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Mirah Ammal's Workshops Mirah tours teaching workshops throughout the region and around the country. Mirah is also available for private lessons, private women's parties with small group lessons, and special workshops. For details or to receive announcements about upcoming session schedules, email mirah@mirahammal.com.
Click to jump to: Workshop titles and descriptions are (c) 2006-2012 Mirah Ammal, all rights reserved. Reprint or reuse without expressed written permission of Mirah Ammal is strictly prohibited. For questions or permissions write info@mirahammal.com.
March 22-April 5, 2011 - Minneapolis, MN Mirah Ammal teaches Silk Seduction: Veil and Fan Veil Mini-session Aalim School of Dance - Minneapolis, 7:30-9:30 3 consecutive Tuesday evenings Create gorgeous and mysterious dance performances with exquisite silk technique. In this 3-week mini-session we will explore and refine the use of silk veils and fan veils, and plus get tips and tools to help you take your silk performances to the next level. Perfect for Orientale ("cabaret") and tribal/fusion dancers alike. Topics include: * Principles of Dancing with Silk * Dramatic Veil Work: Beyond the Basics to Spectacular * Double Veil * Fabulous Fan Veil Technique (1- and 2-handed) * Dancing with Silk Without Losing the DANCE: Steps, Combinations, and Choreography Elements for Fan Veils and Veil * Selecting and Using Music with Silk: Orientale and Tribal/Fusion Music Styles For details, visit www.albahira.org/class_g.htm.
July 8-10, 2010 Mirah Ammal, Al-Bahira Dance Theater and Amina Beres host Raks Minnesota featuring Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray And other artists for a weekend of workshops and performance in Minneapolis! Ritz Studio and Theater 345 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis For details, visit www.albahira.org/workshop_a2011.htm.
Booking Mirah Ammal for a Workshop Mirah is currently booking for the 2011 and 2012 seasons for workshops and other travel. (Note, there are dates that may not appear on her calendar yet as some details have not been confirmed or they may be private, so contact Mirah if you are considering a particular date.)
Please contact Mirah directly to discuss your event and workshop arrangements. She will be happy to talk with you about possible formats, topics, and other necessary arrangements. Call 612-703-7002 or email mirah@mirahammal.com.
Mirah Ammal: Sample Workshop Descriptions Workshop titles and descriptions are (c) 2006-2012 Mirah Ammal, all rights reserved. Reprint or reuse without expressed written permission of Mirah Ammal is strictly prohibited. For questions or permissions write info@mirahammal.com. Dynamic Drum Solos that POP! Drum solos are key for any dancer--when the interplay between the rhythm of the music and the movement in the dancer's body is right, it takes on a life of its own! In this class we'll explore techniques and tips for creating dynamic drum solo performances, plus dramatic combinations and accents. We'll also explore various pops, releases, a vocabulary of shimmies and vibrations, and other critical techniques for great drum solos, and take a look at how you might dance one drum solo three different ways.
Sha'abi Chic Sha’abi dance refers to dance of the people—the dance style of the lower classes, dances of the Arabic “street”. The movements and the music are less refined than in typical raqs as-sharki dance. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the Sha’abi style dance from the 20th century, as well as some the energetic, modern Sha’abi dance moves and music people are doing today! This workshop is for any dancer who wants to expand her repertoire of dance styles and music, who wants to understand modern, ever-evolving styles of dance, and those looking for some fun, contemporary moves for social and casual dancing! Appropriate for both Orientale and tribal dancers.
Dynamic Drums & Working with Live Music Dynamic drum solos are key to many belly dance shows--whether to live or prerecorded music. But, when working with live musicians, the interplay of dance and music takes on a life of its own! In this class we'll explore techniques and tips for working with live musicians and explore rhythm changes and "signals" between musicians and dancers. We'll focus especially on the interplay between percussionist and dancer, working with a live drummer and live drum solo elements, and break down key feartures and "road signs" in drum solos--whether live or pre-recorded. A seasoned performer, Mirah has danced with many live bands and percussion ensembles in both rehearsed and "pick up" situations, and for this class she is joined by Dr. Dave, tabla player and former founding member of the Ancient Sonic Libido percussion ensemble and current percussionist with Invocatio.
Shimmy 411: Layers, Layers, Layers In this workshop we'll work on distinguishing more than a dozen different shimmy and vibration variations and work on building technique with each of these types of shimmies and their different applications. Then try out some spectacular layering techniques and unique variations! We'll also cover exercises to help you improve your technique and be able to differentiate and even combine different shimmies and vibrations in performance while still keeping each distinct.
Tribalusientale (Tribaret) "Hey! You got your Tribal Fusion chocolate in my Orientale peanut butter!” “You got your Oriental-peanut butter in my Tribal Fusion chocolate!” Say...these two tastes really *do* go great together!
