The Authentic Spirit of Iraqi Dance — Exploring Its Roots & Cultural DiversityJoin us for a unique weekend dedicated to the rich and diverse dance traditions of Iraq with Assala Ibrahim, an inspiring Iraqi dancer and teacher specialised in Iraqi dance.
Over two days, Assala will take you on a journey through several Iraqi dance traditions, combining historical and cultural context, musical understanding, technique, movement vocabulary, improvisation and expression. This is more than a dance workshop: it is an opportunity to discover the cultural roots and diversity of Iraqi dance through embodied learning, with time to understand the stories, communities and traditions behind the movements. PROGRAMME SATURDAY — Iraqi Dance Traditions 11:00–11:30 - Raqs El Kawliya — Theory & Historical Background We begin by exploring the origins, history and cultural character of Raqs El Kawliya, one of Iraq's distinctive dance traditions. The session provides context about the dance, its musical environment and its cultural roots, followed by questions and discussion. 11:30–13:00 - Raqs El Kawliya — Practice A powerful and expressive dance tradition characterised by dynamic footwork, turns, spiralling movements, head and hair movements, deep hip work and layered shimmies. The workshop will explore:
13:00–14:00 — Lunch 14:00–14:30 - Raqs El Khashaba — Theory & Cultural Background Discover Raqs El Khashaba, a vibrant dance tradition from Basra, shaped by the musical and movement traditions associated with sailors and shipbuilders. This introduction will explore its cultural background, musical identity and characteristic movement vocabulary. 14:30–16:00 - Raqs El Khashaba — Practice A rhythmic, grounded and energetic Iraqi dance style combining characteristic footwork, hip movements, shimmies, jumps, gestures and expressive sequences. The workshop will include:
16:30–17:30 - Iraqi Dance Conference & Q&A A dedicated cultural session with Asala exploring the historical roots, cultural diversity and evolution of Iraqi dance. The conference will be followed by an open Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with Asala. SUNDAY — Iraqi Dance, Rhythm & Celebration 10:00–10:30 - Raqs El Hachaa (Dagger Dance) — Theory & Cultural Background An introduction to the history and cultural context of Raqs El Hachaa, including the role of daggers and the rhythms associated with this powerful dance tradition. 10:30–12:00 - Raqs El Hachaa — Practice A dance of rhythm, pride and presence, combining characteristic movement with the use of daggers. The workshop will explore:
12:00–13:00 — Lunch 13:00–13:30 - Basrawi & Hewa / Lewa — Theory & Cultural Background This session introduces two fascinating Iraqi traditions with different cultural histories and influences. Basrawi dance is a vibrant Iraqi style closely connected to Khaleeji aesthetics while retaining its own distinctive Iraqi character. Hewa / Lewa reflects the African heritage of Iraq's Afro-Iraqi communities and incorporates strong rhythmic and trance-like qualities. 13:30–15:00 - Basrawi & Hewa / Lewa — Practice Explore the movement vocabulary, rhythms and expressive qualities of these two traditions. The workshop will include:
15:00–15:30 — Afternoon Tea 15:30–17:00 - Studio Set-Up for the Hafla Time to transform the studio and prepare for the evening celebration. 17:00–18:30 - Women-Only Iraqi Hafla We close the weekend with a warm and festive women-only hafla at the studio. The evening will include:
For guests who are not participating in the workshops, tickets are available for purchase. The hafla takes place at the studio, so no additional travel is required — just bring your dancing spirit! |
ABOUT ASSALA IBRAHIM
Assala Ibrahim is an Iraqi dancer and educator dedicated to the preservation, teaching and transmission of Iraqi dance traditions. Through her teaching, she explores the diversity of Iraqi dance, from the powerful and expressive movements of Raqs El Kawliya to the vibrant traditions of Basra and the distinctive rhythms and cultural influences found across Iraq. Her approach combines technical precision with cultural context, musicality and personal expression. Throughout the weekend, Asala will share her knowledge through both practical teaching and dedicated cultural sessions. WHAT MAKES THIS WEEKEND SPECIAL ?
No previous experience in Iraqi dance is required. Workshops will be taught in English but some translation can be provided ad hoc. The workshops will take place in our high-quality, spacious dance studio, providing a comfortable environment for learning, movement and exchange. To ensure the best possible teaching conditions and allow Assala to give individual attention to participants, places are limited to 20 participants. We therefore strongly recommend booking early to secure your place. 🎟️ EARLY BIRD until September 30th Full weekend: €195 instead of €220 Single day: €110 instead of €125 Single workshop: €50 instead of €65 Conference: €20 instead of €30 Registrations for the whole week-end only are currently open. Registrations for single days will open September 14th. Registrations for single workshops will open September 21st. The Sunday evening women-only Hafla is included in the weekend pass, or €20 Early Bird / €25 regular for non-participants. Come dance, learn, discover and celebrate Iraqi culture with us! We use Eversports to manage our registrations. You will need to create an account. Should you experience any issue, please contact Maëlle directly.
OUR STUDIO - LE QUATORZ(BE)
📍 Le 14B, Rue Fernand Neuray 14B, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. Webiste - le14.be |
