Qabila Foundation

Welcome to the Los Angeles Iraqi Dance Intensive 2024!!!
March 16-17, 2024 in North Hollywood, CA
REGISTER HERE

Saturday March 16, 2024
10.00am-12.00pm Iraqi Music with Sara & Issam
This class will cover the rhythms and music you will need for the corresponding dance class.

12.30pm-2.30 Basrawi with Mohanned
This class will cover two southern Iraqi styles.

3.00pm-5.00pm Chobi Essentials with Sara
The basic structure of this highly popular Iraqi dabka will be taught.

8.00pm Gala Performance

Sunday March 17, 2024
10.00am-11.30am Iraqi Dance lecture with Mohanned
This is a lecture on the different folkloric styles and history of Iraqi dance.

12.00pm-2.30pm Kawliya Styles with Mohanned
Always a favorite and so much to learn. This class will include daggers! (plastic knives will be made available)

REGISTER HERE

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS~

Mohanned Hawaz
Mohanned is a world renowned dance instructor and choreographer based in Sweden. He has an exceptional training background and has been dancing professionally since age fiffteen. Since moving to Europe, Mohanned has become director to his own dance company Enkido, which proudly has three chapters across Europe. Most recently Enkido has formally represented Iraq at the prestigious international UNESCO event in Paris, France along side Alaa Majid and and Nasir Shama. Mohanned has also been officially appointed with task of producing research folkloric and popluar dance in Iraq via film documentary form by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, the first research of it's kind to be done in over 50 years. Mohanned has travelled to over 45 countries worldwide instructing hundreds of dancers. He is in high demand and the Los Angeles dance community is honored to have him.

Sara Al-Hadithi
Sara is a multi-faceted artist who draws upon her training in music, dance and theatre to teach and inspire students from all backgrounds. Sara is the daughter of renowned ethnomusicologist and folklorist Dr. Sadi Al-Hadithi. From childhood, Sara was surrounded by many of Iraq’s luminaries in the fields of the arts, music and folklore, who also tutored her in several aspects of traditional Iraqi folkloric arts. Sara has also had formal training in the Bedouin folkloric traditions that are part of her lineage, including Bedouin language and poetry traditions. Sara dedicates her focus to sharing her knowledge of Iraqi dance, music, and culture with others. Sara’s goal as both artist and educator is to share accurate information and promote responsible and respectful portrayals of Iraqi culture in the dance community and beyond.

Issam Houshan
Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. 24 years ago. He had formal music training at the Damascus Academy of Music and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous bellydancers. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master Mahmood Salahadeen. In the U.S. he performed with Sting on the Grammy's and with the BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam's background, training and experience have made him in huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops. Issam is featured in the film American Bellydancer, Solos From Monte Carlo, Bellydance Superstars, 30 Days To Vegas, Behind The Shimmy, Introduction to the Middle Eastern Rhythms, Tribal Drum solo Choreography with Zoe and partners with Sonia on The Art Of The Drum Solo instructional DVD. His CD releases include his own Tabel Ya Issam with Jillina, Wassan Pharaoun, The Dancing Drum Vol. 1,2 &3 and Chemistry of the drum, Mystery Of Rhythm, Damascus Belly Dance Orchestra and percussion on the Galactic Caravan albums.

Register HERE

Full Intensive including all ten hours of instruction & gala performance $290

Ala Carte will be offered as of March 1st subject to availability.
For all private class requests inquire at saraalhadithi@gmail.com

Any questions, contact qabilafoundation@gmail.com or saraalhadithi@gmail.com
SHUKRAN and see you in March!!!