First Session: Kalbelia Dance (Dance of Rajasthan) - Introduction and Master Class
During the first session in 2021, we will focus on the Kalbelia dance, a captivating dance that originated in Rajasthan, one of the most beautiful regions in India, the India of “The Thousand and One Nights” and the senses.
A traditional dance to celebrate any cheerful time in the community, it forms an integral part of the culture of the Kalbelia. Their dances and songs are a matter of pride and a hallmark of identity. It represents the creative adaptation of this community of snake charmers to changing socioeconomic conditions and their own role in rural Rajasthani society.

Second Session: Kalbelia Dance (Dance of Rajasthan) - Master Class
At this session, we will review and expand upon everything learned about the Kalbelia dance in order to savor it and get some practice.

Third Session: Karsilama (Gypsy dance that originated in Turkey) - Introduction and Master Class
We will travel to Turkey to discover its most nomadic facet, through a dance known as the Karsilama or “face-to-face greeting.” Very popular in the Byzantine era and ancient Constantinople, as well as contemporary Turkey (Istanbul). It was originally danced as a war dance, but with the passage of time, it was gradually adapted to the customs and habits of the region. It overflows with playfulness, inviting dancers to move about and express themselves. It is a captivating dance with a very characteristic enveloping pace. Steps, gestures, power, communication, dance.

Fourth Session: Karsilama (Gypsy dance that originated in Turkey) - Master Class
We will remain in Turkey and continue to discover and dance to the rhythm of the Karsilama.

Fifth Session: Gawhazee dances (Gypsy dance of Egypt) - Introduction and Master Class
The Gawhazee, or “heart invaders,” as they have been called on some occasions, are the nomadic dancers who inhabited the Nile. It is believed that they emigrated from India along with their families. They lived in the outdoors, though in this nomadic process, they ended up returning to their place of origin. They would perform at fairs in the company of other artists, which is why their dances are so lively and eye-catching. Their movement is unique, based on natural but at the same time intense work, especially using the hips.

Sixth Session: Gawhazee Dance (Gypsy dance of Egypt) -  Master Class
Dance workshop to look closer at more details and learn a larger set of the wonderful Gawhazee dances.

Seventh Session: Flamenco workshop oriented towards fusions with belly dancing
Flamenco, especially in relation with the songs of Eastern Andalusia, bears very strong ties with Arab music. This is why it is not surprising that the so-called “palos” of flamenco “cante” are nothing more than recreations of the songs of Andalusian folklore, of a folklore filled with Arabisms as a result of the “eight centuries” of Islamic presence during the medieval era. At this workshop, we will take a closer look at the flamenco dance technique with a view towards Arab-Flamenco fusions.

Eighth Session: Belly dancing workshop oriented towards that dance form’s fusion with flamenco
Honoring and loving the cultural roots of each. With the majestic feel of flamenco and the sensuality of belly dancing, we will turn this combination into a magical mixture of cultures, music, dance and feeling. We will teach the techniques of belly dancing, while orienting it towards Arab-Flamenco fusion.

Ninth Session: Arab-Flamenco fusion - Master Class
The art of flamenco is a result of a sum of musical cultures which developed in Andalusia and were then passed down from one generation to the next. Its history does not go so far back in time, with little more than two hundred years in existence.
However, in this form of music and dance we can find age-old traces of Jewish, Arab, Castilian, “Andalusian” and Gypsy music, or in other words, the cultural melting pot which makes up our identity today. Having reached this point, Arab cultural influence will allow us to create a fusion between these two disciplines: Middle Eastern dance and flamenco.

Tenth Session: Arab-Flamenco Fusion - Master Class. Closing session
We will continue with the power, sensuality and rhythm in Arab-Flamenco fusion dance, filled with passion and subtlety, through a choreographic workshop.
 

Carolina Prior
A dancer, teacher and choreographer from Cordoba. She began her training at the Luis de Río Professional Dance Conservatory, in her childhood, in the study programs of Classical Dance and Spanish Dance. However, it was Middle Eastern dance that enamored her senses, and towards which she guided her professional life as a dancer. Carolina has taken part in highly renowned festivals in Spain and abroad, including the Raks Madrid International Arab Music and Dance Festival.” She was a guest performer at the “International Middle Eastern Dance Festival” in Barcelona. And, in conjunction with Casa Árabe, she was a solo dancer in the show “Algarabía,” repeating an experience with “El Viaje del Mirlo” (“The Blackbird’s Journey”) for the White Night of Flamenco. A dancer for the company of choreographer Arnaldo Iasorli, with whom she premiered “Fragmentos Orientales” and “Rain” in Madrid. Solo performer at the “Mab She” International Dance Congress, in the style of Arab-Flamenco fusion. A solo dancer in the show “Al Zahara in Music,” the first show held at Medina Azahara in Cordoba. In 2006, she opened her own school in Cordoba and formed her Middle Eastern dance company called “Ashira,” with which she has produced and directed a large number of innovative performances using history, the senses and cultural elements. Thanks to her ability to feel and internalize a wide variety of artistic registers, she has created a very personal style of her own, with a carefully refined technique of great elegance.