Join BIYA BIYA for our first “Diaspora Duos” commission where we pair artists from different cultures to collaborate together!

What could the traditional Arabic dance DABKE and South Asian dance KATHAK have in common? Both dabke and kathak emphasize specificity in footwork!

This interactive workshop will begin with Devika delving into the mathematics of kathak, particularly, how to interpret beat cycles. Participants will count along with the dancer and become familiar with kathak rhythms.  

In the second half, Yasmeen will share about the tradition of dabke and lead a beginner-friendly lesson. Usually danced at celebrations, we’ll find some joy in a low-stakes learning environment. Dabke means “to stomp” so be sure to wear comfortable shoes! 

Meet us at Solidarity Studios in Avondale on Tuesday, July 15th! The session runs from 7-8:30pm. Grab your tickets at the link in bio. Space is limited! 

🌹 ABOUT YASMEEN 🌹

Yasmeen is Arab Hispanic American and grew up loving dance. She learned dabke (and raqs sharqi) traditionally and culturally through family. Her formal dance training is primarily in raqs sharqi, also known as belly dance. She has also formally studied dabke with multiple instructors. She values joy, authenticity, and reclaiming SWANA dance.

🌹 ABOUT DEVIKA 🌹

Devika Dhir trains in the patiala gharana of kathak as a disciple of Ustad Dilshad Khan since 2015. She has also trained in bharatanatyam, completing her arangetram in 2017 under her guru, Priya Narayan. Devika has studied and performed several South Asian folk-dance styles, from Malaysia, Tamilnadu, and Kerala. Today, she also studies raqs sharqi, with Phaedra Darwish.  

Devika looks to classical dance forms as the most gratifying way to connect to her culture. Devika finds dance a powerful medium for expression and connection. For her, dance is a mirror for life, a joyful manifestation of humanity, and a perfect combination of uninhibited creativity and disciplined adherence to tradition.