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Performance Series

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Shine Like Star- Join Our Performance Series!

Choose between performing in our Moroccan dance or Turkish bellydance group pieces or as a soloist (or both!) to participate in our next showcase!

 

Scroll down for full details:

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Souhail of Morocco- Photo by Foveya studio

Instructor’s Story:

 

I’m Souhail Benlahbib, 28 years old, known as Moul Lmozon, which means “the master and guardian of the Moroccan handmade dance belt.” My fans on social media gave me this name, and it carries with it more than recognition-it carries a responsibility, a connection, and a promise: to honor the soul of Moroccan dance and share it with the world.

 

I began dancing before I could even speak. From the age of three, I was drawn to movement, to the rhythms of weddings, family celebrations, and parties. I didn’t have teachers at first. I learned by watching-every gesture, every step, every beat. I memorized them in my mind, practiced them in secret, and slowly, they became a part of me. Inspired by my family’s techniques and the dances I saw in my community, I taught myself to move, to feel, and to express.

 

Growing up as a male dancer in a conservative society wasn’t easy. People didn’t understand. I was punished, discouraged, sometimes shamed for pursuing something they didn’t see as proper. And yet, every challenge made me more determined. Dance became my refuge, my voice, my rebellion, and my salvation. It taught me that passion cannot be silenced, and that it is never too late to follow your dreams.

 

To truly become a professional, I sought knowledge everywhere I could find it. I attended masterclasses, festivals, and intensive training in belly dance, learning from every teacher, every stage, every performance I could access. Each lesson, each movement, added layers to my understanding, sharpened my technique, and deepened my love for the art.

 

Over the years, I performed at Moroccan dance events, celebrations, and private parties in Morocco, Canada, and many other countries. Every audience, every stage, every heart I moved added to my story. I expanded my art with Egyptian Oriental dance, blending it with the rhythms and spirit of Moroccan tradition.

 

I’ve had the honor of teaching professional Moroccan dancers and public figures, leading workshops in New York, Canada, France, and soon in other states across the U.S. Living in New York allowed me to fully immerse myself in the professional dance world and connect with artists from around the globe. Each class, each performance, is not just teaching-it’s sharing history, culture, and emotion through movement.

 

Through social media, I have built a community of over 150,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, who call me Moul Lmozon, celebrate my work, and share in my journey. It is humbling, inspiring, and a constant reminder that dance can reach far beyond the body-it can touch hearts, across countries and cultures.

 

And yet, my story is not complete. So much has changed in Morocco, and my greatest dream is still ahead: to create a Moroccan Dance Festival, a space where tradition, artistry, and passion come together-a place where the dances of my homeland can live, breathe, and inspire generations. It is a dream I know will come true, because dance has taught me patience, resilience, and the power of following your heart.

 

Being Moul Lmozon is more than a name- It is my story, my heritage, my passion, and my promise: to honor Moroccan dance, to share it with the world, and to never stop moving.

I am honored and excited to share my heritage with you in this exclusive series!

1. Moroccan Dance Performance Series

Wednesdays, 2/18 - 3/25
6:30-8:00pm
at Open Jar studios

Empower your hips, unleash your wild side, and take your femininity to the max with the new, unique, and exciting Moroccan Dance Performance Series at SHEBA!

 

For the first time at SHEBA and in the United States(!), we are offering you a chance to learn a full traditional Moroccan dance piece from a dancer of the culture and perform it at our next show using the famous Moroccan belt- “Lmozon” that will exercise your waist and loosen up your hips in ways you couldn’t imagine possible!

 

Your instructor, Souhail from Morocco (read his incredible and brave story below!) will take you on an ecstatic 6-week journey through the culture, rhythms, and techniques of his heritage and with his unique knowledge and background give you an experience like no other!

At the end of the journey you will present the dance piece you created together alongside your instructor at our next big showcase.

 

The costume you’ll be wearing comes from Souhail’s personal collection brought from Morocco, and with the beautiful, striking belt you’ll have around your hips you will feel and look like a real “Shikha” (Moroccan professional dancer), ready to conquer the stage!

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this legendary project! Sign up now before all spots are taken!! (and they will be)

 

About the Dance:

Chalha Ahidous is a powerful traditional Moroccan Amazigh dance originating from the Middle Atlas region, known for its deep connection to rhythm, community, and ancestral storytelling. Performed with strong grounding, synchronized footwork, and expressive upper-body movements, Ahidous reflects the richness and diversity of Moroccan culture-where each region, city, and village carries its own unique dance language.

See example of Moroccan Ahidous dance by Souhail:

About the Series:

This exclusive 6-week performance series, led by the iconic Moroccan Chaabi dancer, teacher, choreographer, and performer Souhail, widely known as Moul Lmozon. “Lmozon” refers to the traditional handmade Moroccan dance belt, an essential cultural element that will be used throughout the series, adding authenticity, grounding, and powerful movement dynamics to the dance.

