Through the years Aziza and Issam have become mentors for many dancers and drummers worldwide in various stages of development from Beginner to Professional. Nothing is more rewarding for them than to see their students grow and succeed and reach the next level as Middle Eastern artists.

Learn all about rhythms and drumming from these masters, a smashing drum solo choreography by Aziza, exciting dance combinations for specific rhythms and special tips and tricks for working with live drum solo music and performing with zills.

A unique opportunity to learn from the greatest...
Coming to a city near you!

Topics Aziza and Issam

1 Understanding how to dance to Middle Eastern Rhythms   Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (no instruments needed)

Ancient Middle Eastern melodies are known for drawing us out of our seats to dance. Aziza and Issam will teach why the structure of these rhythms is important to Middle Eastern music and calls us to dance. Understanding Middle Eastern rhythms allows dancers to move from emotion and connect with the music. Practice short combinations that accentuate the music and gives dancers a feel for the rhythms. Ideal for both improvisational and choreographed dancing.

2 Zill while you dance
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (zills required)

Where the musician and the movement meet. There are so many ways to play the finger cymbals – what is the right way for you? Learn the history of finger cymbals, different techniques and sounds to enhance your dancing. Gain insight on appropriate times to play the finger cymbals and when to pause, when to interact with the drummer and when to be the spot light. Practice techniques for incorporating zill playing into your dance. Ideal for dancers and musicians.

1 How to dance to a live drummer
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (no instruments needed)

The interaction between a drummer and a dancer should be intense yet joyful. As a dancer, how do you know what to dance to with a live drummer? How do you know when he is going to change rhythms? Should you cue the drummer? As a musician, how long should you repeat a phrase? Should you control the dancer's direction? Find out the answers to these questions and much more at this unique interactive workshop featuring Aziza and Issam. Ideal for dancers and musicians

2 Drum solo Choreography With Issam and Aziza
Beginner – Advance levels dance workshop (no instruments needed)

Nothing compares to learning a high energy drum solo choreography with Aziza's signature flare combined with the intensity of live drumming by Issam Houshan!

Topics Issam

Get to know your Middle Eastern Instruments (Formerly Beginner Drum)
(Includes beginner Tabla, Riqq (tambourine) and Duff).
Beginner level (no dancing)

Middle Eastern music creates mystery and movement through its many rhythmic instruments. Knowing your rhythmic instruments helps dancers center their movements towards the pulse of the duff, the shimmy of the riqq and the liveliness of the tabla. Learn how to listen for these instruments in Middle Eastern music and to play them in order to better your dancing and be consistent musicians. Understanding the instruments makes Middle Eastern music less confusing and allows dancers and musicians to bring the richness of the music alive without being overwhelming. Learn basic technique and rhythms for the tabla drum, riqq (tambourine) and duff drum. Great for musicians and dancers.

1 Taking your Tabla skills to the next level  (Intermediate/Advance Drum)
Intermediate/Advance levels (no dancing)

Got tabla skills? Put them to work to create music! Learn new hand strokes for tabla players, new Middle Eastern rhythms, and techniques to creating a drum solo. Practice Issam's approach to tabla artistry for consistent sounds, moving volume and intricate music. (Basic tabla skills required for this workshop)

Topics Aziza

1 Ballet For Belly Dancers

The basics of ballet for belly dancers to enhance posture and body lines, turns, arabesques, foot patterns, and presentation. Aziza shares the skills she gleaned from years of studying classical ballet and merged into her Arabic dance repertoire.

2 Big fancy oriental Choreography

Aziza's most recent epic choreography, including a dramatic veil intro and folkloric styling for the stage.

3 Combinations

Aziza's latest and favourite rhythm based combinations, ready for you to take on and add to your own repertoire!

4 Extreme Technique

Isolation drills, conditioning, travelling steps, and all the personal practise Aziza utilizes to create precise movement

5 Fluidity in Transitions

One of the topics she is most famous for, Aziza shares her secrets of seamless fluid transitions.

6 Hands, Arms, and Poses

Drills, exercises and combinations to add expression, intention and integrity to your performance using hands and arms

7 Improvisation

Face your fear of improvisation with practical tips and techniques from Aziza.

8 Layer, Layer, Layer

An intermediate to advanced level class that focuses on layering movements for spectacular effect

9 Lower Body Technique

Lower body specific drills and combinations to wow your audience

10 Master Level Conditioning

Aziza's own work out to condition the body for endurance and level changes in Oriental dance

11 Saidi Choreography

Aziza style saidi for a sassy addition to your repertoire.

12 Shimmyland

Practise different styles of shimmies, working on endurance and clarity of movement

13 Stagecraft

Practical tips and tricks on using the stage to present your performance to its best advantage.

14 Undulations, 8s, and Abdominals

Ooey gooey, slinky moves to mesmerize your audience

15 Upper Body Technique

Shoulders, ribcage, head, and arm drills and combinations to bring intensity and integrity to your upper body movements.

16 Traveling Steps

Use your stage to present patterns of movement. Innovative combinations to get from here to there

17 Veil Technique

Learn how to allow the veil to become an extension of your body. Concepts and combinations to use your veil to its best advantage

18 Veil Choreography

Aziza will share her favourite veil moves in a glamorous veil choreography