Jawaahir Dance Company
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Give to the Max

Give to the Max day has passed, so we want to say a big thank you to those of you who were so generous. And the good news is, it’s not too late! If you didn’t get an opportunity to contribute to Jawaahir, you can still give by clicking DONATE. Thank you!!!!

You can read the letter from Vanessa of Cairo, our Artistic Director, here. 

Shows

See Jawaahir At . . .

Guild of Middle Eastern Dance Hafla

A hafla is an informal Middle Eastern dance party, which may include performances, open dancing, and refreshments. Guild haflas are open to all. Jawaahir will be one of many local groups and soloists performing at this hafla.

Sunday Feb 25 at 5:00

Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis

See Jawaahir At . . .

Guild of Middle Eastern Dance Spring Spectacular

Jawaahir is performing in the Guild's annual show.

Sunday April 21 at 4:00

Elision Playhouse, 6105 N 42nd Ave, Crystal

Henna Party Fundraiser

Sunday, June 2, 2024  2:00-5:00pm 

What's a Henna Party?

Originally a women-only party to celebrate life events, like an engagement and wedding! Mehndi—or mehendi or henna—is an ancient form of body art, originating in India and across South Asia and the Middle East. A mehndi party is a pre-wedding celebration in many cultures; during this event, the bride has a red-orange mehndi “stain” applied to her palms, the back of her hands, and her feet.

These events can be seen in Morrocco, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and so many more countries.

Besides applying henna there is food, music, dancing and gathering of the community of family and friends.

Your hosts, Jawaahir Dance Company, are taking many of these ideas for our Fundraiser on Sunday June 2, 2024.

Tapestry Folkdance Center is a wonderful location for dance, located at 3748 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis 55406.

Your entrance fee of $15 includes Do-It-Yourself Henna and snacks.

We will have delicious food! There will be vendors with items including costumes. (Are you going to the Renaissance Festival?) There will be performances from a number of our dance sisters. Our good friend and dancer Angela Skrade is providing henna. We will have a raffle with the chance to win a henna design done for you by Ancient Traditions Mehndi and a day of workshops with Vanessa! Raffle tickets are $10/each or 2/$15. Ten lucky winners will get a Henna design. One lucky winner will get a day of workshops with Vanessa during the workshop weekend August 3-4.

Sunday, June 2, 2024  2:00-5:00pm 

Tapestry Folkdance Center
3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis

Tickets: $15.

Purchase your

Can't make the party? ...Donate

Dances at the Lake Festival - Free

Summer Soirée 2025

Join us in a celebration of dance, music, and culture…

Vanessa of Cairo and Jawaahir Dance Company present their annual Summer Soiree and Intensive! Our 2025 edition is featuring world-renowned stars of dance Sadie and Zahra Zuhair!! This incredible lineup has something for everybody! Do not miss this opportunity to study with the best and enjoy an incredible show! (Scroll down for info on four workshops!)

In conjunction with Vanessa of Cairo’s SUMMER Intensive workshops, we are proud to present an eclectic show featuring Vanessa of Cairo, Zahra Zuhair, and Sadie.

Thursday, August 14, 2025  7:30p

Elision Playhouse, 6105 N 42nd Ave, Crystal, MN 

Tickets $20 in advance. $25 at the door.

Purchase your

Elision Playhouse
6105 42nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55422

Tickets $25, available at the door.

Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 at the door.

Purchase your

Couldn't make the show? ...Donate

The full online program for this show is here.

The printable program for this show is here.

Vanessa at the Cruise

One night only! Jawaahir's Artistic Director is dancing at the Mediterranean Cruise Cafe. 

Enjoy dinner and a show, or two, at a lively eatery featuring Middle Eastern dishes!

