Iraqi Dances Series
Iraqi Dances: A special series of workshops with Andrea
Iraq has a diverse ethnic and cultural tapestry, with unique music, rhythms, and aesthetics that are quite distinct from other Arabic dances. Join Andrea for an immersive journey through the rich styles of Iraqi dance: from powerful folkloric roots to expressive modern technique.
Each session in this series of 5 workshops will focus on a specific style or element, giving you a chance to grow, explore, and connect with this incredible cultural heritage. See full descriptions further down.
Each class runs 1.5hrs. Take any combination of the classes - or all!
Hacha’a (هچع): Wednesday 9 July, 7pm
Hair Moves and Shimmies: Wednesday 16 July, 7pm
Khashaba (خشابة): Sunday 3 August, 1pm
Chobi (جوبي) & Basrawi (بصراوي): Sunday 10 August, 1pm
Choreography: Sunday 24 August, 1pm * Experience Required
For Workshops 1-4, no specific experience is required, as these dances are quite different from what you might know as ‘bellydance’. (Dancers without formal training should note that you are expected to be able to follow instruction in a formal dance lesson.)
* For the choreography session, you will be expected to know the basic Hacha’a steps, as well as safe hair movement. If you have not studied these techniques previously, please sign up for Workshops 1 and 2, so you then have time to practice the skills before the Choreography class.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER:
A popular Sydney-based performer and beloved teacher with Inspire Bellydance, Andrea has long held a passion for Iraqi dance. Her extensive training includes many hours of private study with master Iraqi artist Assala Ibrahim, complemented by immersion in Sydney’s local Iraqi community. Andrea is highly regarded for her authentic and powerful performances, which have earned her a special place within the community.
We are truly fortunate that she generously shares the rich knowledge she has cultivated through years of dedicated study and experience, making this specialised knowledge accessible to Sydney dancers.
LOCATION:
Amera’s Palace, Level 2, 314-316 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Pricing and Package Discounts
Discounts apply for taking multiple workshops (for the same person)
Earlybird rate until 27 June / Regular Price:
$60 / $70
$115 / $135 (save $5 on individual price)
$170 / $200 (save $10)
$220 / $260 (save $20)
$265 / $315 (save $35)
Iraqi Dances: A special series of workshops with Andrea
Iraq has a diverse ethnic and cultural tapestry, with unique music, rhythms, and aesthetics that are quite distinct from other Arabic dances. Join Andrea for an immersive journey through the rich styles of Iraqi dance: from powerful folkloric roots to expressive modern technique.
Each session in this series of 5 workshops will focus on a specific style or element, giving you a chance to grow, explore, and connect with this incredible cultural heritage. See full descriptions further down.
Each class runs 1.5hrs. Take any combination of the classes - or all!
Hacha’a (هچع): Wednesday 9 July, 7pm
Hair Moves and Shimmies: Wednesday 16 July, 7pm
Khashaba (خشابة): Sunday 3 August, 1pm
Chobi (جوبي) & Basrawi (بصراوي): Sunday 10 August, 1pm
Choreography: Sunday 24 August, 1pm * Experience Required
For Workshops 1-4, no specific experience is required, as these dances are quite different from what you might know as ‘bellydance’. (Dancers without formal training should note that you are expected to be able to follow instruction in a formal dance lesson.)
* For the choreography session, you will be expected to know the basic Hacha’a steps, as well as safe hair movement. If you have not studied these techniques previously, please sign up for Workshops 1 and 2, so you then have time to practice the skills before the Choreography class.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER:
A popular Sydney-based performer and beloved teacher with Inspire Bellydance, Andrea has long held a passion for Iraqi dance. Her extensive training includes many hours of private study with master Iraqi artist Assala Ibrahim, complemented by immersion in Sydney’s local Iraqi community. Andrea is highly regarded for her authentic and powerful performances, which have earned her a special place within the community.
We are truly fortunate that she generously shares the rich knowledge she has cultivated through years of dedicated study and experience, making this specialised knowledge accessible to Sydney dancers.
LOCATION:
Amera’s Palace, Level 2, 314-316 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Pricing and Package Discounts
Discounts apply for taking multiple workshops (for the same person)
Earlybird rate until 27 June / Regular Price:
$60 / $70
$115 / $135 (save $5 on individual price)
$170 / $200 (save $10)
$220 / $260 (save $20)
$265 / $315 (save $35)
Iraqi Dances: A special series of workshops with Andrea
Iraq has a diverse ethnic and cultural tapestry, with unique music, rhythms, and aesthetics that are quite distinct from other Arabic dances. Join Andrea for an immersive journey through the rich styles of Iraqi dance: from powerful folkloric roots to expressive modern technique.
