Performing artist and master instructor, Lebanese Simon returns to the Seattle area after 10 years!
We have a weekend of fun and educational workshops and plenty of opportunities for you to dance!
Purchase package option below, option to spread payments at checkout!
Gala Show & Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Redmond (Seattle)
Special discount rate for Step into Spring participants. The discount code will be emailed after registration is received and must be reserved by 2/21/24.
Workshops: Will be held at a studio within walking distance of the Hilton Garden Inn. To be announced soon.
$429
Receive special pre-recorded choreography with the option to perform on stage with Simon during the Gala Show.
In person rehearsal on Friday evening with Simon.
Admission to all weekend workshops on Saturday and Sunday.
1 guest pass to bring a friend to the Gala show.
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. However, arrangements can be made with Mariana to transfer the ticket to another attendee.
Limited supply!
or 4 monthly payments of 107.25
Admission to all weekend workshops on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission to the Gala show.
Early bird pricing ends on 1/6/24
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. However, arrangements can be made with Mariana to transfer the ticket to another attendee.
$375
$400
or 4 monthly payments of 93.75
Community building is a priority for Mariana and she believes in equity in access to dance.
A few scholarship spots are available to underprivileged and underrepresented individuals in dance.
Includes admission to all weekend workshops on Saturday and Sunday and Gala show Saturday night.
*Does not include*: Travel, Lodging or Food
Must apply at the link provided by 1/6/24:
Saturday evening Gala show! Enjoy an evening of spectacular bellydance and debke!
At the door and day of show ticket price will be $36.00.
Tickets are non-refundable, however may be transferred by making arrangements with Mariana before 3/11/24.
$30
Á la carte workshop
Single workshops will be open for purchase depending on a first come first serve basis in the days leading up to the event.
Once purchased the ticket is non-refundable. Due to the short timeline, this ticket is also non-transferable.
Save money and buy the weekend package!
á la carte weekend costs $510 vs. the early bird rate of $375!
Check back regularly for when availability opens.
STEP INTO SPRING
Weekend Schedule and Workshops:
Workshop descriptions below!
Friday:
VIP Choreography Rehearsal session
Meet & Greet for All Weekend participants
5:00 pm
7:30 pm
Saturday:
Raqs Sharki Pop Choreo (1.5hrs)
Debke (1.5hrs)
10:30 am - 12 pm
2:30 pm - 4 pm
History of Raqs Sharki (combos) (2hrs)
Debke Pop Choreo (1.5hrs)
1:30 pm - 3 pm
Sunday:
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Workshop Descriptions
VIP Choreography
Learn a pop Raqs Sharki choreography rich in sass, energetic combos, and travel steps online and perform the choreography with Simon during the Gala show. Level: med/intermediate
Raqs Sharki Pop Choreography
A fun, energetic choreography filled with signature combinations by Lebanese Simon. Simon’s Pop choreographies are lyrically connected, and filled with sassy accents moments. Simon drills the combinations first and explains the meaning and the mood of the song before he dives into the intro and remaining parts of the choreography. Be prepared to be inspired and challenged to combine Soul and technique into a pop song.
Debke
Learn the history of the people who created this folk dance, the essence in the meaning behind each component that forms this folkloric dance: the footwork, the soulful upper body, the balance and lightness in transitions, the count, and the rhythm/melodies associated with it! We will drill and learn the basic six count and advance to slightly more intricate combos.
History of Raqs Sharki
Study the stylization of the hip circle through significant figures of Raks Sharki dating back to the golden era. Simon will highlight some of his favorite artists and their signature hip circles, to eventually lead the entire class into a series of connected hip circles allowing each student to be inspired to create their own. Rich in footage and discussion, this class is essential to all culture and dance enthusiasts.
Debke Pop Choreo - we will introduce a series of jazzy beautiful fusion combinations that combine the essence of Raks Sharki and the technique of the dabke steps on a hot pop Dabke Lebanese song. Come with dance shoes, ready to sweat, and have a blast.