WORKSHOP LISTING
Check out our event schedule! Join us for the full weekend or attend sessions individually.
Kelvia Mitri-Meda
Meet π²πππππ π΄ππππ-π΄ππ π – ππππππππ Instructor & Performer
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A multi-award-winning Oriental dance artist, choreographer, and educator, Kelvia Mitri-Meda brings a powerful blend of Lebanese influence, technical precision, and expressive artistry to the world of belly dance. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is the founder of the Middle Eastern Dance Academy of CT and owner of Viva Dance & Fitness Center for the Arts.
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With extensive training in multiple dance styles and immersive cultural experiences in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, Kelvia is celebrated for her dynamic performances, engaging teaching style, and dedication to developing dancers of all levels. Crowned Queen of the Heart of America International Dance Festival in 2019, she continues to inspire artists through her passion for movement, musicality, and cultural expression.
Elisheva Raqs
Meet πΈππΎππ½πππΆ π πΆππ – ππ’π‘π‘π₯ππ€π¦ Instructor & Performer
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A celebrated New England belly dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Elisheva Raqs has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and deep passion for the art of belly dance. An alumna of the internationally touring Bellydance Evolution, she has performed on prestigious stages, collaborated with live bands, and appeared in theatrical productions and cultural events.
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Beyond performing, Elisheva is the creator of Stackable Bellydance Drills and the producer of Hartbeat of Bellydance, a full-production theatrical belly dance show in Hartford, Connecticut. Known for her engaging performances and detailed teaching style, she continues to inspire dancers through workshops and classes throughout New England and beyond.
Elizabeth Estrella
Meet π¬ππππππππ π¬πππππππ – ππππππππ Instructor, Performer & Event Producer
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An internationally award-winning belly dance artist, instructor, and event producer, Elizabeth Estrella is known for her energetic performances, elegant style, and passion for sharing the art of Raqs Sharqi. With over a decade of experience, she has performed and taught throughout New England and internationally, captivating audiences with her artistry and musicality.
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Elizabeth specializes in improvisation, drum solos, technique, and stage presence. She is also the creator and producer of Southcoast Raqs, a community belly dance show celebrating dancers of all levels.
Soraya Doherty
Meet πΊπππππ π«ππππππ – ππ’π‘π‘π₯ππ€π¦ Instructor & Creator of RAQISA®
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With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry and a lifetime devoted to belly dance, Soraya Doherty is an accomplished dancer, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the founder and creator of RAQISA® and RAQ THE BARRE®, innovative wellness programs that blend authentic belly dance movements with fitness.
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Drawing inspiration from her Lebanese-American heritage, professional dance background, and theatrical experience, Soraya empowers others through movement, education, and a celebration of cultural artistry.
Victoria Farasha
Meet π½πππππππ πππππππ π΄ππ π – ππππππππ Instructor & Performer
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A passionate dancer, instructor, and performer, Victoria Farasha Meda brings a diverse dance background and a love for cultural artistry to the world of belly dance. Her journey began with ballet and jazz at the age of five, later expanding to hip-hop, modern, and African dance before discovering her passion for belly dance and modern hula hoop dance.
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Under the mentorship of Kelvia Mitri-Meda at the Middle Eastern Dance Academy of CT, Victoria developed her belly dance technique and artistry, earning recognition in international competitions, including first place in the Ruby Rising Star category at the 2024 Orlando Belly Dance Convention.
As an instructor based in Connecticut, Victoria celebrates soulful movement, inclusivity, and body positivity, inspiring dancers to embrace their individuality and express themselves through dance.
WORKSHOP TOPICS
π³πππππ π³ππππππππ – Don’t save the drama for your momma! That arresting accent, that lilting flourish, that searing taqsim call for an equally vivid dance interpretation. Designed for intermediate dancers, this workshop uses focused technique and dynamic movement to build dramatic, high-impact phrases that accentuate those arresting moments in the music. Walk away with expressive tools to bring maximum drama to your performance.
π»ππ π»ππππ πͺπππππ: Where Rhythm meets Heartbeat – Delve into AmCab style with its swoon-worthy taqsim section where a dancer seems to intoxicate the audience under her spell. The taqsim is generally set to and led in with the Chiftitelli rhythm. This workshop will explore approaches to performing taqsim, including to the Chiftitelli rhythm itself, and includes some floorwork. We explore approaches to this in terms of musicality and feeling as this is often in an improvisational context.
PANEL DISCUSSION ARE AT THE HEART OF THE CONN RAQS EXPERIENCE!
Participants are encouraged to join us for lunch on both days. Please bring a brown paper bag lunch or a snack to share. Complimentary refreshments will also be available during our "working lunch" hour. This fellowship time, guided by our instructors, will feature heartfelt discussions about our artistic journeys.
