Local dance instructor Liza Zahiya plans to celebrate her birthday by dancing — and she’s inviting the community to join her. Zaiya hosts a weekend’s worth of performance and workshops, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-10.
The Gala Show celebrating dance in Asheville takes place on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Crystal Room at Eleven on Grove (11 Grove St.). 7:30 p.m., $12/$15.
Zahiya’s birthday party, with a DJ and dancing and burlesque and bellydance performance, is Saturday, Nov. 9 at The Boiler Room (11 Grove St.) 8 p.m., $7.
Workshops take place Saturday and Sunday. $30-$40 per class, $80 per day or $150 for both days (that price also includes a ticket to the Friday party).
From a newsletter:
Saturday Nov. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Urban Fusion Bellydance with Ebony Qualls: Explore a fun and unique spin on contemporary belly dance. Learn combinations which fuse modern urban styles found in hip hop, retro funk styles such as locking, and the timeless art of raqs sharqi. Build coordination, work on isolating movements, and expand your dance style with popping and liquid. This workshop will be high energy, prepare to sweat and have fun. Dance shoes recommended, but not required.
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Sha’abi Choreography with Lisa Zahiya: In this workshop participants will explore the movement style, history and evolution of shaabi. Lisa will teach movement, technique and combinations which will culminate in a fun and sassy choreography.
2-4 p.m. Sassy Sharqi with Ava Fleming: Traditional raqs sharqi with a twist. Ava will review her favorite raqs sharqi moves and add a little “Ava” to make it extra sassy. This workshop with this master instructor is not to be missed.
Sunday Nov.10, noon-4 p.m. Bellydance Deconstructed with Ava, Ebony and Lisa: In this workshop, the three instructors will discuss personal methods for choreography creation and personal practice and will combine forces to workshop techniques and choreography.
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