Folk Fest
Sunday, June 1st
12:00-4:30pm
Fill your afternoon with an exciting, unforgettable, and authentic skill-building experience! 💃🏽
SHEBA is proud to present its first Folk Fest- a celebration of culture, rhythm, and movement that will leave you glowing with energy and full of new skills.
Join us on Sunday, June 1st for an afternoon of vibrant dance workshops taught by instructors who live and breathe the cultures they represent:
🇪🇬 Ragaey Hussain brings you the bold, playful power of Egyptian Double-Cane Saidi—a show-stopping skill that builds control, coordination, and fierce stage presence.
🇹🇷 Pelin Qualben guides you through the expressive, sassy, and musical world of Turkish Romani Dance, helping you unlock looseness, confidence, and a whole new way of feeling music.
Whether you're a dancer looking to grow or simply want to try something exciting and new, Folk Fest is your invitation to move, explore, and connect—with yourself, with community, and with the rich cultures that gave birth to these incredible dance forms.
🎟️ Come for the fun. Leave with new skills, cultural insight, and a full heart.
Details:
Date & Time
Sunday, June 1st
12:00-4:30pm
Location
Ripley Grier
520 8th ave
17th floor
Room 17T
NYC
Investment
Single workshop- $45 online, $60 at the door
Both workshops $80 online, $105 at the door
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable event!
Turkish Romani
12:00-2:00pm
Ready to shake things up?
Join us for a high-energy, joy-filled journey into the vibrant world of Turkish Romani dance! In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn playful footwork, expressive arm movements, and juicy hip isolations—all set to the irresistible rhythms of Romani music.
We’ll dive into both technique and improvisation, helping you feel the music in your body and dance with confidence, sass, and soul. Whether you’re brand new or have some dance experience, this workshop is all about letting loose, having fun, and celebrating movement.
Pelin, originally from Türkiye, is a New York–based dancer and instructor specializing in Turkish Romani and belly dance. Having grown up dancing to Turkish and Middle Eastern music—and with fond memories of living in a Romani neighborhood—she loves sharing this vibrant culture and passion with her students.
About Turkish Romani Dance:
Turkish Romani Dance is a lively, expressive folk dance rooted in the Romani communities of Turkey, especially in the Thrace region (like Edirne and Istanbul). Known for its playful spirit and complex 9/8 rhythms, it features fast footwork, sassy hand gestures, earthy hip work, and a strong improvisational flair. More than just technique, it’s a soulful celebration of life, culture, and storytelling through dance.
Details:
Sunday, June 1st
12:00-2:00pm
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Ave
NYC
Bring:
Colorful clothes - a midi flowy skirt, half sleeve crop top, a water bottle, and your fabulous self—get ready to dance your heart out!
Here’s an example of the skirt to bring: Midi Skirt
Add a flower hair clip to complete the Romani look: Flower Clip
Space is limited!! Join us now!
Double-Cane Saidi
2:30-4:00pm
Ready to learn a show-stopping skill rooted in tradition?
Explore the strength and rhythm of Saidi—a traditional dance from Upper Egypt—taken to the next level with TWO CANES!
This powerful and playful style comes from the tahtib martial arts tradition, where men once used the cane, or assaya (Arabic for “stick”), as a weapon. Over time, it evolved into a dynamic folkloric dance, full of energy, pride, and artistic expression.
In this unique workshop, you’ll learn a bold double-cane variation from Ragaey Hussain, a respected performer and cultural bearer who danced with Egypt’s world-renowned Reda Troupe. He'll teach you strong technique, fun tricks, and traditional movements that connect you to the deep roots of Egyptian culture while giving you something fresh and exciting to bring to the stage.
What you’ll need:
Two thick wooden canes (assaya).
🔗 Buy online here
or purchase at the door for $20 each (limited quantity—please contact us in advance if you plan to buy at the door).
Details:
Sunday, June 1st
2:30-4:30pm
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th ave
NYC
Space is limited!! Join us now!
