“Thank you for giving the best workshop that I've ever attended!”
Mary, 2004 workshop participant
"Your workshop was extremely well received ...your instruction was very clear ... I have only good comments about the workshop and show experience. Your dances were deeply inspiring and totally beautiful!"
Samra, 2007 workshop sponsor
"We truly enjoyed your workshop and performance and have had numerous compliments. Everyone I spoke to wants to have you back again and I think some more of the Persian technique would be fantastic. Your hand and arm movements are spectacular and so very graceful."
Melina 2009 workshop sponsor
Workshops & Private Lessons
Now booking for 2012!
Private and Semi-Private Lessons! Limited availability, $60/hour for up to 3 individuals (+$20 each/additional individual), and can be arranged at a mutually agreeable location with adequate space free from interruption, including your home! Travel fee of $1/mile may apply. Contact Katayoun to arrange a lesson customized just for you!
Katayoun is available to teach workshops nationally and internationally! Workshops can be conducted for a variety of skill levels, from beginners to professionals and everyone in between!
Programs can be custom designed to fit the needs and interests of any group, any age, including:
~Women's groups
~Senior Living Communities
~Corporate wellness or professional programs
~Social & community service clubs
~Schools & Children's programs
~Arts and Educational Organizations
Melina's Arabian Fantasy, Lancaster Co, PA
Sitamun, Frederick, MD
Past clients in the general community include:
Stone Bridge High School Color Guard, Ashburn, VA
Various Girl Scout Troops, Capital Area
Loudoun Country Day School, Leesburg, VA
Various Nursing and Senior Living Facilities
Pyramid Incorporated, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Cascades Library, Sterling, VA
County of Loudoun, VA
Women and girls for their special day (weddings, rites of passage, etc.)
Contact Katayoun (571) 283-9494, to discuss a program that meets the specific needs of your group or event.
Workshop Topics
Exclusive Topics: These are topics and concepts from Katayoun's signature style and technique.
1. “Mastery of Technique”- "Technique, bodily control must be mastered only because the body must not stand in the way of the soul's expression." This is the philosophy which inspired Katayoun’s signature technique and style. Derived from the classical forms of Egyptian and Persian dance, the concepts and techniques are captured in detailed choreographed drills designed for Mastery of Technique: Precision, Fluidity, Musical Phrasing and Interpretation, as well as foundations for choreography and dynamic improvisation. Shimmy technique and layering concepts will be incorporated as time and student ability allow. (2 – 4 hours. This class goes well with “Shimmies!”)
2. “Shimmies!” - Technique and Concepts for Mastery. Good shimmy technique is essential in any style of belly dance. Just as important as technique, is knowing when and how to execute the appropriate shimmy. In this class we will practice various types of shimmies of the upper and lower body, including how to execute the right kind of shimmy to achieve the desired interpretation of various musical instruments, styles and energy levels. As time and student ability allow, layering concepts, traveling combinations and upper body concepts derived from Persian classical dance will be incorporated to provide a wide repertoire for individual stylistic preferences. (2 hours. This class goes well with “Mastery of Technique.”)
3. “Persian & Iranian Dances” - The dances of Iran are diverse and unique, just like Iranian culture. While the various performance and regional styles share some similarities, each offers its own special flavor and technical concepts. This class will take participants through the delicate and lyrical movements and postures of the classical Persian style to the fiery and vigorous regional folkloric dances. (2 – 4 hours). Click to view video of Katayoun performing a Persian Medley.
4. Egyptian Folkloric & Oriental Dance” - The modern classical Egyptian style of dance has roots in the earthy and playful folkloric styles such as Baladi and Saidi. This class will begin with 
technique drills, followed by concrete concepts that will be modified for Baladi to classical interpretations of the Egyptian style. (2 – 4 hours)
5. “A Comparative Study of Persian & Egyptian Dance” - (Combination of 3 and 4 condensed) Students will learn the fundamental concepts of Persian and Egyptian dances and identify similarities and differences between them. (3 - 4 hours)
6. “A Passion for Persian!”- Classical Persian Dance, which developed from the court dances of ancient Persia, is lyrical, emotive, and technically challenging. The delicate and lyrical movements and postures can be deceptively simple. This class will begin with basic body and arm/hand positions used in Persian dances, then progress to step variations and soft isolations, culminating in a short choreography which will provide concepts adaptable to various skills levels and performance dynamics. (2 – 4 hours)
7. “Classical or Modern Egyptian Oriental Dance”- This class will begin with technique drills followed by concepts that will be usedfor classical interpretations of the Egyptian style. A skeleton choreography will provide a solid example from which dancers will derive concrete tools to apply to their own dance style. (2 – 4 hours). Click to view video of Katayoun performing Egyptian Oriental dance.
