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Yalla Habibi Presents:Soumaya MaRose & Jill Parker in Buffalo, NY
October 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2026
Presented by Samana and Kenzie! Join us for an inspiring weekend of Moroccan dance, raqs sharqi, and fusion dance in Buffalo.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY
Performance Intensive Choreography Rehearsal with Jill Parker - 15 dancers only!
1pm - 4pm
Be one of fifteen dancers who will learn and perform Jill Parker's Ismaaouni choreography. Dive into infectious rhythm, learn new moves with old vibes, and connect with fellow dance lovers. Ismaaouni is a classic Arab song that translates to "Listen to Me." The version by Musicians of the Nile is a lively, high energy folkloric instrumental rendition of the classic, featuring mizmar, rebab, and driving rhythmic tabla.
The details: you will join Jill online prior to the October weekend to learn the choreography via live and recorded Zoom classes. All participants must attend the in-person rehearsal together on Friday, October 23rd from 1-4pm in Buffalo, and you must also be registered for the FULL weekend pass. This choreography will be performed as a group with Jill Parker in the Saturday evening Gala Show.
Introduction to Moroccan Dance and Culture with Soumaya MaRose
7pm - 9pm
Moroccan dances are so diverse and find their roots though the people and their knowledge of their environment. You will be introduced to four traditional dances and their techniques, implemented in a deep analysis of historical and socio economic context to understand what shapes the mosaic of Moroccan dances; music and culture and its complexity.
SATURDAY
Beyond Style: Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Growth with Jill Parker
10:30am - 1pm
Honor the roots. Elevate your craft. Deeply rooted in folkloric and belly dance traditions, Jill brings nearly four decades of dedicated study and a wide-ranging exploration of movement forms. Jill believes that, given the right tools, every artist can cultivate an unmistakable presence—an aura of magic that transcends form.
Together, we will focus on precision and clarity in movement, healthy and efficient mechanics, muscular awareness, strong, articulate isolations, emotional authenticity and embodied presence, and refined musicality, and dynamic control through focused drills, movement combinations and thoughtful exploration.
Darbuka and Rhythm with Soumaya MaRose
2pm - 4pm
What if I tell you that Rhythms are the identity of a region and their Rhythms of life. This workshop will focus on understanding traditional ways to interpret the darbuka, the meaning and cultural context, and where they are performed. We will focus on very intricate pelvic movements and deconstruct the image of the “westernizations “ of the style.
Gala Show
7pm | $20 tickets; tickets will go on sale in August 2026!
Featuring Soumaya MaRose & Jill Parker
Elmwood Commons Theater
SUNDAY
Brunch
10am - brunch begins
Throw on your fanciest galabeya and head over to the venue early for light brunch fare, good conversation, and delicious espresso drinks handmade by barista Jacob prior to our last movement workshop of the weekend!
Henna Ceremony with Soumaya MaRose
11am-1pm
The Ritual of Henna is an important transition social in the woman and man life. Full of symbolism, it is often accompanied by specific regional music and dances. In this workshop, we will focus on the Citadin North Moroccan ritual and compare it to its Amazigh roots.
Minimize to Amplify: Slinky Fusion & Internal Power with Jill Parker
1:30pm - 4:30pm
This workshop invites dancers into the subtle, powerful world of less is more. Through the lens of slinky fusion bellydance, we will explore how refining and internalizing movement can unlock a deeper, more magnetic presence.
Centering on the principles of heart lift and holding frame, alongside minimizing movement to amplify sensation and clarity, dancers will learn to access muscular control from within—dancing closer to the spine, the breath, and the body’s inner pathways.
We will move through slow, fluid drills, spinal articulation, and grounded walking patterns to cultivate seamless transitions and a continuous, serpentine quality. Through dynamic contrast work, exploration, drills, and visualization, you’ll develop the ability to shift texture and timing—melting, striking, suspending, and flowing with intention.
WORKSHOP LOCATION
All workshops will take place in the Elmwood Commons, 3200 Elmwood Avenue in Tonawanda, NY.
PRICING
Full Pass - Early bird rate: $365 until July 15th, 2026 ($399 after July 15th)
Includes all workshops and brunch. Performance intensive is not included.
Saturday/Sunday Pass - Early bird rate: $315 until July 15th, 2026 ($335 after July 15th)
Includes Saturday & Sunday's workshops, brunch, and the evening gala show.
Performance Intensive with Jill Parker - $150 (this is an add-on and full weekend pass purchase is required)
Gala Show Ticket - $20 (sales open in July 2026)
BIPOC and MENAHT dancers, please use the code "BIPOCMENAHT" at checkout for BIPOC/MENAHT rates on the workshops.
Sorry, no refunds unless event is cancelled by the hosts. If you need to sell your spot, please contact Kenzie.
QUESTIONS? Reach out to Kenzie - [email protected]
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Event venue
3200 Elmwood Avenue, Tonawanda, NY, United States, New York 14150, 3200 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14217-1174, United States, Kenmore
Tickets
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