Seminars are taught over Zoom. They can be done by individuals or by a group. There is no extra charge for extra people. If classes are attended by more than one person, the students must provide the Zoom link and host the Zoom meeting. Leila will communicate with one person who can arrange with the other members of the group.
After you purchase the class, Leila will contact you through email to schedule the class times. All seminars must be completed within three months of purchasing.
“I’ve come to see belly dance (raqs sharki) as a process, an art form of constant growth. Each audience is different, and each performance is a new opportunity to share. I understand the balance of blending the technical aspects of the dance with creativity and passion. I am constantly learning and endeavor to approach cultural, technical, creative and musical dance questions with insight and humor. Most importantly for me, each dancer is unique. I hope to encourage a dancer to discover her/his own style and dance personality..... and to enjoy the process.” Leila
"We came whirling out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust… The stars made a circle, and in the middle, we dance."-Rumi
Contact Leila at [email protected] for more information, prices or to schedule a workshop.
Egyptian Technique- 2 hours
Leila will explore the fundamentals of Egyptian raks sharki technique. She will discuss how this is different to Western bellydance. Leila doesn’t use drills or combinations but believes that technique should be learned in conjunction to the music it interprets. This seminar pairs technique with musicality and culture and is a fun class for all level of dancer.
Mergence'-2 hours
Leila will guide you through choreographing your own mergence’ (entrance music). She will discuss the history and purpose of the mergence’ in Egyptian dance and cover how to choose music that suits your style. She will work with you on concepts of staging and dynamics that will draw the audience in. Leila had 7 mergence’s written especially for her during her years in Cairo performing all of them with her live band. She loves helping a dancer find that perfect marriage of music and personal style that makes an audience say “wow.”
Egyptian Topic- 2 hours
You can choose from Classic Song, Shaabi, Meleya or Beledi for an individual class where we delve deep into the topic with even more history, technique, and improvisation.
Egyptian Intensive-5 hours (5 X 1 hour long classes)
- Classic Song
- Saidi and Nubian or Melaya
- Shaabi
- Beledi
- Beledi Song
This is a great class series for anyone who wants to learn more about Egyptian raks sharki. We will cover 5 essential components of Egyptian dance, each with a bit of history, how the dance looks today, culture, technique, musicality and lots of dancing.
Drum Solo-2 hours
Leila will delve into drum solo technique while going beyond the standard accents. We will incorporate musicality with a blend of melodic movements and percussive pops. Leila will explore both improvisation and choreography inside the drum solo.
Techniques of Improvisation-2 hours
Improvisiation is one of the the most rewarding and challenging aspects of our dance. Leila will guide you through exersices designed to enhance your creativity and shake you out of your old habits. You will learn to use your head while you dance from your heart. This is a fun and inspiring class.
Private One-on-one Coaching-3 hours (3 X 1 hour long classes)
Are you working on preparing for a big show or contest? Are you stuck in a rut with your dance? Are you wanting critique or answers to your dance questions? This is the seminar for you! Leila will help you design your three class series catered to what you are working on or wanting from your dance. You will start with a 30 minute consultation with Leila were you decide on what you would like to cover. Then you will have three, one-hour classes to discover what an amazing dancer you are! Leila has helped hundred of dancers from around the world become their best dancer selves. What are you waiting for?