waipio Industrial Court, make your first left off Kamehameha Hwy. Or your last right off Ka Uka Blvd. if you are coming from the H2.
Address: 94-547 Ukee Street, Suite 205, Waipahu, HI 96797. Parking is limited by building so best to find parking along Uke’e Street.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/419664435146635/
STARTING MAY 11: Kailua Dance & Drum Class
FRIDAYS 5:15-6pm
Drums, skirts, veils, zills, and all ages are all welcome!
@ Windward YMCA, 1200 Kailua Rd (drive through the neighborhood), Kailua, HI 96734
APR 15-MAY 13: Beginners Fusion Bellydance with Haunani
Learn Fusion Bellydance with Haunani
from Shakti Dance Movement
SUNDAYS 10-11 am
PARADISE TANGO
6 week session
$75 for full session or $15 drop ins
Register @ shakti808.com/classes
APR 14 – MAY 2: Fusion Belly Dance Class for Moms with Haunani Ramil and Kalae Kaina
Bring your keiki! Childcare provided while mom gets an hour of dance time. Optional 10 min. free dance with keiki after each class. For keiki 1 year and older.
6 week series starts April 14th-May 26th (no class May 12)
$90 or $18 drop in price, includes the cost of keiki care 
Facilitated by Haunani Ramil & Kalae Kaina, who will be switching off each week between teaching class, and watching the kids.
For registration and information, visit shakti808.com.
Mixed level Fusion Bellydance with Kalae Kaina
Ongoing classes starting March, 7th,
Tuesdays 7-8pm
$15 drop ins or $48 class card, good for 4 classes.
Aloha Dancesport Center, 350 Ward ave.
Gypsy Caravan ® Style Tribal Belly Dance with Melinda Walker
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pmThe tribal circle is ready for you to join in with sweet shimmies, syncopated hip bumps and a serious stomp or two! COME ON OVER!
San Bao Studio, 167 Hamakua Dr, upstairs in Suite 202 (Same building as Coconut Grove Music, Lanikai Brewing)
Street parking only
Wear Stretchy, comfy clothing that allows me to see your feet. Colorful, jingle-y hip scarves provided!
Only $10 per class!
We all have the dance within us. Come and experience it together in this easy-going atmosphere for a sweet workout and some fancy stepping.
GO TRIBAL!
Melinda Walker, Certified Gypsy Caravan Tribal Belly Dance ® teacher
www.islandtribalhawaii.com
islandtribal8@gmail.com
PHOTOS
2016 Vietnamese New Year
PHOTOS BY BOB MCKEAND
Created with flickr slideshow.
Summer Dance Showcase
PHOTOS BY MIKE BAMBI
International Dance Day
PHOTOS BY MIKE BAMBI
Valentine Veils at Ala Moana Center Stage
PHOTOS BY BOB MCKEAND:
PHOTOS BY MIKE BAMBI: 
MEDAH SUPPORTS THE WORLD WIDE SHIMMY MOB!
More than 173 cities participate annually in the World Wide Shimmy Mob to raise awareness and funds for women’s shelters and victims of domestic violence. Mahalo to all our dancers, drummer and MEDAH President Miko, and photographers…and special thanks to Helenka, our team leader, and to Bob McKeand for videotaping the event.
Make sure to sign up and join us next year! Everyone is welcome to participate!
FACEBOOK UPDATES:
