Tuesday, January 28
6:00–7:00 pm
6th Floor Skyline Room at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Enrich your experience of Michael Shayan’s Avaaz by participating in our free pre-show workshop and explore the culturally rich movements of Middle Eastern dance! Join instructor Phaedra Darwish one hour before the show for a beginning level dance lesson which will get you moving to the beats of Iran’s most popular artists. Participants will explore basic elements of Raqs Sharqi (bellydance), Persian social dancing, and even a little bit of Baba Karam! The simple, natural movements of these dances are designed for everyone, so bring your family, friends, or theatre buddy, and join the fun!
This workshop includes physical movement. Please wear comfortable shoes & bring a water bottle.
Want to see the show after? Use the promo code “DANCE30” to access $30 tickets to Avaaz. 1 night only!
Phaedra Darwish is an award-winning dancer who has been performing as well as teaching workshops and classes in Chicago and throughout the US for the past 16 years. As an Arab-American of Lebanese descent, she also produces and takes part in cultural events, citywide festivals, and community fundraisers as a musician, producer, and dancer, and feels that this is a beautiful way to share her heritage with others. She holds a certificate in Persian dance through the instruction of Shahrzad Khorsandi and played traditional Persian music with Shalizar Ensemble of Chicago for 5 years. She has choreographed and coached Middle Eastern dance in theatre productions for The Goodman Theatre, Red Tape Theatre, Greenman Theatre Troupe, and Up and Coming Theatre Company. Through active engagement, maintaining a high standard of execution, and participation in quality programming, Phaedra hopes to spread enthusiasm and respect for Middle Eastern dance as more and more people get acquainted with its roots and enchanted by its beauty.