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Al- Bahira Dance Theater & Amina Beres present Workshops and Performances at the Ritz Theater Minneapolis Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray is a leading expert in Persian, Central Asian, Bollywood and Belly Dance For one weekend only, the amazing Dr. Laurel Gray will be teaching and performing in Minneapolis as part of the TC Raks! Dance and Music Festival. A beautiful, graceful performer, dedicated instructor and noted dance historian, Dr. Gray is an internationally sought-after artist, for her expertise in Persian, Uzbek, and various belly dance and folkloric dance forms. She has been a featured instructor at many dance festivals, teaching workshops in belly dance, Persian, Central Asian, and Bollywood dance forms. The founder and artistic director of Silk Road Dance Company, she is respected world wide, and has also dazzled local Twin Cities audiences with her performances and choreographies in a 2009 production of "Hidden Yearning," shown at Univeristy of St. Thomas.
Go to online workshop registration & show tickets (PayPal) Go to mail-in registration & ticket order form
Register early - enrollment is limited and spots will fill quickly!
Please note, this is a preliminary schedule--some times may be subject to change slightly as certain travel and technical/logistic details are finalized. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Workshop and Video Session Descriptions Please note, this is preliminary information--some details may be subject to change as details are finalized with the instructor.
Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray - Bollywood, Persian, and Silk Road Synthesis Laurel Victoria Gray is an internationally acclaimed dancer, scholar, instructor, costume designer and choreographer who has taught and performed throughout Europe, Central Asia, Australia, the United States and Canada. Known as the "pioneer of Uzbek dance in America," her efforts to preserve and present traditional Central Asian and Persion Dance make her a true cultural diplomat. In 2007, she was awarded and honorary doctorate by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan for her work in promoting and preserving Central Asian dance.. She is the recipient of the 2006 Metro DC Dance Award for Excellence in Costume Design; the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from the Embassy of Uzbekistan; the 2003 Kennedy Center Local Dance Commissioning Project Award; and the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (IAMED) Awards for Best Choreographer (2003) and Best Ethnic Dancer (1999) Her articles have appeared in many publications including the Oxford Universtiy Press International Encyclopedia of Dance, then Encyclopedia of Women in Islamic Cultures, and various magazines and journals world wide. Dr. Gray has also lectured and/or performed for the Middle East Institute and Humanities West, the Assembly of Tkish American Associations, the National Press Club, Smithsonian Institution, and the Uzbek Embassy, among others. Although her early dance training included ballet, tap, folk and modern dance, Ms Gray discovered Arabic dance as an undergraduate at Occidental College. She has been a guest instructor at many major Middle Eastern dance camps and retreats including the Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp,, Oasis Dance Camp, Delilah's Visionary Retreat, Morocco's week long seminar in NYC, and the Central Asian Dance Camp. In 1999 she studied Egyptian folklore in Cairo, and she is also the founder and president of the Uzbek Dance and Culture Society. Dr. Gray currently teaches as adjunct faculty at George Washington University and at the Joy of Motion Dance Center in Washington D.C. and Mount Rainier, Maryland. www.silkroaddance.com
Mirah Ammal - Dabke Known for her delicate yet passionate style and musical interpretation, Mirah Ammal is a sought-after Middle Eastern dance performer, choreographer, and instructor. She specializes in raks as-sharki (belly dance), folkloric dances of the Middle East and surrounding regions, and theatrical fusion dance. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mirah regularly performs and teaches workshops locally and nationally. A troupe director and dance school director since 2002, Mirah is currently artistic director with Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theater and director of Aalim School of Dance, LLC. Mirah holds a degree in history from the University of Minnesota. Her history education and research training—coupled with her deep interest in the histories, languages, dances and music arts of various cultures—have shaped her career. Mirah has studied with many top names in dance from the U.S., Egypt, Lebanon and Germany, sought additional research and language opportunities, and traveled to the Middle East to further her dance education and understanding of the language and culture. www.mirahammal.com
Ritz Studio and Theater
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Don't Miss TC Raks! Registration now open! Show tickets available! Early Bird Pricing Extended through Saturday June 18, payment plan available! 4 great workshops with 2 instructors! 2 spectacular shows--a Friday night participant variety showcase and Saturday night a thematic show featuring the instructors and guest artists! Great topics, techniques, and dance inspiration for Orientale, tribal, and folkloric dancers alike! Shopping with wonderful vendors! Additional information coming soon on vendors, Saturday show description, and Participant showcase call for artists. Check back or email info@albahira.org
Teachers: Download a copy of the TC Raks brochure to share with your students!
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