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♡ Raqs Academy - Iraqi edition ♡
– is a continuation of Kasia Wronka's Raqs Sharqi Academy, a comprehensive and highly popular dance programme designed for ambitious belly dancers of all levels who wish to deepen their knowledge and explore the art of belly dance — both in practice and theory. Previous editions of Raqs Acadmy included lectures, technique drills, choreographies, show, recordings, coaching and more.
❤ For this edition, we have planned:
♡ OPEN STAGE “Shades of Folklore” for Raqs Academy participants on Friday, December 4th, at the Okęcka Performance Hall
♡ 3 Folklore Workshops on Saturday, December 5th - registration Monday 31.08
♡ 2 Stage Projects for those who would like to participate
- Iraqi Stage Project with Mohanned - registration Monday 31.08
- Shaabi Evolution with Kasia (continuation of Raqs Academy 2) - registratrion soon
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♡ Registration to workshops via google form:
https://forms.gle/4jwVWeqtcM3CwKQS6
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SATURDAY 5.12 (approximately 1:30 PM– 8:30 PM)
❤ 1. Workshop with Kasia Wronka (2h): Khaliji inspirations - we will explore Khaleeji rhytms, feeling, basic steps that oriental dancers can use in their choreographies and we will learn combinations + short choreo <3
❤ 2. Workshop with Mohanned (2h): Al-Hajaa Dance (رقصة الهجع), a traditional Iraqi dance deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Iraq. The dance is closely associated with the Domari communities of Iraq, traditionally known in Iraq as Al-Kawliya (الكاولية). In English, the term “Domari from Iraq” can be used when referring to these communities.
Mohanned will begin the class by introducing the movement technique of Al-Hajaa, focusing on understanding the characteristic body movements, posture, weight shifts, and the relationship between movement and rhythm. Participants will learn how the movement is connected to the musical structure and how the dancer responds to the rhythm in a traditional context.
The class will not focus only on learning the choreography. It will also explore the character, movement quality, and cultural context of Al-Hajaa as part of Iraqi traditional dance heritage.
❤ 45 min break - additional option to purchase Lebanese Mezze (by Hadi Falah)
❤ 3. Workshop with Mohanned (2h): Al-Khashaba Dance from the city of Basra.
Al-Khashaba is a traditional folk dance from Basra, characterized by strong rhythms and agile, dynamic movement. Historically, this dance has masculine origins and was, and still is, performed primarily by men in private male gatherings. Women also perform Al-Khashaba today, but with a more feminine movement quality, while the original roots of the dance remain male. A defining feature of Al-Khashaba is the live dialogue between the dancer and the Kasour drummer. The performance relies entirely on this interaction, as the rhythm, movement, and energy are created through the direct, moment-to-moment exchange between the dancer and the Kasour player.
❤ After Party in Leila Mezze Lounge <3 (start 9 PM)
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❤ STAGE PROJECT WITH MOHANNED (only 7 spots available!)
- You will receive Mohanned's choreo to learn
- We will have 2h rehearsal with Mohanned on Friday 4.12 - same day as our Gala Show
- You will need to buy a matching costume (budget version)
Price for participation 150 EURO / person + rehearsal on Friday + costume cost. Stage Project only available for the participants of the RA Iraqi Day 5.12.
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❤ STAGE PROJECT WITH KASIA (ONLINE & in person) - Shaabi evolution - continuation of RA 1 Shaabi Evolution Day :) (Bint el Sultan + mix of latest shaabi mix :)).
Details & registraion coming soon <3
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About Mohanned:
Mohanned Hawaz is an award-winning Iraqi-Swedish dance artist, choreographer, and cultural researcher. He is internationally recognized for his efforts in preserving and presenting Iraqi folk dance on global stages. Trained by the renowned Iraqi folklorist Hanaa Abdullah, he is the founder of the Enkidu Folklore Arts Group, which has performed in over 30 countries worldwide.
In 2023, he and the Enkidu troupe were officially commissioned by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture to represent Iraq at UNESCO headquarters in Paris during the celebration of the Iraqi National Day, where they performed alongside world-renowned musician Naseer Shamma and conductor Alaa Majid.
In 2023, he was once again commissioned by the Ministry to lead a comprehensive field survey across all Iraqi provinces, aimed at documenting traditional dances and creating choreographic works inspired by Iraq’s rich heritage.
In 2025, Hawaz received an official artistic recognition from the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, acknowledging his significant contributions to safeguarding and promoting Iraqi folk heritage both scientifically and artistically on national and international levels.
This recognition further solidifies his role as a cultural ambassador and a key figure in the global representation of Iraq’s intangible heritage.
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About Kasia:
Professional belly dance and samba teacher and performer. Graduate of CATT (Certified Academic Teacher’s Training in Berlin) – a prestigious programme for oriental dancers and teachers developed by Beata and Horacio Cifuentes. Multi award winner (including Sommer Festival Berlin, Ya amar festival Paris, ISBF Leiden, Ahlan wa Sahlan Cairo), Kasia also won the casting for Jillina’s project: Bellydance Evolution Vienna/Madrid 2013. In 2017 and 2026 Kasia got the title of Musa and she represented Rio de Janeiro schools as soloist at the Sambodromo during world most famous parade.
Kasia organizes many artistic events in Warsaw e.g. From Rio to Cairo Show, she is co organizer (together with Dominika Suchecka) of one of the biggest Polish festivals Aiwa Ya Negma (before Diamonds of Orient). Kasia is known for her scenic energy and curiosity for different dance forms which lead to her unique style and dance fusions (i.e. belly-samba, Shakira Styling). She has been invited to perform, teach and judge on many important Polish and international festivals, TV programmes and commercial events. Recently she has discovered a big passion in working as an individual trainer - coaching dancers, creating choreographies on request and helping dancers in preparations to competitions in Poland and abroad.
Master of Economics (University of Warsaw) and Bachelor of Graphic Design (PJWSTK).
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♡ Raqs Academy – main goals? Widening / structuring your knowledge, pushing your technique to a higher level, development of your own dance style, gaining experience while recordings and stage performance
♡ Raqs Academy – for who? Course is mainly dedicated to intermediate and advanced but also professional belly dancers – dancers at any level should profit from the course and learn new skills / knowledge.
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Prices:
♡ FIRST 15 DAY Passes (6h) -> 750 PLN (690 PLN for RA members) // 190 Euro (180 Euro for RA members) -> SOLD OUT!
♡ NEXT 15 DAY Passes (6h) -> 750 PLN till 15.10 // 210 Euro
♡ DAY PASSES (6h) -> 800 PLN till 15.11
♡ DAY PASSES (6h) -> 850 PLN after 15.11
* price includes: workshops, beautiful RA certificate, RA gadget ;) and Gala Show entrance for participant
OPTIONAL: Lebanese Mezze by Hadi Falah:
A selection of traditional Lebanese mezze: hummus, mutabbal, labneh, foul medames, freshly baked pita bread, and a sweet dessert.
-> 75 PLN / 20 Euro per portion
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You can pay via paypal / or bank transfer.
Please add title: RA Iraqi – name surname
In case of a participant’s resignation, any payments are non-refundable.
Bank info:
IBAN PL71 1140 2004 0000 3102 8070 3650
Paypal: [email protected] (please make sure to cover all tax / additional costs of transfer etc. on your side :) thank you!)
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Event venue
Sale Taneczne Millennium, Aleje Jerozolimskie 123A, 02-017 Warszawa, Polska, Warsaw, Poland
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