Yousry Sharif is world-renowned as a master of Egyptian dance. A brilliant performer, innovate choreographer and demanding instructor, he merges authentic traditional dance with modern elements in a two-day Oriental Choreography Workshop. He will also offer an all-levels Saidi workshop on Friday night.
Read more about Mr. Sharif here.
Scroll down for online registration!
Or click here for a Registration Package!
Workshop Schedule
Saidi Workshop
Friday, December 5, 7-9 pm
2 hours of instruction with a renowned instructor; Mr. Sharif is reputed worldwide for his expertise in Saidi and cane dance. Yousry credits Egypt's celebrated Hassan Afifi as his teacher and primary master of the taktib. He performed for many years with Afifi at the Mena House (Cairo) and with fellow renowned artists Mohammed Kahlil, and Warda, among others, before coming to the U.S.
Oriental Choreography workshop
Saturday, December 6, 10:00 - 3:00
Sunday, December 7, 11:00 - 4:00
Mr. Sharif's trademark workshop is a choreography taught over two days, created on the spot as inspired by the music, the surroundings, and you! That's right, the choreography is totally unique, created especially for us, during the workshops. Watching Mr. Sharif's creative process in action is as enlightening as the dancing itself! Each day includes 4 hours of instruction with a master teacher, plus catered lunch. It is recommended that participants take both days in order to experience the full choreography. If you can only attend one day, I encourage you to do so, as Yousry is not to be missed! However, please note that Sunday is a continuation of the work started Saturday.
A catered lunch buffet is included in your registration for each day: an array of deli sandwiches, fresh fruit & crudites, potato salad, and dessert! Coffee, tea & milk will also be offered. Water will be provided throughout the workshops.
Gala Show
Saturday, December 6, 7:30
Enjoy performances by the region's best dancers, in honor of Yousry Sharif's visit! Special guests TBA! Enjoy the cash bar and oriental bazaar! Interested performers, please e-mail at your earliest opportunity. Please be prepared to provide a video clip as audition for the show; preference will be given to workshop participants. Please note, Mr. Sharif will not be performing, but will be an honored guest that evening.
Oriental Bazaar
Shopping, shopping, shopping! A diverse assembly of merchants will be on hand to fill your arms with glittering goodies all weekend long. Just in time for Christmas! Do a little holiday shopping... for your bellydancing friends, teacher, or yourself!
Location
The workshops and show will take place in the Penthouse Ballroom of:
Holiday Inn Express
6600 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
A discounted overnight room rate has been negotiated for workshop participants. Discount code and online reservation site/toll-free number for reservations below.
The venue is conveniently accessible from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) and all major Interstates. There is free parking and a free shuttle from O'Hare airport for all participants, regardless of whether they are overnight guests.
Hotel accommodations
are available for Friday and Saturday nights, and include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free shuttle from O'Hare, indoor pool, fitness and business centers and wireless internet.
A discounted flat rate of $89 (regardless of number of roommates) has been negotiated for two-double-bed and single-King-bed rooms. The cutoff date for discounted hotel reservations is now past. If you need a room, please contact Zoh'ra directly at or 815/347.4068 and I may be able to add a room to the event block for you. Reservations can be made by calling:
(800) HOLIDAY
(800-465-4329)
Discount code: ORI
Event name: Oriental Dance Workshops and Show
If you need a room that is not included in the reserved room block, please let me know and I can likely have it added! Also, if you are interested in rooming with someone, please let me know and I'll do my best to connect you with another participant. Please don't hesitate to with any questions.
********************************************************
Online registration:
Register for a menu (package deal):
 Full Weekend Package:
+ Friday night Saiidi workshop
+ 2 days Oriental Choreography workshops
+ 1 gala show ticket
+ Lunch Saturday and Sunday
$260 by Nov. 14, $305 after or at the door, space permitting.
********************************************************
Saturday-Sunday Package:
+ Saturday and Sunday Oriental choreography workshops
+ 1 gala show ticket
+ Lunch Saturday and Sunday
$195 by Nov. 14, $230 after or at the door, space permitting.
********************************************************
Or order a la carte...
Saidi workshop, Friday Dec. 5:
$65 by Nov. 14, $75 after or at the door, space permitting.
Full Oriental Choreography workshop, Saturday, Dec. 6 & Sunday Dec. 7:
Includes catered lunch, both days.
$175 by Nov. 14, $205 after or at the door.
Oriental Choreography Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 6 only:
Includes catered lunch.
$95 by Nov. 14, $110 after or at the door.
Oriental Choreography Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 7 only*:
Includes catered lunch.
*Please note that Sunday is a continuation of the work started Saturday.
$95 by Nov. 14, $110 after or at the door.
Gala Show! for our honored guest, Mr. Sharif, Saturday Dec 6:
Includes cash bar and shopping galore.
**Discount pricing cutoff date extended to Dec 5!**
$20 by Dec. 5, $25 after or at the door.
If registering online, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the address associated with your Paypal account. If you would prefer that the confirmation e-mail be sent to an alternate e-mail, please provide it in the "Notes" of your Paypal transaction.
If you prefer, you may phone in your credit card payment to (815) 347-4068.
Registration by mail:
Click for registration form here.
Please send registration form and check or money order payable to Charisse Sisou to:
Charisse Sisou / Zoh’ra
P.O. Box 885
Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0885.
For credit card payment, please register online to pay via Paypal, or call 815/347.4068 to pay over the phone (Visa, MasterCard & Discover accepted), and send Registration Form to the address above.
For additional information contact Zoh’ra at
or 815/347.4068.
Online registration is now open!
or Register by Mail!
for forms if the links above aren't working.
Check back for continued updates, or join Zoh'ra's mailing list .
Learn more about Yousry Sharif.
Yousry Sharif,
Master Instructor and Choreographer,
is coming to Chicago for the first time!
Don't miss out on this exciting, historic event! | 