Saturday, August 3, 2024  starting at 6:30pm

Mediterranean Cruise Cafe
12500 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337 map

For reservations, call: 952-641-6222

You Missed Us At . . . Summer Soiree 2024

Karim Nagi, Vanessa of Cairo, Jawaahir Dance Company

in Alwan Masr (The Colors of Egypt)

Friday-Saturday, November 3-4Elision Playhouse
Show: 7:30House opens: 7:00Open seating
$20 in advance, $25 day of show and at the door

Karim Nagi, Vanessa of Cairo, and Jawaahir Dance Company take you on a journey through “Alwan Masr,” The Colors of Egypt! This is a fun, vibrant, and family-friendly show that gives you a taste of a country with diverse and unique dance styles. This one-of-a-kind artistic and educational program showcases the beauty and distinctiveness of Arab dance. Karim is also teaching 4 workshops over the weekend (scroll down for info on Karim and his workshops).

Elision Playhouse: 6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN. This show will NOT be available on zoom or be recorded for future purchase, so plan to join us for the full weekend here in Minneapolis for the show and all 4 workshops!

Click here to see many, many, many more photos from this fabulous show last summer! 

Check back as we update information on our exciting events and performances. Thank you for supporting us, and we'll see you soon!

 Jawaahir Dancing in the Guild Fundraiser

Dancing Into the Future

Friday, November 3Elision Playhouse
Show: 5:00Open seating

Experience the incredible performances in this fundraiser show to support the future of the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance community. The Guild is a small nonprofit 501c7 focused on building community and providing member benefits and performance opportunities. Don’t miss out! Jawaahir will be part of this amazing lineup!

Lobby opens 4:00 pm. Come early to socialize and shop the raffle! Purchase show tickets and raffle tickets on the Guild Shop page.

Elision Playhouse: 6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN. 

Workshops & Classes

Come dance, learn, and support Jawaahir Dance Company at an exciting Workshop Series & Fundraiser where you can explore a variety of dance styles and topics taught by talented JDC members! No experience needed—just bring your energy and love for movement.

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 12-1 pm 

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 1-2 pm

Sunday, April 13, 2025, 12-1 pm 

Sunday, April 13, 2025, 1-2 pm

No advance registration. Pay-at-the-door. Suggested donation $10.
Hothouse, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Mpls, MN

Summer Intensive & Soirée ’25

Friday to Sunday, August 15 - 17, 2025

Hothouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Minneapolis, MN 55413   

Vanessa of Cairo’s SUMMER Intensive workshops are featuring the fabulous instructors and performers Zahra Zuhair and Sadie.

Vanessa has specifically designed these workshops to be beneficial for all levels—mostly geared intermediate through professional, but beginner students are encouraged to attend and participate as well.

Save the dates! Details to follow.

Summer Intensive & Soirée ’25

Thursday to Sunday, August 14 - 17, 2025

Workshops: HotHouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Minneapolis, MN 55413   

This weekend intensive offers both a fabulous show and workshops in diverse topics from some of the best artists and educators in the business!!

Each workshop was carefully chosen to provide students with a well-rounded curriculum that will be valuable to dancers of all backgrounds and styles.

Don't miss this priceless opportunity to be inspired, and to train and learn from these two amazing women! They have taught all over the world, and are sharing their knowledge and expertise with us here in Minnesota!

Workshops are in-person only. Registration coming soon. 

Friday, August 15, 2025, 7-9 pm

Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12-2 pm 

Saturday, August 16, 2025, 2:30-4:30 pm 

Sunday, August 17, 2025, 12-2:30 pm

All workshops at HotHouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Minneapolis, MN 55413   

Prices

  • Single Workshops- $70 each
  • Both Saturday Workshops- $120
  • All Four Workshops- $220

Reserve your spot now—We plan to sell out!
No refunds, no exchanges.
Don’t miss this opportunity! 

Workshops are in-person only. Registration coming soon. 

Spring into Spring with Jawaahir!

Location: Hothouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Minneapolis. Easy parking.

Come, try out a variety of styles from Jawaahir Dance Company members in this fun 3-week series…

Price: $10 per day at the door. No advance registration necessary.

