PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION:

Magical, sensual and thought-provoking, Egyptian dance comes alive in HARAM!, a re-imagination of the evolution of one of the oldest dance forms to ever exist.  Combining elements of history, beliefs, drama, and dance, HARAM! is an enlightening and entertaining production that will surely transport the viewer through a time capsule about how Egyptian dance evolved throughout thousands of years.  HARAM!, unveils the relationship between modern Egyptians and a tradition that has survived many adversities throughout its long history. See HARAM VIDEOCLIP HERE.

This is a world class production requiring participants to be professional-level, dedicated dancers.  We would like to involve the local dance community by inviting local professional dancers and instructors to participate in this competition.  The winner(s) will be invited to perform either as members of the cast and/or as soloists/troupes.

PARTICIPANTS: 

Egyptian-style professional dancers (soloists or troupes) and instructors are encouraged to participate as part of Sahar Sami's choreographic work and/or as a soloists or in your own group choreography.

THE PROCESS

I. Videos review - Dancers wishing to be considered will send videos of themselves performing a choreography (either theirs or someone else’s (please credit the choreographer) and do the following:

1. Upload a video on YouTube of yourself performing a full choreography in professional costume no later than August 1st.

2. Email the YouTube link of your video to shows@SaharDance.com along with:

1. Your name
2. Telephone Number and email address
3. City/State (or Country if outside the US)

II.  Selection Committee - The selection committee will be reviewing the video clips submitted. They will take a vote to select the winner(s).  Winners will then be announced and contacted for the next steps.

III.  Winner’s Participation - Winner(s) will be provided with videotaped choreography(ies) that they will learn on their own; these are the pieces they will be performing in the show.  Winners will have two weeks to learn each choreography; winners must submit a video clip of themselves performing the piece once they've learned it.  Sahar will then work directly with the winners to fine tune areas that may need work.

FAQs:

Can dancers outside of Missouri participate?  Yes.  This event will take place in Joplin, Missouri and we would like to involve the local dance community but if dancers outside the area are interested in participating, they are welcome to do so as long as they cover their own travel expenses.

What else is required of the participants?  Winners must make themselves available all day Tuesday, October 24th for technical and dressed rehearsals.

What benefits does the dancer get?  The Dancers will benefit as follows:

1. The opportunity to be featured in a world class theatre dance production with a potential audience of 2,000 people. 
2. The dancer will receive free coaching directly from Sahar Sami.
3. The opportunity to work and network with other professional dancers.
4. The dancer will be promoted along with the show throughout the US and abroad, on the SaharDance.com website, Facebook, Tweeter, Myspace and at dance festivals and workshops.

Will there be pay for this performance?  Due to the sponsor’s limited budget, your participation in this production is purely voluntary.

Will contest participants be required to pay to participate?  Local participants who live within 100 mile radius of Joplin, MO are not required to pay to participate in the contest, however, out of town dancers who wish to be considered will pay a non-refundable $25 participation fee.

Participation space is limited!

NOTE: You must have access to a webcam, the Internet and have at least one professional costume.

For additional questions contact shows@SaharDance.com or call 858-717-4252.