Al-Wahda Workshops are public workshops featuring the dance and drumming traditions of SWANA and Arab-American artists. No prior experience necessary.
We warmly welcome all members of our community to join us for Al-Wahda: A SWANA and Arab-American Community Celebration! This two day event led by visiting artists Shabbal Dance, and local artists Somali Dance, Yalla Drum Ensemble and Mirah Ammal and Bahira Dance Theater includes free workshops on Friday, September 18 followed by an evening of performance, food, and celebration. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in learning, and meaningful cultural exchange.
The performance event will take place on September 19 at 6:00pm. Tickets are sliding scale donation based. Proceeds from the silent auction benefit Gaza Relief and CFPA’s arts and heritage-based youth programs. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on Friday, September 18 for free, all-levels, 90-minute workshops led by our guest artists:
Yalla Drum Workshop: Arabic Drumming Experience
3:00-4:30pm
This workshop will be a hands on introduction to Arabic percussion. Drums will be provided, and participants of all experience levels are invited to learn foundational Arabic rhythms, explore traditional drumming techniques, and make music together in a fun, welcoming environment.
Mirah Ammal: Dabke
4:30-6:00pm
A traditional social dance, dabke is a feature in social gatherings, celebrations, and movements with local variations throughout Southwest Asia. In this workshop, you’ll learn some key elements of dabke—steps, techniques, rhythms, and cultural significance associated with the form and diverse communities in the region and in diaspora.
Shabbal Sudanese Dance Workshop
6:00-7:30pm
The workshop will begin with a short video presentation introducing participants to the colorful and diverse dance traditions of Sudan and the communities, landscapes, music, and stories behind them. From there, participants will explore the stories, rhythms, and movements that shape Sudanese dance, traveling from the Nubian lands and the Red Sea region to the Nuba Mountains, Kordofan, and Darfur. Through guided movement, participants will experience dances and rhythms including Halfa (North), Kassala (East), Al-Keran, Al-Mardoum, and Al-Jarrari (West) while learning what these traditions represent and the communities they come from.”
Somali Dance Workshop
7:30-9:00pm
This workshop will teach Somali traditional dances from different regions in Somalia.
Location Info
Center for Performing Arts
3754 Pleasant Ave
Suite 6
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409