Join us in Atlanta for a weekend of live music and dance with Master Percussionist Issam Houshan and international Belly Dance star Aziza January 24-26, 2025!! Learn how to dance and perform to live music at this 3-day event! All levels welcome! No prior drumming experience required. Join us for workshops, hafla and an incredible theater show!!
About Aziza:
Aziza of Montreal, formerly Portland, fell in love with dance at the age of 3. She continued to experiment with many styles and develop her skills as a classical dancer until she found her true love, the art of Middle Eastern Dance over three decades ago. Her devotion to and passion for the art has led to numerous awards and recognitions. Aziza is now one of the brightest, most in demand stars of belly dance in the world today, known for her amazing ability to communicate the music by mixing the best of classical Middle Eastern dance with her own innovative twist.
Aziza’s amazing improvisational skills and her unparalleled ability to inspire students to get to the next level make her the master artist and mentor audiences and students find memorable. A sought after instructor, and also a lifetime learner, Aziza continues to perform and teach for students and audiences across the globe.
She wakes up every day grateful to all of you for making her dreams possible. Aziza’s promise is to always be equally dedicated to helping you also realize your dreams in the art of belly dance!
About Issam:
In the Middle Eastern music and dance community Issam has become a mentor, partner, and inspiration. Known as “Wassan Pharaoun,” “King of the Drum,” and Mr. Magic Fingers". We are delighted to welcome him back to Atlanta!
In the U.S. he performed with Sting on the Grammy's and with the Belly Dance Super Stars in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam's background, training and experience have made him in huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops both as a solo artist and in collaboration with dancers across the world.
Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. He was formally trained in the Damascus Academy of Music and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous Belly Dancers. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master Mahmood Salahadeen.
Issam is featured in the film American Belly Dancer, Solos From Monte Carlo, Belly Dance Super Stars, 30 Days To Vegas, Behind The Shimmy, Introduction to the Middle Eastern Rhythms,Tribal Drum solo Choreography with Zoe and partners with Sonia on The Art Of The Drum Solo instructional album. His album releases include his own Tabel Ya Issam with Jillina, Wassan Pharaoun, The Dancing Drum Vol. 1,2 &3 and Chemistry of the drum, Mystery Of Rhythm, Damascus Belly Dance Orchestra and percussion on the Galactic Caravan albums.