We are excited to announce Karim Nagi is coming to RAQStar Dance Studio in Iowa to teach TWO incredible workshops on January 23rd, 2027!

 

Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian immigrant to the USA, and a true crossover artist uniting the Arab tradition with the global contemporary world. He has released 20 albums, ranging from traditional Arab music to fusion and electronica. He has authored instructional videos for Arab percussive instruments and Arab dance styles. As a dance and drum teacher, Nagi has taught in dozens of festivals in the United States, Asia, Europe and Cairo, as well as most major Arab Culture festivals in the USA.

 

We are so excited for Karim to bring his knowledge to the Quad Cities as he teaches two workshops: MUSICALITY FOR DANCERS from 2pm-3:30pm and DABKE (Arab line dancing) from 4pm-5:30pm 

 

The classes are held at RAQStar Dance Studio in Northpark Mall

320 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA 52806

 

Must sign up and RSVP your spot online. Limited spots due to capacity. 

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WORKSHOP TOPICS:

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MUSICALITY FOR DANCERS

 

Despite any mastery of technique and bodily dexterity, true dance expression requires musicality. The best dancers are those who emulate the music into their own movement. Karim will demystify Arab music for the dancer. Several recurring themes in Arab music will be identified (using recorded examples) and explained in emotive, non musical terms. The class will cover Taksim, Melodic Themes, Vocal vs Instrumental Songs, Rhythms & Rhythmic Changes, Melodic Modulation, Song Structure, Orchestration and Instrumentation. Karim will guide the students through several songs and lead them in dancing to each of these themes. This is a movement class that will help the dancer become the physical personification of the music.

 

DABKE (Arab line dancing)

 

Literally meaning "Stomp" in Arabic, Dabke (also spelled Dabka, Dubki, Dabkeh, plural Dabkaat) is a group dance found in the Eastern Arab countries. Performed mostly as a unisex line dance, Dabke is avidly done at the weddings and parties of Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian and Palestinian communities. A version can also be found in Iraq, known as Chobie. The movements include rhythmic stomping, kicking, sidewards walking, hoping and jumping. In social settings the dancers hold hands and form long moving lines or wide rotating circles. There are also many stage performances and musical theater shows that feature Dabke dances. You may also find Dabke used as a form of non-violent social protest during war and conflicts. But it is primarily a proud and energetic group line dance enjoyed by all ages and both genders.

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*Workshops are non-refundable

*Payment plans available. Email raqstardance@gmail.com for more information.

*Break time between workshops: 3:30pm-4pm