Sahara Dance

Save the date for our Fall Caravan show! 🤩 December 19th, 2026, with two shows at 3 pm and 6 pm at the Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD.

We have performance companies for all levels of dancers! Consult your most recent teacher for appropriate group suggestions. If you are new to Sahara Dance, students typically begin with Beginner Performance. Experienced dancers new to our school can drop in to technique class the first week to consult with teachers and/or should email studio director to consult - [email protected]. Classes begin the week of September 8th.

We just wrapped up three amazing workshops with Marta Korzun at our studio in Washington DC for the second time, and our hearts are full with inspiration. Marta is the sweetest instructor, with very clear technique and explanations, and we learned so much under her guidance. From breaking down 10 Arabic rhythms, to unlocking true emotional expression on stage, to exploring tips for better improvisation, she gave us new perspectives to deepen our connection with the music. Thank you, Marta, for sharing your magic with us! 💓🥰

We have another upcoming opportunity to study with Marta - our most exciting one yet, on retreat in Costa Rica May 1-8, 2027. All level dancers are welcome. Will you join us?

Last workshop with is tonight from 6-9 pm on Mastering Improvisation!

A great improvisation is a prepared improvisation. In this workshop, we will break down the foundations of improvisation and explore practical exercises to train your mind and body to respond effortlessly to music.

You will learn 10 effective methods to practice improvisation, making it easier, more intuitive, and—most importantly—more enjoyable. Step by step, we will remove the fear of the unknown, giving you structured ways to build confidence and freedom in your dance.

What to expect:

🩷 Fundamental principles of improvisation—how to start, structure, and develop your dance.
🩷 Exercises to train your body and instincts, so movements come naturally.
🩷 Techniques to prepare for improvisation without feeling overwhelmed or lost.

No rush, no stress—you CAN do this. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a toolbox of strategies to make improvisation feel effortless, confident, and truly yours!

What a weekend! Thank you to everyone who danced, taught, rehearsed, volunteered, worked behind the scenes, and came out to support us at Sahara Dance’s Summer Caravan. There is so much work that goes into a show like this, and it was really special to see it all come together onstage.

I’m so proud of our dancers, and it was such a treat to have perform with us again. She’s still here for two more workshops, so if the show left you feeling inspired, there’s still time to study with her tonight and Wednesday.

I’m grateful for this community. Thank you for being part of it.

Sunshine and shimmies,
Rachel

P.S. Professional photos and videos to come in the next few weeks while we wait for these to be edited!

Save the date for Sept 12, we will be at Tenleytown’s Art all night!

Washington DC's Center for Middle Eastern Dance, founded in 2002. This Tenley-based studio celebrates belly dance as a performance art through classes, workshops, and annual theater productions, welcoming dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Sahara’s core values include dancing ‘to share in the transformative power of an art form embracing femininity,’ being ‘your home for Middle Eastern dance,’ and ‘for learning to better love your body through movement.’ You can catch Sahara at Tenleytown Art All Night in St. Ann’s Gym from 8:30-8:50!

Raqqesat Indigo is a student company for intermediate dancers that explores fusion belly dance with a raqs sharki soul, directed by longtime Sahara Dance teacher Ami. Catch their performance and unique flavor at our Summer Caravan this Sunday August 23rd, 3 pm and 6 pm shows. ❤️‍🔥

In addition to our guest star Marta Korzun, our Summer Caravan shows on August 23rd will also each feature 3 faculty solos and 4 students from the Developing Choreography class that have been working on their own creative expression. Don’t miss your favorite performer! 🤩

3 PM: Claudia, Helena, Illa, Nicole, Rin, Ziyaki

6 PM: Ghazal, Amara, Nailah, Ykita, Rin, Sophianna