Join Grammy-nominated Arabic percussionist and dance coach Souhail Kaspar and renowned dancer and teacher Yasmine as they teach a special workshop for dancers and drummers!

This is a rare chance to study with a master drummer and sought-after dance coach, as well as see dynamic performers with special music and dance guests perform in a theater setting.

Dance students will learn the art and personality (downbeats and accents) of common Middle Eastern rhythms; how to interpret all aspects of the music simultaneously to give a complete visual representation of the music; the relationship of dance to every aspect of Middle Eastern music: melody, instrumentation and rhythm; and how to bring each tone of the drum to life via proper body part, movement direction and intensity.

Drummers will learn posture and instrument position; hand control techniques; basic and advanced rhythms and timing; speed drills;  and an introduction to the tambourine called the riqq.

Souhail Kaspar is a master percussionist who has played for some of the greatest dancers in the world, such as Dina, Fifi Abdou, Suheir Zaki, Nadia Gamal, Farida Fahmi, and Rachel Brice.

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 diverse artists such as John Bilezikjian, Omar Faruk, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Tito Puente, The Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Simon Shaheen, Sting,  and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama. In 2008 he received a Grammy nomination for When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq.

Yasmine has an extensive background in ballet, tap, jazz, and Middle Eastern dance and is the studio owner of Mid-East Dance by Yasmine in Charlotte, NC.  Yasmine spent much of 2004 touring with the Bellydance Superstars and after touring teamed up with master drummer Issam Houshan for a number of dance and drum workshops.

 Yasmine is a sought after instructor recognized for her dynamic and precise movements, which she carefully extends to her students - grooming them for their own spectacular performances.  Yasmine's distinct performance style is often referred to as "Cutting Edge Cabaret."