In collaboration with Lenka Badriyah

SHAHRZAD AT SHOONYA

SATURDAY, 7 December

  • 10:00 - 11:00 Lenka Badriyah - Tribute to Farida Fahmy - dance workshop

  • 11:15 - 12:45 Shahrzad - Shimmies and Isolations - technique workshop

  • 12:45 - 13:30 Lunch Break

  • 13:30 - 14:45 Osama & Jamal - Live music lecture on music from Egypt, Syria, Iran, and Turkey

  • 15:00 - 17:00 Shahrzad, Osama & Jamal - Taqsim & Rhythms - dance workshop with live music

  • 18:00 - 22:00 Hafla (free entry)

SUNDAY, 8 December

  • 10:30 - 12:00 Shahrzad - Egyptian Hips - technique workshop

  • 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch Break

  • 13:00 - 15:00 Shahrzad - Classical Song - dance workshop

  • 15:30 - 17:00 Shahrzad & Badriyah - Cairo Dance Scene - interview

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of Raqs Sharqi dance and music in the historic city of Ghent! This exclusive event features the internationally acclaimed dancer Shahrzad, who will be leading a series of workshops designed to elevate your skills to the next level. Whether you're looking to master intricate techniques, refine your drills, or learn new choreography, Shahrzad’s workshops are perfect for dancers of various levels, from intermediate to professionals.

Joining her are the renowned musicians Osama Abdulrasol and Jamal Moussaid, who will accompany one of Shahrzad's workshops with live music, creating a truly immersive learning environment. Osama and Jamal will also lead an insightful lecture, delving into the music of Egypt, Syria, Iran, and Turkey.

Adding to this unique lineup, Lenka Badriyah will present a special workshop dedicated to honouring the legendary Farida Fahmy, exploring the iconic style and contributions of this dance icon.

On Saturday, the weekend reaches its peak with a vibrant Hafla. This lively evening will feature performances by Shahrzad and guest performers, all set to live music. In between the performances, participants will have the chance to part to some of the biggest hits in the world of Raqs Sharqi, including Baladi, Egyptian classics, pop, and Shaabi. 

Full pass workshop participants have the opportunity to perform (all performance spots are filled) at the Hafla too! Please note that performance spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

Limited slots are available for private solo or group classes on Friday. To book a session with Shahrzad, please email us at info@shoonyadance.com.

  • All workshops, lectures, and interviews
    Early Bird Price: €190 (first 30 spots or until October 10)
    Standard Price: €230 thereafter.

  • €160/ €150 for Shoonya Members
    All Saturday workshops & lecture
    No Early Bird Pricing available

  • €90/ €82 for Shoonya Members
    All Sunday workshops & interview
    No Early bird Pricing Available

SHAHRZAD

Shahrzad is a professional dance instructor and performer specialising in Raqs Sharqi and traditional and social dance styles from around North Africa and the Middle East. To supplement her 20+ years of dance training Shahrzad also holds several fitness certifications including becoming a PMA certified Pilates instructor in 2013.

She started her dance training at the age of 11 and began her professional dance career in her late teens working as a teacher and performer on the East Coast of the US. She began to get international recognition and bookings after several of her performance videos went viral online and she was hired to film a series of instructional DVDs by an international company. In 2015 Shahrzad moved to Egypt to live and work full time and has since enjoyed a successful career as a performer appearing in top performance venues as well as film and media.


During covid she started her business’ Shahrzad Studios’ which includes an online dance school, private dance and music programs in Cairo, and tours of Egypt. She currently splits her time between travelling to teaching dance workshops around the world, running her business from her home in Cairo, and performing and teaching at special events around Egypt.

OSAMA ABDULRASOL

Osama Abdulrasol, an Iraqi qanun player, composer, and visual artist, was born in Babylon into a religious family where music was forbidden. He secretly learned music during his childhood, studying from books and playing various instruments, including accordion, oud, and guitar. Jazz fascinated him, leading to a 20-year journey of musical discovery.

After leaving Iraq, he taught himself the qanun, becoming a renowned musician. In Belgium, he collaborated with artists like Goran Bregovic and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Osama's diverse work spans film scores, contemporary dance, and international performances, earning him the Belgian Gent Cultural Prize in 2013.

JAMAL MOUSSAID

Jamal Moussaid is a multi-instrumentalist percussionist. His passion for music began in childhood with playing drums and percussion. This passion, which started with an introduction to Eastern music, quickly expanded to other musical styles. Over the years, his repertoire of percussion has grown to include rhythms from various sources. Currently, he is involved in several artistic projects with different groups, spanning a wide range of genres.

LENKA BADRIYAH

Badriyah is a professional Raqs Sharqi dancer specialising in Egyptian classical, folkloric styles, modern fusion, and the Golden Age of Raqs Sharqi. She has won several prestigious awards, including silver Belly Dancer of the Universe 2012 and Vice Miss Bellydancer of Europe 2011.

Her greatest achievement is performing for ten years with Bellydance Evolution, led by Jillina, across countries like Japan, the USA, Morocco, and Australia.

Passionate about the history of Raqs Sharqi, Badriyah collects vintage Egyptian dance items. She runs an online Raqs Sharqi Museum, with plans to establish a physical museum in Ghent. 

Organising the Leylet Raqs festival, she finds the most rewarding experience is watching her students grow and fall in love with dance.