2024 Space Coast Raks Schedule and Workshop Descriptions

Our 2024 Space Coast Raks event features the international superstar Vanessa of Cairo and Local Guest Instructor Bianca Namaste.

Our Instructors Vanessa and Bianca

All Workshops Held at Beachside Dance Club Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Saturday October 12th

10am - 11am: Belly Yoga with Bianca - $20 (Register) - (Please bring a yoga mat if you own one) Yoga and belly dance walk hand in hand. Belly dance Yoga or Belly Yoga combines specific yoga stretches that compliment belly dance moves and muscles. Belly Yoga not only stretches the dancer out by utilizes stretches and flow combinations to loosen up hips, shoulders, chest, and feet. This class is intuitive as it morphs to the students needs. Welcome to the sacral flow of Belly Yoga.

11am - 1pm: Modern Orientale Entrance Piece with Veil Part 1 with Vanessa of Cairo - $65 (Register) - (Please bring veil for certain sections, this class is taught in 2 days Parts 1 & 2, however are intended to be stand alone workshops as well. Elements from Part 1 will be reviewed in Part 2). The entrances we make are the most important thing we can do when making a great first impression and keep the audience with you every second of the journey! Students will be guided through recognizing musical cues as well as utilizing a variety of vocabulary to interpret the different segments of the song. We will listen to the music, and learn how to identify phrases, repeats, accents, changes, and variations of phrases, as well as knowing when to move and when to stay in place. As the choreography is set, the dancers will understand WHY the elements are placed where they are. If there are places for improvisation, the class will be guided to choose the elements which are most appropriate for the musical representation. This class is open to all levels—from beginner to pro!

1pm - 2pm: Break

2pm - 4pm: Modern Pop/Shaabi with Vanessa of Cairo - $65 (Register) - (Performance Opportunity! Participants are encouraged to participate in the Saturday show with Vanessa, but not required) Come learn this fun choreography to a fun Arabic pop piece of music and perform it with Vanessa in the show Saturday night!  It will be a great way to learn and put your efforts into ACTION!! If performing you we will need to attend the rehearsal at 4pm. Also, for the costume you will need black leggings, black tank top (If you have a Hip Motions or Vanessa Tank this is perfect), a sequined hip scarf (any color) click here to purchase (a few will be provided for purchase). This class is open to all levels—from beginner to pro!

4pm-5pm: Pop Performance Rehearsal with Vanessa of Cairo - (Only for those intending on performing with Vanessa in the Saturday Show and have registered for the Pop/Shaabi Workshop) A short rehearsal to provide staging and details of performance of the pop/Shaabi choreography in the Saturday Night Show. For the costume you will need black leggings, black tank top (If you have a Hip Motions or Vanessa Tank this is perfect), a sequined hip scarf (any color) click here to purchase (a few will be provided for purchase).

6pm (doors open) 6:30pm (Show begins): ABDC Fall Hafla - $10 (Tickets coming soon) - This local hafla is presented by the American Belly Dance Club. Please register to perform through the website. Performance space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Must be a member to perform ($25/yr membership). Audience members can also purchase tickets via the website.

**Red underline options included in the Universe Package

Sunday October 13th

10am - 11am: Belly Yoga with Bianca - $20 (Register)- (Please bring a yoga mat if you own one) Yoga and bellydance walk hand in hand. Bellydance Yoga or Belly Yoga combines specific yoga stretches that compliment belly dance moves and muscles. Belly Yoga not only stretches the dancer out by utilizes stretches and flow combinations to loosen up hips, shoulders, chest, and feet. This class is intuitive as it morphs to the students needs. Welcome to the sacral flow of Belly Yoga

11am - 1pm: Modern Orientale Entrance Piece with Veil Part 2 with Vanessa of Cairo - $65 (Register) - (Please bring veil for certain sections, this class is taught in 2 days Parts 1 & 2, however are intended to be stand alone workshops as well. Elements from Part 1 will be reviewed in Part 2) The entrances we make are the most important thing we can do when making a great first impression and keep the audience with you every second of the journey! Students will be guided through recognizing musical cues as well as utilizing a variety of vocabulary to interpret the different segments of the song. We will listen to the music, and learn how to identify phrases, repeats, accents, changes, and variations of phrases, as well as knowing when to move and when to stay in place. As the choreography is set, the dancers will understand WHY the elements are placed where they are. If there are places for improvisation, the class will be guided to choose the elements which are most appropriate for the musical representation. This class is open to all levels—from beginner to pro!

1pm - 2pm: Break

2pm - 4pm: Saidi Specifics with Vanessa of Cairo - $65 (Register) - (please bring an Assaya/cane if you own one, Vanessa will have sparkly Assayas for sale while they last) Saidi is one of Vanessa’s favorite topics—often referred to by many esteemed artists as “Queen of Saidi”— Vanessa enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with all her students & colleagues! Yalla! This fun and informative class will focus on Saidi and Folklore-Style technique, steps, and combinations—including options for both with and without the asaya (or cane). Vanessa will also incorporate some of her signature moves and transitions—and by the end of this class, everyone will have their own take for how to implement these elements into 1) Folklore sections of Orientale Entrance Pieces, as well as great ideas for 2) solo choreography/ improvisation, and 3) Group Choreography for Saidi and Folklore. Reserve your spot now—We plan to sell out! This class is open to all levels—from beginner to pro!'

4pm - ? (No more than 2 hours): Performance Lab with Vanessa of Cairo - $35 (Register) - (Not included in the Universe package, Requires at least 5 registrations to make, only $30 with any other SCR purchase) Participants are encouraged to show their choreographies, works in progress, improvisation, or any materials that they are working on for Vanessa to give feedback. Other participants in the class will also be able to discuss what they enjoyed and noticed about their colleagues’ work as well. When Vanessa studied ballet at Texas Christian University, the dance department had similar type of courses where all of the students would show their work and learn from the feedback and thoughts of the teacher and their fellow students. This invaluable experience has helped Vanessa and others grow as dancers, choreographers, teachers, and audience members.  Do not miss this opportunity! This class is open to all levels—from beginner to pro!

**Red underline options included in the Universe Package