Ya Habibi – Academy of Middle Eastern Dance will be hosting workshops in oriental and Egyptian folklore dance during the month of May with the internationally renowned Maria Aya.

Specializing in folkloric styles, Maria Aya is known for her authentic Egyptian baladi style, her deep emotional connection with Tarab music and sense of humour. She has taught workshops all over Europe, and is one of the featured teachers at the prestigious Nile group festival of Cairo. As the Director of the oriental charity group “Malema’s Banat”, she has produced more than ten Theatre Shows in Greece and her students won the April 2009 first price of the Nile Group Festival of Cairo - group category. She has served as a judge in various Oriental dance competitions both in Greece and Internationally.  Maria Aya is also the Co-Director of the greek “Kazafy Troupe”.

The workshops will be held throughout the weekend of 20, 21 and 22 May, and will cover technique, choreography as well as theory. Choreography workshop topics feature Megance, Om Kalthoum, Sha’abi (Baladi style) and Ghawazee, and are open to existing students of bellydance and/or experienced dancers. Those interested in learning more about oriental dance and arabic folklore are welcome to attend the lecture on history, theory, music and costuming, which will be held on Friday 20th May. A hafla (bellydance dinner party) featuring an oriental dance show by Maria Aya, students of the Ya Habibi School and its founder Jameelah, will be held on the 21st of May.

For more information or to book, email [email protected], visit our website www.yahabibimalta.com or call Jane on 99065142.