Event

Rakset Al Sayef with Shahravar

Since the Bronze age the gleam of a blade has had a certain draw upon us. Join Shahravar on a journey to explore the dynamics for a great Raksat al sayef performance.

After warm-ups we begin with basic sword handling as well as tips and safety, highlighting important points along the way. Please feel free to bring a cotton head scarf/headband to cushion the blade.

Music choices
Entrances
Presentation
Framing
Balancing points
Dancing with the blade
Finale
End pose
Exit

Shahravar began studying and performing Middle-Eastern dance styles in 1991. Sword work, "Raks Sayef," is her true specialty. She has been teaching since 1993 and opened the Urban Ghawazii Belly Dance Studio in 2008. In 2004, Shahravar created Utah's first collaborative belly dance troupe, Shah Sitara, a performing level group. Over the years, Shahravar's work has been featured in Jareeda Bellydance Magazine and the Hip circle and she has performed and taught workshops throughout the United States and has studied under experts as varied as Mahmoud Reda, Carolena Nericcio, Sahra Saida, Amaya, Alexandra King, Bert Balladine, Rachel Brice, and Kami Liddle and many more. Her specialties include swords, veils, zills, folkloric, and improvisation. In 2009, she was awarded "Best Fusion Bellydance" by Salt Lake City Weekly. She also founded the popular Troupe Habibi Habibi in 2008. She now owns the Urban Arts Studio and Boutique in Salt Lake City.