December Preview

Come out and share the spirit of the holiday season with the north Georgia raqs community this December!  There are several showcases and workshops to choose from, as well as a unique opportunity to celebrate the Persian Winter Solstice holiday of Shab-e-Yalda.  Don't miss your last chance to see Aziza Nawal performing as a member of Awalim on the 8th!
 

Wednesday, December 4

Raq the 40 Watt (Athens)

Samira & Friends Perform at the 40 Watt Club
Photo by Celeste Dixon

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show at 7:30
The 40 Watt Club, 285 W. Washington Street, Athens, Georgia 30601
$5 in advance, $8 at the door

Join some of the most talented performers from across north Georgia for a belly dance show at the historic 40 Watt Club.  The Athens community will come together as your hostess Samira welcomes local troupes Sulukele and Qamar, special guests from Atlanta (including Banat Almeh), and students from the Healing Arts Centre, UGA's Ramsey Center, and Inti'sam.  Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door. See a dancer for tickets or contact dancer.samira@yahoo.com.

Saturday, December 7

"Carol of the Bells" Workshop with Sabeeya

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
$30 in advance, $40 after December 5 or at the door
Glow Dance Studio, 4246 S Main Street, Acworth, GA 30101
Sabeeya Sun, director of Glow Dance Studio, will teach an intermediate-level choreography with lots of layering, quick body movements & transition, shimmies, and hair twirls, set to Trans Siberian Orchestra's version of "Carol of the Bells."  E-mail Sabeeya at glowdancestudio@yahoo.com for more information.

"AFBD's Got Talent: Winter Edition"

Doors at 7:00; show at 8:00 p.m.
Fanoos Persian Cuisine, 6125 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA
Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance presents their winter showcase, featuring performances by members of Rafi'ah Dance Company, AFBD's talented students, and some of metro Atlanta's most talented performers.  Show tickets are $10; for $18, your ticket includes a delicious Persian meal (vegetarian options will be available).  Full-service cash bar with drink specials.  Hookah specials too!  Click here to get your tickets.

Sunday, December 8

Aziza & Ziah of Awalim Dance Company

Awalim Winter Showcase at Smith's Olde Bar

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show at 7:30
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
Come and bid farewell to Atlanta's own Aziza Nawal as she performs for the final time as a member of Awalim Dance Company.  And enjoy a special guest appearance from Majda Anwar!  Along with Ziah, Aziza, and Majda, you'll see performances in a broad array of styles from the Awalim Apprentices and Banat Almeh student troupe.  Smith's Olde Bar is a great venue with a full bar and dining downstairs.  Get your tickets here!

Inara's Jingle Shimmy at Laziza
6:00 p.m.
Laziza Egyptian & Lebanese Restaurant, 113 North Park Square NE, Marietta, GA  30060
$20 includes dinner (chicken, beef or vegetarian); children $8 (kids under three free)  Join Inara, Sandtrance, Lum'a as-Sahara, Northside Tribe, and Dancers of the Harem for a belly dance celebration.  To purchase tickets, contact Inara at inara999@comcast.net or 678-523-3532

Saturday, December 14

Veil Work for the Modern Dancer with -- Workshop & Hafla (Augusta)

Zaia Hadiyyah of Global Dance

Workshop 2:00 p.m.; Hafla 6:00 p.m. 
$12
Joanie Lamb Hair Salon, 720 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901
Polish your veil technique in this mixed-level workshop hosted by Evadne Medina.

Global Dance Holiday Hafla & Show

6:30 p.m.
$30 includes dinner; children under 8 and performing students free

Aqua Blue,1564 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Join Global Dance, Heidi Hernandez, Jahara Phoenix, Lacy Perry and Northside Tribe, Teejei, ROK Irish Dance, Luis Damian, and Atlanta SEEDs for a festive holiday hafla.  Get your tickets here.

Saturday, December 21

Shab-e-Yalda Celebration at Fanoos

7:00 p.m. 
$10 + $15 food/drink purchase
Fanoos Persian Cuisine, 6125 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA

Miss Belly Dance presents a celebration of the Persian Winter Solstice holiday of Shab-e-Yalda.  This event celebrates the longest and darkest night of the year, and it has come to symbolise many things in Persian poetry: separation from a loved one, loneliness, and waiting. After Shab-e Yalda a transformation takes place -- the waiting is over, light shines and goodness prevails.

This event will feature performances by by Les Raissat, Beth Mendez, Amani Jabril, and Faaridah of Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance.  You'll also enjoy Persian poetry with Tara of the African-Asian Business and Cultural Exchange.  Click here to buy advance tickets.