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19th Annual Live Music and Dance Summer IntensiveSydney Exclusive I Authentic Raqs Sharqi I Live Arabic Music
January 24-25, 2026
Amera's Palace, Marrickville
Note: This will be the final Summer Intensive held at the iconic Amera’s Palace, so if you’ve been waiting to experience this magical weekend, this is your moment!
JRISI & VIRGINIA MASRI as your intensive facilitators PLUS we have a very special surprise Spotlight Honorary Guest......AMERA!!
Step into a weekend like no other, immerse yourself in two full days of intensive dance and live Arabic music with the exceptionally talented Sydney Arabic Music Ensemble, a 4-piece traditional group offering dancers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to train with live instrumentation in the true spirit of Raqs Sharqi.
Your dance facilitators Jrisi Jusakos with special guest artist from Melbourne, Virginia Masri are two of Australia's most recognised performers and teachers. Known for their exceptional eye for detail and unwavering commitment to elevating each dancer, they are passionate educators with decades of experience. Their mission is to inspire, support, and pass on deep-rooted knowledge, strengthening our community through meaningful connection to music and movement. Amera as our honorary guest is the icing on the cake for this incredibly special edition.
2026 Program Highlights......What You Will Experience
- Live Arabic music all weekend, 100% authentic, no prerecorded tracks
- Technique, coaching, guided improvisation sessions with Virginia and Jrisi
- Open stage performance with feedback from a panel of four guest artists
- Egyptian Ease....Stage presence with Amera: finding confidence, comfort, and grace in live performance
- Cultural immersion & understanding of dance and music led by source artists
- Chai & Basboussa round table discussion
- Maqamat Part 1 led by the Sydney Arabic Music Ensemble
- Performance opportunity at Café Riche Recital featuring our Drum Solo Finale
- Live showcase by teachers and guest artists at Café Riche Recital
This event attracts dancers from all over Australia and beyond, building a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Be quick to grab the early bird special and organise your accomodation, this is one weekend you DON'T want to miss!
🌍 Representing artists from Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon & Greece
🌟 Performance opportunities available
🗓️ Two full days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration
The Sydney Arabic Music Ensemble
- Emad Nosir: Violin
- Mohammed Lelo: Kanun and Oud
- Stuart Vandergraff: Nay and Saxophone
- Atif Badria: Percussion and Vocals
This is not a beginner course, it's a deep dive for passionate dancers with prior Raqs Sharqi experience, ready to grow artistically and musically. Whether you dance traditional or fusion styles, come and invest in your dance, train with source artists, and be part of a truly transformational weekend.
COST
$550 (from January 9, 2026)
ENROL HERE
https://forms.gle/oLfSRSXgb4ArCZMb6
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ameras Palace Belly Dance Boutique, 318 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia, Marrickville
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
