This workshop will explore the cultural, historic, and political facets of the old-school genre of Greek music known as “Rebetika.” We will travel through the cafe Amanes and hashdens of the historic port towns in Pireas and Thessaloniki, where this music thrived amongst outlaws in the early 20th century, and learn how to dance for freedom, lust, pain, and the will to survive… all before the lights come on.You will walk away having understood the context and history of a genre that so strongly influences modern-day Greek music, dance, and culture. Finally, you will learn a choreography to an original recording by the legendary singer and musician, Rosa Eskenazi.
All levels welcome.
About Sophianna
Sophianna is a Greek-American dancer who performs at private and public shows around the DMV, and in festivals abroad. She has studied locally, with insturctors such as Mitra of Nile Dance, Faten of Al Masraweya, and many of Sahara’s Dance’s own instructors; as well as overseas with masters such as Samira Masreya, Esmerelda Colabone, Amir Thaleb, and more.
She has a deep passion for dance as a result of how it has helped her heal her self-image and given her a way to express herself through art. With a specialty in Greek Tsifteteli, she shares Greek culture and history through music and dance- both in the classroom and on the stage. To her, the most important elements of belly dancing are being part of a community of like minded lovers of this beautiful music and art, and the opportunity to be vulnerable and authentic in our creative and expressive process.
Event Venue
Sahara Dance, 4433 Wisconsin Ave NW,Washington D.C., Washington, United States
Tickets
