Master instructor Virginia Mendez, of Rakstar, and Bellydance by Virginia, Presents a Mejance workshop, Saturday April 5th, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida.

This 3 Hour workshop 2pm to about 5:30pm. The 1st half will be focused on classic Egyptian technique. The 2nd half on Choreography. Dance Showcase is the same date and location, 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
Cost: Workshop $65, Showcase $20. The first 10 people to register for the workshop will be entered into a drawing for digital downloads of original music by Virginia composed while in Egypt, a pair of earrings from Knot Again jewelry and a private lesson with Oriana. Register with Karen at Raqitwithkaren@gmail.com, or call or text 305-495-4542. Venmo or Zelle. Many thanks to our partners: Crafts-n-Cocktails, DancingSRQ, Oriana, Knot Again Jewelry and Balance Graphic Design.

More about Virginia: “The pure essence of Oriental Dance” Considered to be an influential performer, a gifted choreographer, and one of the most generous master instructors of this ancient art form, Virginia has been presented in theaters and festivals across 5 continents in over 50 countries, including Egypt. Admired by many as the premiere protégé of Mr. Yousry Sharif, Virginia is proud and honored to be a part of his lineage. She has been sponsored & invited to teach , perform, and judge internationally by such legends as Mahmoud Reda, Yousry Sharif, Wael Mansour, Mercedes Nieto, Amir Thaleb, and many more. Her 4 touring theatrical productions are touted as the perfect embodiment of contemporary relevance steeped in ancient traditions. A testament to this, Mahmoud Reda has presented her theatrical work alongside his work in the theatre Institute du Monde Arabi in Paris, France. Virginia shares a wealth of knowledge each and every time she instructs.  She is personally invested in each student’s growth, and devotes one on one attention throughout the teaching process. She has created 7 instructional DVD’s, 4 theatrical productions on DVD and on tour, and 4 Oriental Dance Music CD’s. She has also taught and choreographed for the Masters in Fine Arts Program at Florida State University and has performed for the FSU Dance Sarasota Program. “Her energy is contagious and her work is inspirational”, Lorena Sedran. She has been featured globally in theaters, television productions, magazines, newspapers and films including, MTV, People Magazine, and Good Morning America as well as being the personal dancer for the Saudi Arabian Royal Family. She is the founder of C.O.M.E. Dance & Rakstar, one of the world’s most prominent International Bellydance Festivals as well as the director/ choreographer for her award winning professional performing company, Virginia’s Wa Nour Al Ayun.