Performing artist and master instructor, Lebanese Simon returns to the Seattle area after 10 years!
We have a weekend of fun and educational workshops, live music, and plenty of opportunities for you to dance! Scroll to purchase your weekend options.
Workshop Descriptions
VIP Choreography
Learn a pop Raqs Sharki choreography rich in sass, energetic combos, and travel steps online and perform the choreography with Simon during the Gala show. Level: med/intermediate
Raqs Sharki Pop Choreography
A fun, energetic choreography filled with signature combinations by Lebanese Simon. Simon’s Pop choreographies are lyrically connected, and filled with sassy accents moments. Simon drills the combinations first and explains the meaning and the mood of the song before he dives into the intro and remaining parts of the choreography. Be prepared to be inspired and challenged to combine Soul and technique into a pop song.
Debke
Learn the history of the people who created this folk dance, the essence in the meaning behind each component that forms this folkloric dance: the footwork, the soulful upper body, the balance and lightness in transitions, the count, and the rhythm/melodies associated with it! We will drill and learn the basic six count and advance to slightly more intricate combos.
History of Raqs Sharki
Study the stylization of the hip circle through significant figures of Raks Sharki dating back to the golden era. Simon will highlight some of his favorite artists and their signature hip circles, to eventually lead the entire class into a series of connected hip circles allowing each student to be inspired to create their own. Rich in footage and discussion, this class is essential to all culture and dance enthusiasts.
Debke Pop Choreo - we will introduce a series of jazzy beautiful fusion combinations that combine the essence of Raks Sharki and the technique of the dabke steps on a hot pop Dabke Lebanese song. Come with dance shoes, ready to sweat, and have a blast.
STEP INTO SPRING
Weekend Schedule and Workshops:
Friday:
Location for all Workshops : Old Redmond School House, Room 124
16600 NE 80th St, Redmond, WA 98052
VIP Choreography Rehearsal session
Meet & Greet for All Weekend participants
5:00 pm
7:30 pm
Location for Meet & Greet : Blue Sardinia, 8862 161st Avenue Northeast, Redmond, WA 98052
Saturday:
Raqs Sharki Pop Choreo (1.5hrs)
Debke (1.5hrs)
Evening Gala
10:30 am - 12 pm
2:30 pm - 4 pm
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
History of Raqs Sharki (combos) (2hrs)
Debke Pop Choreo (1.5hrs)
1:30 pm - 3 pm
Sunday:
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
$400
WEEKEND WORKSHOP PACKAGE
Includes:
-
4 workshops for a total of 6.5 hrs of instruction.
-
Admission for 1 to the Gala, $30 value.
The weekend package rate delivers the best value at $57/hr of instruction from a world-renowned master instructor.
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. However, arrangements can be made with Mariana to transfer the ticket to another attendee.
$210
All Day Saturday Workshops
2 Workshops for a total of 3 Hours of Instruction
-
Learn a fun Raqs Sharki pop choreo that you can dance on your own or add to your set list as a gigging dancer.
-
Knowing how to debke and being able to join the debke line is an essential belly dancer skill. Learn about the cultural significance of this dance, its relationship to raqs sharki, and how to confidently join the debke line when it comes your way!
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. However, arrangements can be made with Mariana to transfer the ticket to another attendee.
Save money and buy the weekend package!
Purchase the full weekend rate of $400 and save up to 20%, including the gala ticket!
$240
All Day Sunday Workshops
2 Workshops for a total of 3.5 Hours of Instruction
-
Learn the history of bellydance through movement. Take bellydance movements and learn how to apply them like the bellydance icons of the golden era.
-
Discover how to use debke in a pop song to bring some variety to your dance routine.
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. However, arrangements can be made with Mariana to transfer the ticket to another attendee.
Save money and buy the weekend package!
Purchase the full weekend rate of $400 and save up to 20%, including the gala ticket!
No product
SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW TICKETS
Saturday evening show! Enjoy an evening of beautiful live music by the fabulous House of Tarab accompanied by the region's best belly dancers, open dance, and debke!
Presale tickets get front of house reserved seating!
Doors Open: 7:00 Showtime: 7:30
At the door and day of show ticket price will be $36.00.
Online ticket sales end at midnight Friday 3/15.
Tickets are non-refundable.
SINGLE WORKSHOP
This is the most flexible of all the options. Pick your preferred class at checkout.
1.5 Hrs workshop: $120/class
2 Hrs workshop $150/class
Verify your class choice carefully, as once purchased the tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and can't be moved from one class to another due to managing class size for an optimal learning experience.
EXPIRED OFFERS
SOLD OUT
SALE ENDED
CLOSED
SUBMISSONS
Logistics
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Redmond (Seattle)
Special discount rate for Step into Spring participants. The discount code will be emailed after registration is received and must be reserved by 2/21/24.
Workshops: Will be held a block away at the historical Old Redmond School House. Workshops facility will include mirrors and wood floors.
Dining: The Hilton Garden Inn has an onsite restaurant. There are also a variety of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.