The students currently taking classes with the teachers of the Oasis will be performing at Kira's Oasis on Wednesday, December 7th!

Time: 8pm - whenever!

Cost: No entry fee, but bring a dish (it's a pot-luck!)

Where: Kira's Oasis, Centerville, OH

Come eat/drink, watch and be merry with us! Open dancing following the recital show.

Master Teacher and Grammy Award Nominee Souhail Kaspar In Columbus, OH

Workshops November 13!

Beginner Level Sunday, November 13, 2-4 pm, $40.00 per person
In this class the student will learn instrument position, flexibility exercises, hand control techniques for basic dum and taks, introductory rhythms and timing. Emphasis is placed on staying relaxed with the use of proper technique and posture! This class is for beginners and is also recommended for higher level drummers that want to improve any weakness in their technique as well as receive guidance to correct “bad habits.” 
 
Intermediate Level Sunday, November 13, 5-7 pm, $50.00 per person
In this level there is continued monitoring of proper hand control and instrument position. Hand control techniques for the half pop, full pop, half tak, half dum, and rolls are taught. Numerous rhythms are taught along with their variations and embellishments. Classical and cabaret rhythmic variations are introduced.
 
Location for both classes: Nazareth Restaurant and Deli, 2700 Northland Plaza Drive (southwest corner of 161 and Forest Hills Blvd.) Columbus, OH 43231
Contact Shakira al Fanninah, efannin@columbus.rr.com, 614-294-1171.
NOTE: WE CAN’T TAKE CREDIT CARDS. Please bring cash or checks, or do Paypal with Souhail.

Mr. Kaspar has worked with legendary Egyptian composers Farid al-Atrash, Sayyad Makowi and Hanni Mehanna. He has traveled extensively during his career and has performed with artists John Bilezikjian, Kenny Burrell, Omar Faruk, Shujaat Khan, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Dr. Scott Marcus, Roberto Miranda, Tito Puente, the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Kathem al-Saher, Simon Shaheen, Sting, Strunz & Farah, Wadi al-Safi and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.
 
In all of the years I have studied music, I have never seen such a combination of musicianship, stage presence and overall professionalism as with Mr. Kaspar…Importantly, Souhail teaches…stage presence and professionalism.
Souhail is kind and humorous. Lessons with him invariably include humor. For those that are new to drumming, or music in general, Souhail’s humor creates a sense of ease and familiarity that lowers one’s anxiety and sets the stage for relaxed, concentrated learning. As such, Souhail’s personality is a very important part of his teaching successes. It is rare that world-class musicians also possess such a vibrant sense of humor, a deep commitment to teaching, and a welcoming attitude that keeps audiences and students coming back for years and years.
Will McClintock, Ph.D., University of California
 
Besides being the consummate teacher, he is a dancer's drummer, who can make any dancer look great (so gently encourage the drummers in your life to learn from him :). Dale Hall and I sat in on Souhail’s beginner class this past year. He really takes time to focus on your execution, and he makes it happen for you. After that one "beginner" lesson, our playing was cleaner than it ever has been…we keep bringing Souhail...I can only hope that players in this area begin to understand what an incredible resource he is. I wish I had this when I was starting out.
Brad Kostana
 
...A sincere, dedicated, and devoted man who shows a unique mix of seriousness about music and education combined with a fun-loving attitude...Mr. Kaspar is an extraordinary instructor. I have taught at the University of Southern California since 1991 and have 11 teaching awards myself, so I know a good teacher when I see one. Mr. Kaspar has stellar intuitions about each student’s individual strengths. His mastery of percussion also gives him a superb understanding of the correct progression of skills that each student should develop in order to improve as rapidly as possible. He has an amazing ability to inspire each student to stretch a bit more with each lesson.
Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Southern California

November 4-6, 2011

Ann Arbour, Michigan

Enjoy 3 days and 2 nights dancing, learning, partying, eating, and shopping at the 6^th Annual convention held in the Great Lakes area. Spend a weekend socializing with other belly dancers. Explore diverse bellydance styles. Meet your guest instructors and have fun with them in a social environment. Plan on having a great weekend!!!!!

Troupe Roja will be attending the Great Lakes Belly Dance Convention AND will be performing this year in the show on Friday night! This will be Troupe Roja's fourth year attending the convention and they can attest to how awesome it is! You will NOT find a better deal! The total cost includes your hotel stay, workshop fees (there are DOZENS from which to choose and such variety!), and meals. See http://www.thebellydancedivas.com/greatlakes.htm for more information.

Zattana & Asiya of Troupe Roja will be attending workshops with Dalia Carella and performing at the "Evening at the Oasis" Gala Show! For more information and to register for this event, see www.rubyjazayre.com.

Dalia Carella is a world-renowned Middle Eastern Contemporary Dancer, Choreographer, Instructress and Global Fusion Artist. Her dance background includes studies in Flamenco, Indian, African, Samba, Salsa, and other Latin dance forms, as well as jazz and ballet. She created her signature dance form, Dunyavi Gypsy (Roma) Dance for which she is known throughout the world. The core of Dalia’s Dunyavi work is extensive research of the Romany trail, focusing primarily on the Roma dances of Spain, India, Turkey and most recently, movements from North Africa. Dalia has also been performing and teaching a second style of Gypsy Rom dance, “El Mundo”, that is evolving from her continuing studies of Middle Eastern, Andalusia and Latin dance influences.