8. “Persian Social Dance for the Stage or the Dance Floor” (“Modern Persian Dance”) - Persian social dance traditions are rooted in the classical and folkloric dances of Iran. This class will cover technique and concepts for three of the most popular social dances performed at parties by Iranians worldwide, each with its own distinct flavor and movement vocabulary. Participants will learn to recognize different genres of Persian music and how to dance to them whether it is on stage or on the dance floor. This class is a must for dancers who perform for Persian audiences and for those who wish to know how to dance to a variety of Persian music. (2 – 4 hours)
9. “Folkloric Dance for the Stage” - The roots of belly dance are the exuberant and playful folkloric and tribal dances of the people. This class will begin with technique drills derived from Egyptian folk and Iranian tribal dance styles, followed by concepts that will be modified for Egyptian Baladi and Saidi, and applied to Iranian Bandari and Kordi. Participants will get a great cardio workout as we dance together in the original tribal style. (2 – 4hours)
10. Create a custom workshop! Contact Katayoun: katayoundance@hotmail.com
Specialty Topics: These topics are areas which require knowledge and skill beyond the typical belly dance class.
1. “Veiled Expressions” - Dancing with a veil teaches grace, fluidity and a lifted posture. This class will begin with basic veil maneuvers and progress to more challenging concepts. We will frame slow, hypnotic belly dance movements with lyrical veil maneuvers. We will explore how to create shapes, patterns, poses and wraps, plus creative ways to incorporate veil into your dance. (2 hours)
2. “Doum tek tek: The Heartbeat of Belly Dance” (A Hands-on Experience!) The distinctive sounds of Middle Eastern drum rhythms are vocalized as “Doum,” the low deep strike in the center of the drum, and the “tek,” the high pop struck on the sides of the drum. The rhythms can also be accompanied by the dancer’s finger cymbals. In this class we will use the Arabic tabla and other percussion instruments, to explore the origins, flavors and interpretation of some of the most common Middle Eastern rhythms. As time and student ability allow, more complex or less common rhythms will be explored such as 6/8 and 10/8 rhythms. (2 – 4 hours. This workshop goes well with “Finger Cymbals Drills and Thrills”)
3. “Finger Cymbals Drills & Thrills”- Finger cymbals can add excitement to any dancer’s performance. It is regarded in many circles a dying art and the artist who can play well AND dance well is admired and respected greatly. In this class we will learn basic finger cymbal patterns to coordinate our feet, hips and hands. We will explore how timing works with the accents (dums and teks) of the most common Middle Eastern Rhythms as well as melodic lines and transitions. As time and student ability allow, more complex and less common rhythms will be explored, such as 6/8 and 10/8 rhythms. Participants should bring finger cymbals. (2 - 3 hours. This workshop goes well with “Doum tek tek: The Heartbeat of Belly Dance”). Click to view video of Katayoun performing Egyptian folklore with finger cymbals.
4. “Raqs al Assaya - Women’s Egyptian Cane Dance” - Inspired by the men’s martial arts stick dance “Tahteeb,” this playfully imitative dance explores the duality of feminine strength and softness. Using a few basic belly dance steps, this folkloric dance from Egypt teaches balance, coordination and control. Basic maneuvers and concepts will progress to more challenging combinations, including how to capture the flavor of the dance. As time and student ability allow, group choreography, staging, and double cane maneuvers and concepts will be explored. Participants should bring a dance cane, light walking cane or similar length stick. (2 hours). Click to view video of Katayoun with Troupe Eshveh performing Raqs al Assaya.
5. “Props & Balancing” - Women from many cultures throughout the world 
and the ages have balanced objects on their heads both as a practical way of carrying things, as well as entertainment to show their skills and talents. This class will begin with technique drills required for precision and fluidity, and progress to practicing with props to demonstrate balance, coordination and isolation skills. Concepts for dramatic staging and appropriate presentations will be incorporated throughout the class. Participants should bring an object with which to practice balancing; ie. sword, tray, wide bottom glass or candle holder, basket, bowl, or hard cover book, are good choices. (2 hours)
Workshop Fees and Terms
Katayoun's workshop fee is $175/instructional hour (minimum 2 hours requested). In addition to the following terms, a 50% deposit may be required at the time of booking.
A Performance up to 20 minutes may be included for an additional $150. In some programs the performance may be included in the instructional fee. At the time of booking, be sure to ask if this option is available for your program.
Client must make arrangements for an appropriate venue. If location is within reasonable driving distance, a travel fee of $1/mile may apply if it is more than 25 miles from Loudoun/Fairfax County, Virginia border. If location is not within reasonable driving distance, client must arrange travel and accommodations or include these expenses in the workshop fee.
Some materials and supplies may be included in the instructional fee. At the time of booking, be sure to ask which materials/supplies you are responsible for and which will be provided by the instructor.