SERIOUSLY, WHY DETROIT?
Detroit has the largest Middle Eastern population in the nation, second largest in the world! These dancers are praised for their accurate representation of culture and for their artistry. Of course, we also sponsor those artists who have adopted a fusion of styles. Creativity is welcomed!
Is it safe?
The event is actually in lovely, upscale Ann Arbor. The downtown Ann Arbor area is just a few miles from the convention with lots of hip shops and restaurants. If you should choose to go venture off into Detroit, just take precautions that you would in any large metropolitan city.
How is this convention different?
Each instructor is a professional and currently-performing artist. These are the artists who work week after week for our local Middle Eastern audiences, and/or perform for top Detroit area events. While some of our workshop leaders take nightclub gigs, others are building a student base and taking their own direction in teaching styles and building troupes of their own.
When is it?
7:00 p.m. Friday, May 13 - 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2011
Where is it?
Friday Night Hafla will be at Passport Lounge 3776 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 • (734) 222-1111 www.passportrestaurantlounge.com
The workshops will be held at the Holiday Inn 3600 Plymouth Road • Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. Phone: (734) 769-9800. A block of rooms has been reserved for $89/night. Mention Detroit Raqs when you reserve.
Saturday night Instructor Showcase will be at The Campbell Center for the Performing Arts, Greenhills School, 850 Greenhills Dr., Ann Arbor, 48105.
Who is invited?
There is a dancer within every woman. For the brand new, just curious, and experienced - this convention has it ALL! No judgment, no egos; we're all about offering a friendly, supportive, and fun experience for everyone.
How much does it cost?
You can sign up for each individual workshop for only $30; you choose which and how many workshops you want. The only hard part is choosing between our selections. All workshop participants qualify for a solo or troupe performance slot in Friday night's hafla; performance slots are limited with a 5 minute maximum and are first come, first served. The Friday hafla is FREE and the Saturday Instructor Showcase is $15.
Must I register in advance?
You can register at the door but you may not get into the workshop that you want! Those who wish to perform at Friday night's hafla should be sure to pre-register with payment in order to hold a performance slot.
What styles of dance will be taught?
The workshops we have scheduled include ATS (American Tribal Style), Egyptian Cabaret, Tribal Fusion, Burlesque, Acrobatics, Fire Performance, Stilt walking, and more! Just about any dance style you can imagine will be showcased at Detroit Raqs 2010.
Can I dance in the show?
Yes! All workshop participants qualify for a solo or troupe performance slot in Friday night's hafla; performance slots are limited, set for 5 minutes maximum, and are first come, first served. If you plan on performing Friday, let us know when you register! Email mia.vagabond@gmail.com. On Saturday, the convention teachers will perform for you!
Where should I eat?
There is a full service restaurant inside the Holiday Inn: Guy Hollerin's Restaurant & Bar. Quizno’s, Big Boy’s, and several other restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Where should I stay?
You can stay right in the center of the action at the Holiday Inn 3600 Plymouth Road • Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. Phone: (734) 769-9800. A block of rooms has been reserved for $89/night. Mention Detroit Raqs when you reserve.
How to I contact Lana or Mia?
We ask that you PLEASE email us with questions. detroitraqs@yahoo.com
Try email first, please. After that, call Lana at 586.242.9425 or Mia at 734.552.1584
