join us for
A Day of Music and Dance
January 17, 2026
Workshop (10am-12pm) in Matthews, NC
Oasis of Freedom show (3pm) in Charlotte, NC
Venues are approximately 20 min drive apart
Workshop
Dancing with a Live Band
This is a 2-hour bellydance workshop designed to help dancers build confidence in dancing with live music. The focus will be on musical interpretation, improvisation, and connection with musicians. Dancers will explore how to respond to different rhythms and melodies, learn to take cues from the band, and practice dynamic solo and group improv.
Discover the
Power of Live Music
Join us for musician-led bellydance experience where dancers and live music meet in real-time for creativity, connection, and pure improvisational joy
Why Attend?
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Deepen your ability to trust the music, express emotion
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Build confidence in interpreting melodies and rhythms
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Connect with a creative, supportive community
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Learn the secret cues musicians watch for
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Discover how dancers inspire the band
Schedule
Welcome
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Introduction & Demonstration
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Each musician introduces their instrument and demonstrates their role in the ensemble.
Improvisation Exercises
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Call & Response: Musicians play short phrases, and dancers take turns responding with movement.
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Layering: Exploring how to match movements to rhythm (dumbek) vs. melody (oud/flute).
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Dynamic Shifts: Musicians change tempo and energy while dancers adjust accordingly.
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Dancing to a full song played by the band
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Dancers will take turns improvising solo, in pairs, or small groups.
Q&A Discussion
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Open conversation between musicians and dancers about how they interact.​
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Tickets Available
VIP tickets - include
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performance spot with the Band (SONEM) at the Oasis of Freedom show
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private Facebook group to have pre-workshop conversations
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Use Coupon BANDVIP2026 to get $30 off VIP
General Admission
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priority for performance spot (recorded music, not with the band) at the Oasis of Freedom show
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Use Coupon BAND2026 to get $15 off General Admission
Zoom Only tickets
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Coupons expires 12/31/2025
Oasis of Freedom show
A celebration of freedom -
Start the year right and enjoy the performances of local belly dancers and special appearance by SONEM - expressing freedom through dance​
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Jan 17, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Gorelick - Levine Jewish Community Ctr,
5007 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
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Free and open to the public
Directions to Show
Directions on campus to the building
Save this map to your phone or print out.
Cell service on campus is spotty.
Directions within the main building
Save this map to your phone or print out.
Cell service on campus is spotty.
Places to have Lunch
Given the workshop is at the Matthews Community Center at 10am to 12pm
and the show is at the Levine Jewish Community Center at 3pm
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There is time enough to have lunch in between
Here are some local choices
In Matthews
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In The Arboretum
Shopping Center between Matthews Community Center and Levine Jewish Community Center
Firehouse Subs
Panera
Chopt Creative Salad
Le Peep Restaurant
Places to Stay
Coming in from out of town?
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Some nearby hotels:
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Hyatt House Charlotte / Rea Farms - near Providence Road and I485,
roughly 1/2 between both venues
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Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Matthews - 15 min drive East of Matthews Community Center
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Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/SouthPark at Phillips Place - 10min drive Northwest of the Levine Jewish Community Center
Dinner after the Show
It is becoming a tradition for a bunch of the performers to meet for dinner
directly after the show at
Red Rocks Cafe: Strawberry Hill in South Park
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​If you are going to be in town for the evening, consider being in community with the other dancers performing in Oasis of Freedom