Sunday, March 3, 12:15-1:15: Back to Basics with Louise

Sunday, March 3, 1:15-2:15: Intro Finger Cymbals & Rhythms with Renee

Sunday, March 10, 12:15-1:15: Ballet for Bellydancers with Tanya

Sunday, March 10, 1:15-2:15: Fabulous Floorwork with Erin

Sunday, March 17, 12:15-1:15: Golden Era Style & Combo with Laila

Sunday, March 17, 1:15-2:15: Beledi Style & Combos with Megan

Jawaahir Company Classes

Jawaahir's regular classes will continue on Thursdays 7:00-8:00 through the end of February at Keane Sense of Rhythm, 2161 University Ave W, Unit 117 , St Paul. Drop in, $20. Starting in March, we will end these classes that are open to the public so we can concentrate on getting ready for our Summer Soiree 2025. 

On-going Classes

Jawaahir encourages dance students to support our city’s wonderful local instructors who specialize in Raqs Sharqi and Arab dances. Look to Jawaahir Dance Company founder, Cassandra Shore, and current and former JDC members Renee Szudy, Louise Indritz, Laila Sabouni,  Kathy McCurdy, Angela Skrade, and Alana Mari. Also, check out the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance for local events and class listings, and of course stay tuned to us here at jawaahir.org, our newsletter, and social media pages. 

 Weekend Bellydance Intensive

Raqs Roundup
with Vanessa of Cairo 

February 22-23, 2025Dallas, Texas

Saddle up and join Vanessa of Cairo for an unforgettable weekend in Dallas! Step into the heart of Texas for two days of intensive bellydance workshops where elegance meets the grit of the Wild West. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this is your chance to polish your skills and embark on an adventure like no other.

Dust off your boots, bring your passion, and get ready for a journey filled with rhythm, grace, and western charm. More details coming soon. Save your spot now at VanessaOfCairo.com! (Scroll to the bottom of that page for detailed listing of workshop topics.)

Vanessa's Variations

This fun and informative workshop focuses on technique and combinations. 

Although this fabulous workshop is over, it was recorded. For a limited time, you can still receive the link to the recording by clicking the Purchase button below.

VideoPrice: $40

News

Mentorships with Vanessa

Even though the mentorship is closed for 2025, you can contact Vanessa for private coaching sessions, and to get on the waitlist for next year’s program.

Vanessa is now accepting mentorship applications for 2025.

Experience Unique Mentorship

Every year is a new opportunity to show up for yourself… Let Vanessa guide you through your own unique journey in 2025. You will Transform through this experience.

This program is designed for up to 20 dancers of all levels. No matter what style you prefer, or how much time you can devote… You will Transform through this experience.

Contact VanessaRaqs@gmail.com

Transform includes:

  • Exclusive workshops & classes with Vanessa
  • Access to recordings
  • 4x one-on-one private coaching sessions
  • Feedback and discussion with Vanessa to help you set your goals, create your intentions for this year
  • 20% discount for additional private lessons
  • Private Facebook group dedicated for members only
  • Access to live group meetings and Q&A with Vanessa
  • Activities & projects with Vanessa

New Jawaahir Members

Please welcome our new members to Jawaahir Dance Company! These ladies have been hard at work, and will be joining JDC for their first performance with the Company on February 25 for the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance Hafla.  

We are thrilled to have these dancers join us—their professional attitude, technique, and artistry are appreciated, and we are excited for our upcoming performances and projects.  

Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances!

Dancer Biographies

Interview with Vanessa in Fanoos

Watch Oriana of Fanoos Magazine interview our very own Vanessa of Cairo. They had a wide-ranging conversation covering how Vanessa became Artistic Director of Jawaahir, what her goal is for the company, some of her history of work in Egypt, what it takes to join and contribute to a troupe, and some recommendations for troupe leaders. Of course, they also talked about Jawaahir’s show, Alwan Masr, and the guest artist Karim Nagi.

