Shimmy Shakedown

LOS ANGELES - ORANGE COUNTY | APRIL 2 - 4, 2027

Shimmy Shakedown is a premier dance festival & intensive dedicated to the exquisite art of Middle Eastern dance. Join us for a weekend of immersive workshops, captivating performances, and meaningful connections created through the love of dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious newcomer, Shimmy Shakedown offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty, grace, and rhythm of Raqs Sharqi. Celebrate the artistry, connect with passionate dancers, and let the beauty of dance inspire and move you!

Workshops

WORKSHOPS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2027, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2027.

LOCATION: STAGE ONE DANCE STUDIO, 330 N. BREA BLVD. #H, BREA, CA 92821

16 hours of training, LIMITED SPOTS. Workshops description below.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS & SPECACULAR GALA SHOW ON SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2027.

Please visit the REGISTRATION & TICKETS page for all information and to purchase Workshop Packages and Show Tickets.

Please Note: Individual workshop tickets WILL NOT be available for purchase at this time.

To simplify registration, we are no longer offering payment plans. Instead, we will continue to provide Early Bird pricing for registrations completed by the Early Bird deadline, giving you the opportunity to receive the best available rate.

Any questions, please contact us at ShimmyShakedownTeam@gmail.com. If you plan to pay for the VIP Package or the 4-Class Package only, you can e-mail us directly. All other purchases must be completed online + fees.

The Workshops, Excellence Awards and Gala Show will be LIVE in-person, no virtual workshops or virtual show.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE—You may sell your ticket and must inform Shimmy Shakedown organizers of individual who purchased your Workshop Package and/or Show ticket(s). If you are registered to perform, your performance spot is non-transferable and may not be taken by another dancer. In the event of schedule changes, refunds will not be issued. While we do our best to maintain the schedule, sometimes changes occur beyond our control, and we appreciate your understanding.

WORKSHOP TOPICS & DESCRIPTIONS:

BRENDA

  • MEGANCE - Megance choreography, better known as the ‘Dancers' Entrance.’ Aside from learning a choreography, Brenda will also share about its use, origins and style. Element: it may include veil.

  • MUSICAL RECOGNITION (THEORY & TECHNIQUE) - Instruments recognition, breakdown and sounds classification and how to use it in different movements, divided by types. Exercises on combinations and improvisation. Body Language.

  • CONNECTING W/ YOUR FEELINGS—JUST TAARAB - Music and mood recognition for the understanding of the concept of taarab. A unique system created by Brenda including meditation to connect with our deepest feelings and use it in our performances, with exercises to break down the fairness at the moment of expressing. A global concept applied on a choreography using classical music. This workshop invites you to go inward, giving your body full permission to release stagnant energy and move with intention and authenticity.

AMAR LAMMAR

  • DABKE COLLECTIVE - The true spirit of Dabke lies in community, in the helping hand of the person beside you, moving together with strength, rhythm, and passion. In this energetic workshop, you’ll learn the fundamental steps of Dabke Shamaliya and bring them to life through a fun, dynamic choreography. Amar will also share a brief history of this beloved Folkloric dance from the Levant and explore the unique characteristics of different Dabke styles. Required: Black sneakers/athletic shoes.

    • Performance opportunity available! Please refer to the GALA SHOW page for complete performance details.

  • VEIL EXPRESSION - Created exclusively for Shimmy Shakedown, discover new ways to elevate your veil artistry and let your veil become the bridge between the music and your audience. In this workshop, you’ll explore expressive veil techniques, dynamic combinations, and how the movement of this beautiful prop can dramatically transform the emotion and story you wish to convey on stage.

JINHEE KIM

  • TECHNIQUE & COMBOS - Strengthen your foundation and elevate your artistry through Jinhee’s detailed approach to technique and combinations. Explore clean lines, controlled movement, musical precision, and expressive execution while developing a deeper understanding of how technique transforms into artistry.

  • ROMANTIC POP (LYRICS SONG) - Jinhee will guide dancers in interpreting lyrics and melodies while creating elegant, expressive choreography that captures the beauty, emotion, and romance within the music. You will explore through movement, musicality and storytelling.

JIZZELLE ALEXIS

  • WILD: SIGNATURE DRUM SOLO - Technique meets freedom in this expressive drum solo choreography. Discover your musicality, unleash your creativity, and learn to own your body, your movement and the stage.

please visit the registration & tickets page for all purchases & additional info.

  • ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

  • LIMITED SPACE FOR WORKSHOP(S) AND THEATRE SEATING.

  • PLEASE BRING RECEIPT/CONFIRMATION THE DAY OF GALA SHOW

Out of respect for the organizer and festival, please refrain from contacting the artist(s) for private workshops, training, or any business-related matters. The organizer and artist(s) have an exclusivity contract, making any direct business or training-related communication with the artist(s) strictly prohibited.

Instances of unprofessional contact with our artist(s) have occurred before and are not acceptable. If you have any questions, please contact the organizer directly. Our festival organizers invest significant time and resources to provide an amazing event for our dancers and guests. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting our policies.

Thank you.