Each session in this series of 5 workshops will focus on a specific style or element, giving you a chance to grow, explore, and connect with this incredible cultural heritage. See full descriptions further down.
Each class runs 1.5hrs. Take any combination of the classes - or all!
Hacha’a (هچع): Wednesday 9 July, 7pm
Hair Moves and Shimmies: Wednesday 16 July, 7pm
Khashaba (خشابة): Sunday 3 August, 1pm
Chobi (جوبي) & Basrawi (بصراوي): Sunday 10 August, 1pm
Choreography: Sunday 24 August, 1pm * Experience Required
For Workshops 1-4, no specific experience is required, as these dances are quite different from what you might know as ‘bellydance’. (Dancers without formal training should note that you are expected to be able to follow instruction in a formal dance lesson.)
* For the choreography session, you will be expected to know the basic Hacha’a steps, as well as safe hair movement. If you have not studied these techniques previously, please sign up for Workshops 1 and 2, so you then have time to practice the skills before the Choreography class.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER:
A popular Sydney-based performer and beloved teacher with Inspire Bellydance, Andrea has long held a passion for Iraqi dance. Her extensive training includes many hours of private study with master Iraqi artist Assala Ibrahim, complemented by immersion in Sydney’s local Iraqi community. Andrea is highly regarded for her authentic and powerful performances, which have earned her a special place within the community.
We are truly fortunate that she generously shares the rich knowledge she has cultivated through years of dedicated study and experience, making this specialised knowledge accessible to Sydney dancers.
LOCATION:
Amera’s Palace, Level 2, 314-316 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Pricing and Package Discounts
Discounts apply for taking multiple workshops (for the same person)
Earlybird rate until 27 June / Regular Price:
$60 / $70
$115 / $135 (save $5 on individual price)
$170 / $200 (save $10)
$220 / $260 (save $20)
$265 / $315 (save $35)
Detailed Descriptions
1. Hacha’a - Daggers dance
Hacha’a is one of the most popular traditional Iraqi dance styles, known as the Scorpion Dance, Hacha’a is grounded, heavy, and intensely expressive. It emphasises complex hair movements and hip work, and can also incorporate dagger movements. The dance is often performed by women and is celebrated for its emotional depth, as well as its strong connection to Iraqi poetry and music.
2. Hair & Shimmies Technique – Signature Iraqi Styling
This session focuses on the safe and expressive execution of hair movements, with a special emphasis on their role in Hacha’a style. Dancers will learn how to build strength, control, and fluidity for dramatic hair flicks while protecting the neck and spine. We’ll also explore a full range of Iraqi-style shimmies — from head and shoulder shimmies to hip-driven accents — breaking down technique and application across different styles such as Hewa, Hacha’a, and more. This is a movement-focused class designed to develop precision, endurance, and dynamic expression through some of the most iconic elements of Iraqi dance.
3. Khashaba – Folklore from the Heart of Basra
Khashaba is a traditional Iraqi dance deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Basra, where it is recognised as an important form of Iraqi folklore. Elegant and classy, yet playful and full of energy, Khashaba is performed by both women and men. The dance features grounded footwork, hip work, shimmies, and expressive head and hand gestures.
4. Basrawi and Chobi
Basrawi dance also originates from Basra, in southern Iraq, and shares cultural ties with the Arabian Gulf dance traditions. While it may resemble Khaleegy in some movement vocabulary, Basrawi has a heavier, more grounded feeling, reflecting the unique musical and emotional landscape of Iraq’s southern region. This dance iincludes hip work, graceful arms, use of the thobe, footwork, etc.
Chobi is a traditional Iraqi dance performed by both men and women at festive occasions such as weddings, holidays, and community gatherings. Deeply rooted in Iraq’s cultural heritage, Chobi is more than just movement — it reflects the spirit of Iraqi music, poetry, and collective celebration. The dance is performed in a line or circle, with dancers holding hands and moving in synchronized footwork patterns. From its steps to its songs, melodies, and mawaweel (vocal improvisations), Chobi embodies a shared identity passed down through generations — an energetic and joyful expression of pride, connection, and tradition.
5. Iraqi Choreography
In this workshop, we will learn a Hacha’a-style choreography that introduces the Ruba’a rhythm and brings together key elements of the style, including footwork, shimmies, hair flicks, floor work, and distinctive head and hand gestures.The choreography focuses on musical interpretation, cultural expression, that define this rich Iraqi dance tradition.
Previous experience is required. If you haven’t trained in Hacha’a before, we recommend attending the Hacha’a and Shimmies & Hair Technique workshops beforehand to build the foundation needed for this piece.