Raqset al Aroussa Lebnani

Taught by Tarifa Salem

November 14, 2026 - November 14, 2026

Lebanese American Dance Artist, Tarifa Salem was brought up in a tight knit Lebanese/Syrian Eastern Orthodox community in western Pennsylvania. Her ancestors on both sides of her family emigrated from Amioun, Lebanon in what was known as the khoura region. Being immersed in Lebanese culture through early exposure to the music, dance, food and language, mostly from her maternal grandmother, Abla Farrah, Tarifa rebelled a bit and pursued study in western genres of dance and music. Later, however she reconnected with her heritage and found her passion in Raqs Sharqi under the tutelage of her uncle, Ibrahim Farrah. Under his direction, she performed in the Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Group in which she credits her love and fascination for the folkloric styles of Eastern Dance.

Regardless, traditional Haflas for every happy occasion among the Lebanese community, weddings being the most elaborate has always been the highlight of growing up in this culture. The bride, Arouss and groom, Aaris were (sometimes) honored with a Zeffa (music, dance and drum processional) but everyone, including guests engage in the traditional “Happiness Dance” and of course Dabke for the rest of the celebration (Hafla).

This Master Class, “Raqset al Aroussa Lebnani” (Lebanese Dance for the bride) will include a warm up, axial movements and travel steps commonly used in the traditional Lebanese “Happiness Dance” presented as drill sequences during the first part of class. Rhythm patterns for zils/sagat to accompany choreography will also be introduced. Tarifa will then apply learned vocabulary by teaching her short “Happiness Dance” choreography to Fairouz’s “Etlaay ya Aroussa” during the last section of the class.

*Bring zils/sagat if you have them. “Quiet” hip scarves are preferred.

All levels are welcome. Less experienced dancers may have more of a challenge, however, being out of one’s comfort zone is important for growth. All of Tarifa’s Workshops and Master Classes are designed to be a challenge ..... intellectually, physically and artistically!

To learn more about Tarifa go to https://www.tarifasalem.com/about

Series Price

$50

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CLASS SCHEDULE 1 session

November 14, 2026 Saturday · 2 hours 30 minutes 12:00 pm