March 2024 — Dance with Monica B.
Hello!
March is here, and it has come in like a lion indeed.
Scroll on down for class updates, our video of the month, two SF music shows I'll be playing in, some upcoming festivals and events, and links and reads of possible interest.
Class updates: Lines Dance Center
I teach a weekly raqs sharqi and raqs beledi class at Lines Dance Center. Class is taught live over Zoom Mondays at 6pm PST. It lasts for an hour and costs $15. We do some good work and we have a nice time. Check it out.
Reminder: There will be no class on Monday, March 11th.
Upcoming events of interest
Salon Nabila - March
March 14
San Francisco, California
I'll be playing music with the Aswat Women's Ensemble. Come by (but pre-register as it will sell out) or look for the livestream link as the date gets closer. Flier below.
Capital City Raqs
March 23-24
Sacramento, California
I'm not involved, but hope to go up to check it out!
Gilded Raks
Bay Area Belly Dance Guild
April 6
San Jose, California
I'll be dancing in the 3:00 hour!
Salon Nabila - April
April 11
San Francisco, California
I'll be playing percussion for Syrian singer Nasser Meerkhan along with some stellar musicians. He is amazing! Come by (but pre-register) or look for the livestream link.
Music in-Takht
Violinist Basma Edrees and her takht (ensemble)
Mountain View
I'll be in the audience!
Sirens Fest
July 19-21
Sebastopol, California
Hot Raqs
June 28-30
Clovis, California
Carnival of Stars
July 13-14
Hayward, California
Video of the month
Fifi hanging out in a gown in a Lebanese cafe when the band just happens to invite her up for a dance.
Miscellaneous
Dance for Palestine - Auction
I donated a beautiful galabeya from Cairo to this auction. 100% of the proceeds go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. There is some cool stuff to bid on. You can also follow along on their IG.Ukrainian Feminist Kitchen
these folks do such good work making connections between art, politics, and shared struggles in a communal and accessible way. I try to attend their virtual events whenever I can.Friday PSA
Not sure how to keep up with what is going on in Gaza? I highly recommend the Friday Palestine Solidarity Announcements from AROC and the Center for Political Education each week at 12pm. It offers a somatic grounding, news updates, conversations with thoughtful activists and organizers, and a way to feel informed and connected to others. You can watch past PSAs here.Mut'at al asma fi 'ilm al-sama - The Ears Pleasure and the Science of Listening to Music
I want to read this new book so badly, but maybe not quite yet 126 dollars badly.Wildbody Somatics
I've appreciated Marika Heinrich's work and events for a while. At a recent workshop, she talked about some upcoming shifts in her offerings, and it might be a good time to hop in if her work speaks to you, too.A luthier in my life gifted me a mandolin. Do I need a new hobby? No. Have I been plucking away along with you tube beginner mandolin videos? Yes.
Lastly, my Mezzogiorno.Arts work continues, and Kate and Francesco will be back in town from Puglia this June to teach another pizzica workshop! Stay tuned for details about that, and if you want to be on my Italian dance email list, too, please let me know.
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