Blending Orientale and tribal fusion techniques can create beautiful impact and fantastic combinations. This workshop might be right for you if:
In this workshop, we’ll work on various tribal-oriental fusion movements and combinations, with special emphasis on the upper body (ribcage, shoulders, arms, and hands). Explore smooth movement, isolation techniques for pop-lock, connection techniques, and other variations and body awareness/dance techniques. Learn variations in styles and movements that will allow you to take the best from both worlds—tribal and Oriental—and use them both in your own dance performances.
Silk Seduction II: Fan Veils and Flutter Fans
In this workshop, you will learn: * Techniques for single- and double-fan including various flows and flutter techniques, * Ways to use open and closed fans * Gorgeous spins and turns * Beautiful arm and hand positions and movements * Dramatic use of movement, body lines and poses. <* Combinations to incorporate the fan movement into the flow of your overall dance technique. * Choreography considerations for fan veil and flutter fan dances.
Rock Your Raks Assaya: Cane and Saidi Workshop I Rock Your Raks Assaya: Cane and Saidi Workshop II Join Mirah for a fun and lively workshop on the beautiful art of raks assaya (cane dance) and earthy Saidi dance style. Today many dancers incorporate cane into folkloric, Orientale, and even fusion style performances. Learning to spin and hold the cane is one part of the picture. Understanding elements of Saidi style (and what differentiates it from "Orientale" style) enhances your performance too. In this workshop, learn to go beyond simple cane swings and holds to capture the feeling of raks assaya. We will cover cane techniques, and address combinations, stylization, and Saidi "feel" that you can incorporate into your own dance style and your own performances. This workshop is intended for intermediate through advanced dancers. No previous cane experience is required for Part I. Some previous cane experience/familiarity (including some basic "spinning") is strongly recommended for Part II.
The Art of the Unexpected: Subtle Surprises Use dramatic shifts, subtle surprises, and exciting variations to create super accents and memorable moments in your dance. In this workshop, we’ll explore combinations and techniques—ways of using muscle contractions, facial expressions, movement textures, layers, and more—to draw your audience in and leave them begging for more. We'll also work on how to use layering and accents effectively, peppering just the right amount into your performance without overdoing it. This workshop is intended for intermediate through advanced dancers.
Melaya Leff Workshop Don't mess with this Balady Girl! The Meleya Leff is fun, flirtatious, earthy dance based on the folkloric archetypes of women from Egyptian Nile Delta region. In this workshop, learn about the playful styles and characterizations epitomized in this dance, how to wrap and maneuver with the meleya leff--a large modesty garment from which the dance takes its name. We'll learn several coy, feisty, and sassy combinations that you can string together into a fun mini-choreography or easily break apart to use in your own creations. Information about the history of the dance, movements styles, costuming, music selection, and how to work melaya leff into performances will also be addressed.
Isis Wings: Building Drama, Interest and Flow Big, bold and beautiful, Isis wings are an exciting addition to belly dance fusion! In this workshop class you'll learn techniques and tips for using Isis wings to make your spins, turns, swoops, swishes and walks look fantastic. Plus, learn to look beyond the obvious and find creative ways to use your wings to build drama, create visual tableaus, and emphasize your dancing and the music. Note: For this class it is recommended that students either have or borrow a set of Isis Wings.
Silk Seduction I: Veil and Double Veil Whether you use it for a dramatic entrance or for a complete piece, veil work can add beauty, grace, drama, and mystery to your performances. This workshop will address key principles of working with silk and veil technique, plus more complex techniques and variations to improve grace and presentation with veils and take your veil work beyond the basics to spectacular. A double-veil introduction/workshop is also available. Learn techniques, combinations and choreography elements you can perform in your own shows.
Melaya Leff & Hagalla Workshop Expand your folkloric vocabulary and get a taste of two of popular dances used in Egyptian folkloric and theatrical tableau dance. The Meleya Leff is fun and flirtatious dance based on the nature and dress of women in the Nile Delta region in lower Egypt. You'll learn about the playful style and character epitomized in this dance, and learn how to wrap and maneuver with the meleya leff--a large modesty garment from which the dance takes its name. The Haggala is a dance from comes from the Western Desert region of Egypt. Earthy yet delicate in its way, it is unique from other forms of Egyptian dance and belly dance you may have seen. We will spend approximately one hour on each dance.
Exploring Middle Eastern Dance and Music Workshop for Kids Learn about the beautiful dances, music and costumes of the countries of the Middle East. In this specially designed kids' workshop, you'll learn where the Middle East is, see examples of costumes and dances from the region, and get to know some of the musical instruments from the area. Plus, you'll get to try out some of the percussion rhythms and dance moves yourself!
