You don't want to miss this special 2-day intensive with Aisha Ali! Internationally recognized authority on the dances of Egypt and North Africa, Aisha traveled to the Middle East in 1971 to observe firsthand many traditional styles of dances not seen in the United States. She made subsequent visits to Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia from 1973 to 1997 to document folkloric materials that were fast disappearing. In 1973, she stayed among the Ouled Nail in Algeria, a tribe famous for its dancing women. Over the years she has frequently danced at celebrations in Egypt with the Banat Maazin, a Nawar gypsy family of Ghawazee. In the United States, Aisha directed the North African performers at the Los Angeles Olympics opening festival in 1984.

SATURDAY (2pm-6:30pm): GHAWAZEE: Includes brief history of the Nawar and the Halab, playing segat, interpreting the music, discussion of traditional and modern costuming, movement technique and styling, shimmies, Beladi Stick dance—Saidi, Beladi Et Teit —Delta, plus rare video footage of the Nawar Gypsies will be shown.

SUNDAY (12pm-4:30pm): OULED NAÏL (Algeria): brief history of the tribe, their customs & costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
SHIKHAT DANCE (Morocco): brief history of the dancers, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
MOTREB DANCE (Iran): brief talk about the dancers, their costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! Register for BOTH DAYS (4-Hour Workshop each day with 30 minute break) - ONLY $150 BEFORE January 30, 2009!
After January 30, Fee for both workshops is $175.
Single day registration is $90.00.
To register online: Please go to www.wmfolklifecenter.org

For more information on Aisha Ali: www.aisha-ali.com