Workshops at
Al Wadi
In addition to our weekly class offerings, we regularly have workshops!
May 8-10, 2026
Friday, May 8
6 - 8 PM: Lecture: History and Development of Saudi Arabia
Saturday, May 9
10 AM - 1 PM: Khaleeji Technique 1.0
2 - 4 PM: Social Dance - Naqasi Style
7 - 9 PM: Jalsat Hafla
Sunday, May 10
10 AM - 1 PM: The Afro-Khaleej Experience
2 - 4 PM: Khaleej to Masriya, Masriya to the Khaleej
12 hours of workshops with Khadijah plus one hafla ticket. Early bird pricing available until March 31.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Gulf is more than what the West thinks it is. In this part lecture and part movement class is especially formulated in celebration and awareness of Black African traditions, the vast African diversity within the culture and the African ways of life that has established what the Arabian Gulf is today. In this second part series we will further discuss the African foundations in Khaleeji ways of life that have gone unrecognized, erased from Khaleeji culture and common knowledge especially to the rest of the world.
This all includes: discussing historically African populated areas specifically in KSA , Afro-Khaleej dances and the etiquette, religious aspects, deeper historical information, diving deeper into Afro-Khaleeji musicality/musical instrumentation and various styles of dress. If time permits, we will discuss Afro-Khaleeji foods, hairstyles, make-up/ beauty and more.
Please bring a notebook, a pen, a snack and lots of hydration .... You will need it!
Early bird pricing available until March 31
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
“Khaleeji” refers to the style of dance, culture and music from the Persian Gulf or Arabian Gulf region, the “Khaleej,” including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The dance is largely improvisational, performed by pairs or groups of women for their own entertainment at special celebrations, such as weddings. As this dance represents many countries of the Gulf region, Khadijah will instruct proper costuming, musicality, posture, history, and background and much more! Class begins with a short lecture.
Early bird pricing available until March 31.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 PM
The Khaleej to Masriya, Masriya to the Khaleej, and the others in between!
Egyptian music often incorporates khaleej rhythms (especially in 2/4 ) and how to properly execute movements within Raqsa sharqi style performance: Cultures from various parts of Africa, to Iraq , to south of Iran (Bandar Abbas) and more uses distinctive hair tosses and other mannerisms similar to those of the Khaleej. In this class we will go beyond the Khaleej. We will discuss the differences between these regions/cultures to differentiate what is Khaleeji and what is not. I will also demonstrate how to properly approach and execute rhythms specifically in an Egyptian song.
Early bird pricing available until March 31.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 PM
This session is for dancers who wants to learn more beyond the stage! In this segment, you will learn the social aspects of Khaleeji dances also we will train and learn to interpret modern to more popular styles of music in the Gulf today. We will also discuss fashion, makeup, mannerisms and all the emotions involved with the social dance aspect.
A scarf/ veil Thobe Nasha’al (A Khaleeji dress) are required for this class.
Friday, May 8, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
The History & Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In this lecture you will get to know the development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), history of how Saudi Arabia was discovered, what is KSA known for, get to know social norms, customs and traditions that have shaped KSA to what it is today. This lecture will lay important groundwork for the dance workshops to follow.
Early bird pricing available until March 31.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Nomadic Vintage Rugs | 516 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214
Join Khadijah and Al Wadi Dance Company for a jalsat-style hafla—a Khaleeji party! Informal performances will be followed by a dance party, where you can put your brand new Khaleeji social dance moves to the test. Relax and enjoy henna, light refreshments, and beautiful music.