Summer in Cairo: Raqia Hassan’s Fabulous Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival
By Raksanna | Published 2008
Raqia Hassan and Raksanna
Have you ever dreamed about dancing in the shadows of the Pyramids? Floating down the Nile in a felucca? Learning from the world’s top belly dance instructors and experience gorgeous gala shows with stars like Randa Kamel, Dina, Sorraya – who perform with their own personal orchestra until wee hours of the night?
Then, you simply must consider traveling to Egypt, the cradle of civilization, and attending Raqia Hassan’s annual Ahlan Wa Sahlan festival. This year marks the 10th anniversary that Raqia has organized the festival that attracts more than 1,000 dancers from all corners of the globe.
Raqia is a personal friend of mine. During her last visit to the States, she and I spent cherished time together talking about the festival. Here are excerpts from our conversation:
Raksanna: Raqia, you first started the festival ten years ago. What was your original vision of the festival?
Raqia Hassan: I wanted to organize a venue where dancers from across the world could come to Cairo and experience the best of Middle Eastern dance. The festival is a celebration of dance and life. It is an experience where dancers get to know fellow dancers from across the world, learning about cultures far from their own and of course, immersing themselves in a true Egyptian experience.
Raksanna: The first night of the festival is an exciting gala show with performances from the top Egyptian dance stars.
Raqia Hassan: Yes, that is correct. The first night sets the tone for the rest of the festival. There is a Gala Show that includes a full dinner and show. The night starts around 7:00 pm and goes until well past 3:00 in the morning.
Raksanna: The next ten days are filled with dance workshops every day. Dancers can take a minimum of four workshops or can fill their days with as many workshops as they’d like.
Raqia Hassan: When they check into the hotel, dancers receive an information packet and schedule of events. They then select and register for the classes of their choice. During the day, from 10:00 – 6:00 pm, workshops are held. Every night there is dancing. We have an annual competition where dancers participate and compete each night. After the competition dancers finish, there is open dancing.
Raksanna: Another aspect of the festival that I have always enjoyed is the opportunity to take tours to historic places.
Raqia Hassan: Yes, of course! Egypt is a land filled with magical places and beautiful, important sites that every person must see and experience while they are here. My son, Yasser, owns Paradise Travel, the official travel agency for Ahlan Wa Salan. He has a staff of highly educated tour guides and a very talented administration. The team can arrange tours of the Pyramids, the market, the Museum, a cruise down the Nile River, anything you want to do is possible.
Raksanna: I have relied on Paradise Travel for many years now. Their service is wonderful and they have always done an excellent job at arranging my tours. You should be very proud of Yasser and the high quality, professional job he and his team do.
On a different subject, this year is the tenth (10th) year anniversary for the festival. Congratulations for your continued success! What is in store for this June?
Raqia Hassan: (laughs) Oh, many wonderful, special things. This year is going to be even bigger and better than in years past. The festival is one day longer and there will be many fabulous shows, some great surprises and much more! You will have to come to Egypt and experience the excitement!
Raksanna: Raqia, thank you so much for your time. You are an inspiration to so many dancers all over the world. Thank you for your love of the dance and for creating a festival for first-class dance instruction, fun competitions and fabulous tours can be experienced. I know that I am a stronger dancer and a better person because of my experiences with you and your team. See you in Cairo!
For more information and to register for the festival, please visit: www.raqiahassan.net.
About Raksanna: Award-winning, internationally recognized performer and teacher, Raksanna is a contemporary Middle Eastern dance artist. Known for her dynamic, energetic performances and a fun-loving, nurturing teaching style, Raksanna is one of today’s popular seminar instructors. She is a featured author in dance publications, producer of the annual ChicagoRaks™, operates her own dance and Pilates program in Chicago and is a regular instructor at Ahlan Wa Salan in Cairo, Egypt. To book Raksanna for your next workshop weekend, visit www.raksanna.com or call 630.689.3611.