The workshop includes demonstration plus age-appropriate dance and music activities with Mirah and percussion instructor, Dr, Dave, both of whom are teachers experienced in working with children. Open to boys and girls, no previous dance or music experience is required.
Additional Workshop Topics: Contemporary Egyptian Dance Combinations, Technique, & Choreography Stunning Sword Shamadan (candelabra dance) Greek Belly Dance Karsilama (9/8) and Turkish belly dance Egyptian Balady & Taqsim Dancing with finger cymbals...and LOVING it! Developing improvisational dance skills HOT Entrances and exits Beautiful hands and arms Isolation and articulation Overcoming stage fright
April 10-11, 2010 - Minneapolis, MN Mirah Ammal teaches at Northland Belly Dance Forum SUNDAY APRIL 11: Sha'abi Chic Sha’abi dance refers to dance of the people—the dance style of the lower classes, dances of the Arabic “street”. The movements and the music are less refined than in typical raqs as-sharki dance. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the Sha’abi style dance from the 20th century, as well as some the energetic, modern Sha’abi dance moves and music people are doing today! This workshop is for any dancer who wants to expand her repertoire of dance styles and music, who wants to understand modern, ever-evolving styles of dance, and those looking for some fun, contemporary moves for social and casual dancing! Appropriate for both Orientale and tribal dancers. For registration and more information visit http://www.northlandbellydanceforum.com/
April 13, 2010 - Bloomington, MN Mirah Ammal speaking and presenting at Community Success Day at Normandale College Sessions open to students, staff, faculty, and community members. More information coming soon.
July 9-11, 2010 Mirah Ammal, Al-Bahira Dance Theater and Amina Beres host Artemis Mourat For a weekend of workshops and performance in Minneapolis! Ritz Studio and Theater 345 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis For details, visit www.albahira.org/workshop_a.htm.
October 29-31, 2010 - Wisconsin Dells, WI Mirah Ammal teaches at Northern Lights Dance Festival featuring Aziza of Montreal, Mirah Ammal, Mona N'wal, Blue Lotus (Chicago) and Najila
Saturday October 10, 2009 - Madison, WI Dynamic Drum Solos that POP! with Mirah Ammal Drum solos are key for any dancer--when the interplay between the rhythm of the music and the movement in the dancer's body is right, it takes on a life of its own! In this class we'll explore techniques and tips for creating dynamic drum solo performances, plus dramatic combinations and accents. We'll also explore various pops, releases, a vocabulary of shimmies and vibrations, and other critical techniques for great drum solos.
Hosted by the Madison Multicultural Dance Center 1:00-4:00 p.m. $25 before 9/28, $30 after 9/28 To register, click here. July 22, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Sword Dance with Mirah Ammal 7:30-9:30 p.m. Click for details and registration
June 17, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Spectacular Shimmies, Layers, and Pops with Mirah Ammal 7:30-9:30 p.m. Click for details and registration
Sunday May 17, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Flutter Fans and Fan Veil Workshop with Mirah Ammal 1:00-3:00 p.m. Click for details and registration
Sunday March 29, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Tribalusiental Workshop with Mirah Ammal 1:00-3:00 p.m. Click for details and registration
Saturday February 28, 2009 - Milwaukee, WI Hosted by Zahra Sagira Spectacular Shimmies & Layers Workshop with Mirah Ammal 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. followed by Fire and Ice Hafla Show!
7:00 p.m. Click for details and registration
Sunday January 18, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Don't Mess with This Balady Girl! MELAYA LEFF Workshop with Mirah Ammal 1:00-3:00 p.m. Click for details and registration
November 7-9, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI Hosted by Yasmina Amal and The Belly Dance Divas Mirah Ammal teaching 5 workshops at the Great Lakes Belly Dance Convention: * Tribalusiental * Haggalla! * Rock your Raks Assaya * Luscious Layering * "Shock Factor:" Accent Techniques to Create Dramatic Effects
Sunday October 5, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Dynamic Drum Solos that POP! Workshop with Mirah Ammal 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday August 21, 2008 - Inver Grove Heights, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Rock Your Raks Assaya II with Mirah Ammal 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Thursday July 10, 2008 - Minneapolis, MN Hosted by Aalim School of Dance Working with Live Muscians and Dynamic Drums with Mirah Ammal 7:30-9:30 p.m.
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Learn how to incorporate
the beautiful, flowing movement of silk-enhanced fans into your
oriental-fusion, tribal-fusion, or modern-fusion dance numbers to
create drama and gorgeous movement to accent your dancing. Flutter
fans (sometimes called Chinese dance fans) have a short "flutter" of
silk over the edge of the fan, and fan veils are like silk veils with
a frame. Each can be used to create unique effects and beautiful
visuals.