 

The series runs every Wednesday from February 18th  to March 25th , from 6:30PM to 8:00PM, culminating in a final performance on March 29th at the iconic NYC venue- Drom.

Each session is essential and carefully structured to complete the full choreography by the end of the program.

 

During the first part of the series, you will focus on Ahidous musical rhythms and beats, ensuring a strong understanding of timing and grounding. From there, you will learn a rich and demanding choreography involving precise footwork, arms, hips, shoulders, hair movement, and full-body coordination, engaging many muscle groups and building strength, stamina, and presence.

 

What You Get:

This performance series is progressive and cumulative- each week builds upon the previous one, making consistent attendance vital to fully embody the dance, complete the choreography, and perform it with joy and poise.

The entire process will be fully supported all along the way by your instructor and dance mates in and between sessions, with videos from each session, questions and answers, and progress reports shared in a private group chat to give you the best chance to fully learn and understand the style and perform with confidence on stage!

If needed, one-on-one make up sessions with the instructor will be available at an additional cost.

As an added bonus, you will form true friendships with your fellow dancers that will last after the series is over.

 

This is a rare and unique opportunity to experience an authentic Moroccan cultural dance performance series, one that has never been offered in this form in the United States!!!

Moroccan dance is incredibly rich, layered, and diverse, and now it is available in New York, guided by a renowned artist deeply rooted in the tradition.

 

Jump on the opportunity to be a powerful, expressive woman RIGHT NOW!

Course Details:

Training:

Wednesdays, 2/18 – 3/25

6:30-8:00pm

Open Jar Studios

1601 Broadway, 11th floor

NYC

 

Show:

Sunday, March 29th

From 4:00pm

Drom, NYC

 

Cost:

Training- $199

Costume rental fee- $105 (dress and belt) *purchase option available if you want to keep it.

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2. Turkish Belly Dance Performance Series

Saturdays, 2/21 - 3/28
1:00-2:30pm
at Open Jar studios

Feel alive & add a refreshing excitement to your life- join our Turkish Bellydance Performance Series with Pelin from Turkey!

 

Grandiose, surprising, high-energy, seductive at times, yet still glamorous, cultural, and elegant- That is what makes Turkish-style bellydance so exciting and unique, and just what you need to transport yourself into a magical realm that will help you destress and make you forget all your worries while you’re immersed in it.

 

Learn how to do cool, unexpected moves and tricks that you didn’t know your body can do! Backbends, hair flips, and floorwork will all taught with EXTREME CAUTION by a certified, experienced instructor with vast knowledge and understating of anatomy and injury prevention to ease you into new positions and movements so you can enjoy them safely!

*Modifications will be offered so you can work at your comfort level and get the most out of this experience.

 

All these will be put artistically together into a complete choreography that you will get to present proudly and confidently on stage for your friends, family, and a supportive audience in our next big showcase, while forming real friendships with your dance sisters along this 6-week long journey of bonding in and outside of class, with the added bonus of a designated group chat for sharing videos from class, questions and answers, and progress reports that will keep you on track and motivated up until the show, and even stay connected with your new friends after it’s done.

See example of Turkish bellydance:

The music chosen for this one-of-a-kind course is one of Pelin’s, (read her touching story below), favorite pieces that moves her and connects her with her Turkish heritage she is proud to present and teach and will enchant you and make you feel like a Sultana (Turkish queen)!

 

As per true modern Turkish tradition- a veil will be used to create a dramatic entrance and add a colorful element to the dance you will enjoy challenging yourself with. You’ll learn intricate veil techniques, strengthen your arms, and become a fierce, confident dancer, eager to charge the stage!

 

The costume you’ll be wearing will complete the glam and poise of the style with its alluring elegance and sparkle, decorative and mesmerizing design to make you look on the outside like the queen you are on the inside.

 

This course gives you the unique opportunity of learning an authentic dance, deeply rooted in Turkey’s culture from an actual person of the region, while adding new skills to your tool-belt, finding your inner glam, and making new friends, for the complete transformative experience.

Surprise yourself and achieve heights beyond your imagination- join the Turkish Performance Series NOW (before all spots are taken!!)

Course Details:

Training:

Saturdays, 2/21 – 3/28

1:00-2:30pm

*March 28th- 1:30-3:00pm

Open Jar Studios

1601 Broadway, 11th floor

NYC

 

Show:

Sunday, March 29th

From 4:00pm

Drom, NYC

 

Cost:

Training- $199

Costume- purchase here plus skirt ($15)

Veil- purchase here (any color)

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Pelin from Turkey- Photo by Foveya studio

Instructor’s Story:

 

I am Pelin Qualben, originally from Mersin, a coastal city by the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey, and my story with dance has not been an easy one.