 Fanoos Article

Reservation Request

(If you're on a phone, turn it sideways.)

show Alwan Masr
show noDisc Alwan Masr, Elision Playhouse, Fri, Nov 3, 7:30pm - Tickets available at the door $ 25
show Henna Party Fundraiser
show noDisc JDC Henna Party Fundraiser, Sun, June 2, 2024, 2:00-5:00pm $ 15
show Karim Nagi Workshops
show noDisc Rhythm for Dancers, Sat, Nov 4, 11-12:30 - Space available, pay at the door $ 45
show noDisc Sagat (finger cymbals), Sat, Nov 4, 1:00-2:00 - Space available, pay at the door $ 30
show noDisc Saturday Day-Pass Discount
$ -15
show Soirée 2025 Show
show noDisc Soirée Show, Elision Playhouse, Thursday, Aug 14, 7:30pm $ 20
show Summer Intensive ’25 Workshops
show noDisc Shaabi Gold with Zahra Zuhair, Fri, Aug 15, 7-9p $ 70
show noDisc Classic Era of Raqs Sharqi with Zahra Zuhair, Sat, Aug 16, 12-2p $ 70
show noDisc Raq the Drum Solo with Sadie, Sat, Aug 16, 2:30-4:30p $ 70
show noDisc Timeless Elegance: Entrance Majence with Sadie, Sun, Aug 17, 12-2:30p $ 70
show noDisc Multi-Workshop Discount
$ 0
show Vanessa Video Workshop
show noDisc Video: Vanessa's Variations, July 2023  $ 40
show Additions
show noDisc Tax Deductible Donation to Jawaahir? $1
show Guild Member Discount
show Discount for Guild of Middle Eastern Dance Members $5
show  Grand Total

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Contact the Office

Ask us questions about upcoming events, hiring Jawaahir, renting the studio, etc.

Office: 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Voice: 612-872-6050

Email: Fill out and Submit.

Contact the School

Ask us questions about upcoming classes, raise registration issues, make suggestions, etc.

Mail: 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Voice: 612-872-6050

Email: Fill out and Submit.

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Zorongo Location

Zorongo Studio, 3715 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls; entrance from the alley behind the building off 37th Street.

Hothouse Dance Location

Hothouse Dance, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Studio 201, Mpls

Elision Location

6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN.

Class Descriptions

Sunday, March 3

Back to Basics with Louise
Basics are the foundation in any dance form. Ballet dancers have regular barre routines. We need them too! Starting with some stretches, some balancing, some toning, and a review of good posture, then we will start our isolations from top to toe. There will be easy movements across the floor without and then with our isolations building into our dance. And then we finish with a flourish of colorful veils.

Intro to Finger Cymbals & Arabic Rhythms with Renee
First, we will learn foundational finger cymbal patterns and, gradually, learn how to dance while playing them! Then we will move on to listening to a few common Arab rhythms popular in Egyptian dance music, learning how to identify these rhythms and, of course, practicing dance steps to each of the rhythms. This workshop is geared toward dancers who are new to finger cymbals and Arab rhythm identification. Bring finger cymbals if you have them – extra finger cymbals will be available.


Sunday, March 10

Ballet for Bellydancers with Tanya
Have you been curious about the benefits of ballet, but find a full-on ballet class intimidating? In this short Ballet for Bellydancers class we will work on a few ballet basics that will help us in our bellydance. We’ll focus on strengthening and lengthening our muscles through an abbreviated barre work, then explore some footwork, turns, balances, and graceful arm pathways, looking at how these techniques can benefit us as bellydancers. The intention of this class is to add some items to your dance toolbox that will strengthen your foundation no matter your dance style! All levels welcome, however beginners might find it a bit challenging.

Fabulous Floorwork with Erin
Learn to create drama and mystery in your piece with fabulous floorwork. An exciting way to display strength and skill. Erin will teach dancers how to create smooth transitions to get up and down from the floor, floorwork combos, and shape-making movements. Suitable for beginner and intermediate level. Please bring knee pads/thick sweatpants to protect your knees and socks/dance shoes to protect the tops of your feet.


Sunday, March 17

Golden Era of Belly Dance with Laila
A dance style that dominated Egyptian movies during the Golden Era (1930's-1960's). This vintage style is full of expression and elegance. In this class we will work on arm patterns, technique, travel steps, and a vibrant combo inspired by the iconic dancer and actress Naima Akef. Best suited for intermediate levels.

Beledi Styling & Combos with Megan C.
Covering topics of beledi style and meaning in Egyptian music and dance culture. Explore beledi progression musical format through improvisation, and beledi styling in movement combos and music. All levels welcome; best suited for intermediate and up.

Jawaahir Dance Company

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