Raqs Roots Intensive: Afrah Baladi! with Nisaa and Reda Henkesh
Schedule
Sat, 22 Nov, 2025 at 09:30 am
UTC+00:00Location
Parrs Wood High School | Manchester, EN
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This November, groundbreaking bellydance historian Nisaa (Heather D. Ward) and renowned Egyptian traditional artist Reda Henkesh return to Manchester UK!2025 dates: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of November
Inspired by deep and fascinating conversations at our 2024 event, we’ve put together a whole exciting new weekend programme for this year on the theme of “Afrah baladi – baladi weddings of Cairo”
Reda Henkesh and his musician contemporaries on Mohammed Ali Street speak of baladi weddings as “al-madrasat al-fann” – the school of art: a training ground where sha’abi stars were born, and even the greatest classically-trained musicians and most famous dancers came to work to hone their skills, and become true masters of their trade…
Drawing upon Nisaa’s research and fieldwork with Egyptian traditional entertainers, and Reda’s lifetime of professional experience at the heart of Cairo’s music and dance scene, they’ll be combining their expertise to paint a vibrant picture of baladi weddings in the 1970s-1980s, the bellydancers who performed at them, and the rich musical legacy of this era, from improvised ashra baladi to the sha’abi music of Ahmed Adawiya
Prepare to be surprised, challenged, and inspired – and don’t be surprised if your dance priorities totally change after this weekend!
THE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday evening – “Meet and greet” meal – an optional social meetup, come and enjoy a Lebanese meal and get to know your teachers & fellow dancers!
SATURDAY
9:30-11:00 Afrah Baladi: A Glimpse into the Baladi Weddings of Cairo – 1.5h lecture
11:30-13:00 Classic Afrah Baladi Song of the 1970s/1980s – 1.5h dance workshop
13:00-14:00 Lunch break – food included
14:00-16:00 Ashra Baladi: The Baladi Tet
– 2h dance workshop
Saturday evening theatre show – dance performances with live band, featuring Reda Henkesh and special guest musicians!
SUNDAY
10:00-11:30 The Deep Roots of Sha’abi Music – 1.5h lecture
12:00-13:30 Sagat in Egyptian Belly Dance – 1.5h dance workshop
13:30-14:30 Lunch break – food included
14:30-16:30 Classic Sha’abi of the 1970s/1980s – 2h Dance Workshop
Read the full workshop descriptions here: https://rachaelbellydance.co.uk/raqsroots2025/#workshops
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Where is it happening?
Parrs Wood High School, Manchester, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