 

My passion for bellydance began at the age of eight during a women's gathering she attended with my aunt, where a popular Egyptian pop music tape was played. I was so captivated by those lively songs coming from the other side of the Mediterranean Sea that I often knocked on my aunt's door to ask for the cassette, and either danced alone at home or gathered my girlfriends for belly dance parties. 

 

Unfortunately, I was forbidden by my family from dancing in public or taking dance lessons, so I didn’t get to properly train in dance or pursue my passion.

 

As I grew up and pursued a career in another field, my love for belly dance never left my thoughts. I decided it was time to do what I love despite my family’s objection to it, and give that little eight-year-old girl the dream she wanted.

 

In 2009 I embarked on a vibrant journey that me to New York. This was the beginning of the return to my roots.

I first started my professional belly dance training in Connecticut and danced on a stage for the first time in 2022.  The excitement and thrill of being on stage made me so happy that I realized this was what I truly wanted to do. That is when I auditioned for and joined the SHEBA dance school troupe in 2023 and got further training in classical Egyptian belly dance, Saidi cane dance, veils and Dabke (one of my favorite styles to dance!).

In just one year, I performed at numerous cultural events, professionally at weddings and many other joyous celebrations. In May 2024 I received my AFAA group fitness instructor certification on and completed belly dance teaching training from SHEBA belly dance school and started teaching at SHEBA and other studios, which further empowered me and motivated me to continue my professional training and go with it as far as I can. In the process, I also found a love for teaching and watching my students succeed. 

 

The lively, energetic tempo and spontaneous influences of Turkish music and dance culture I grew up with can be seen easily, both in my teaching sessions and in my performances on stage.

 

I am passionate about my culture and the beautiful music and dance it came with, and I’m determined to continue following and developing my passion for it and create a safe, supportive space for you to learn and enjoy it too!

 

Join this magical cultural journey to enjoy the thrill and delight of Turkish music and dance and shine on stage!

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Photo by Foveya studio- from our December showcase

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Photo by Rayn Dempsey- from our October showcase

The Solo Project

Private sessions:
February 21st - March 28th
at your convenience

Panel session:
Sunday, 3/22 3:00-5:00pm
Open Jar studios

It's time for YOUR bellydance solo performance!

Yes, whether you’re an experienced dancer or brand new, our unique program will ensure your ready complete with a dance piece that highlights your skills and personality, fitted to your level, and completely customized, to be presented confidently at our next showcase!

 

How does it work?

Once you sign up, you are part of an exclusive group that will take individual one-on-one lessons with the founder of SHEBA, plus present your piece in front of a panel of expert dancers and your group mates for additional feedback from both the teachers and the students, and get comfortable performing in front of a small, supportive audience to get those pre-show jitters out.

 

How many lessons do I need to take?

The program includes 4 one-hour private lessons, plus a two-hour panel, but you may add as many private hours as you need to help you feel ready and confident

 

When do I need to start?

For best results and staying focused and motivated, it’s best to dedicate 5-6 consecutive weeks of meeting with your teacher leading up to the show, while practicing as much as possible in between.

It’s recommended to begin in mid-November leading up to the show on December 19th, but you may start sooner.

 

How much is each additional private lesson?

While enrolled in this program, each additional one-on-one lesson will be at the discounted rate of $85 per hour instead of the normal $100.

 

Will there be any additional costs?

If you wish to rent a studio of your choice instead of meeting for the private lessons at the Inwood studio you will be responsible for the rental fee. You are also expected to obtain your own costume, appropriate for your piece.

Guidance and advice on costume/ makeup/ accessories/ props choice is included in the program!

 

Can I choose any style of dance? Do I need to have a choreography ready?

Any style of Middle Eastern/ Arabic/ North African/ Turkish/ Greek dance is acceptable for this show. Even fusions!

You can come with your own choreo/ half choreo/ vision, or completely blank and we’ll help you craft and polish your choreographed/ improvised piece.

 

We will make sure you have a complete and presentable piece you’ll be proud of!

How long does my piece need to be?

Keep your piece to 3 minutes maximum.

 
OK! Give me the details!!

 

Dates and times:

Private Sessions: 2/21-3/28, at your convenience

Panel Session: Sunday, 3/22 3:00-5:00pm, Open Jar studios

 

Location:

Private Sessions- Inwood (Manhattan) home studio

Panel Session- Open Jar studios, 1601 Broadway 11th floor

 

Show:

Sunday, March 29th

from 4:00pm

at Drom, NYC

Panelists:

TBA

Investment:

$385 (not including studio rental and costume fee, if applicable)

 

Don’t hesitate! The time for you to shine bright like the star that you are is NOW and spots are incredibly limited!!!

SIGN UP- you won’t regret it ;)

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Photo by Foveya studio

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Check out the solo dancers of our December show!

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