Gabriela Figueroa
Gabriela Figueroa’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente.
In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai.
Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance.
Photo by Amma Rhea
WHAT: Immerse yourself in Saidi, a vibrant folkloric dance from Upper Egypt, also known as the Said. This dynamic style is rooted in Tahtib, an ancient martial art that has stood the test of time.
Saidi dance is known for its lively, grounded movements, incorporating striking, spinning, rowing, flipping, and twirling motions. Traditionally, there are two types of Saidi stick dance: Raks Assaya, performed by women, and Tahtib, practiced primarily by men.
Join Gabriela on an exciting journey into Saidi dance as we explore:
- Cane techniques and drills
- Traditional partner work inspired by the Banat group
- Combinations from Reda Troupe
- We’ll also dive into musicality and bring it all together with a fun choreography!
Bring your own cane or borrow one.
WHEN: Fridays 7.30-8.30pm
WHERE:
In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003
INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can afford
In-Person: $75, $70
$65 Unlimited Members
In-Person 2025 Schedule
Mon 6.30-7.30pm: Basic Belly Dance (Studio 4A)
Mon 7.30-8.30pm: Open Level Raqs Sharqi (Studio 4A)
Wed 6.30-7.30pm: Basic Belly Dance (Studio 4C)
Wed 7.30-8.30pm: The Hadarians Troupe Rehearsals (Invite Only. Studio 4C)