Emerald Sanctuary Retreat

🌟 Instructor Feature: Nisaa

Have you ever wondered how the dance we love evolved from traditional folk styles into modern classical Raqs Sharqi?

Nisaa has the answers. Based in St. Louis, she is a world-renowned researcher who literally wrote the books on the subject, including Egyptian Belly Dance in Transition and her recent 2024 release, Raqs in the City: The Belly Dance Landscape of Cairo.

Nisaa brings her incredible wealth of original historical research right to the studio floor. Through her brilliant instruction, she makes history feel alive, approachable, and deeply relevant to how we move today.

If you love dance that has soul, context, and deep roots, you won't want to miss her workshops this summer.

📆 August 26-31, 2026 🔗 http://emeraldsanctuaryretreat.org

🌿 Want to come to Emerald Sanctuary and help make the magic happen?

We’re now accepting applications for Werker Bees, our work exchange crew who support the retreat in exchange for a discounted registration.

You’ll assist with things like setup, teardown, registration, light cleaning, and general good-vibes support.
It’s not full-time labor, it’s a way to be part of the behind-the-scenes team that helps Emerald shine.

✨ In exchange, you’ll receive a significant discount on your retreat fee.
🛏️ You still get to take all the classes, join the events, and enjoy the full experience.

If you’re someone who loves pitching in, being part of a team, and doesn’t mind a little dust and sunshine in the high desert, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 To apply, email [email protected] with the subject line “Werker Bee” and tell us a bit about yourself!

August is for dancing in the desert. 🏜️

If you’ve been thinking about coming to camp, now is the time to register for the Early Squirrel rate. Here is a quick look at the registration windows to keep on your radar for your summer planning:

🌿 The Registration Calendar:

Early Squirrel Rate: Now through May 31

Open Registration: June 1 – July 31

Late Registration: August 1 – August 20

No matter when you decide to join us, we can't wait to share the fresh air, the lake swims, and the dance floor with you this summer.

📌 Save or pin this post to map out your summer.

👇 Full details and registration page: https://www.emeraldsanctuaryretreat.org/registration

The magic of our 2026 schedule is officially taking shape, and we’d love your hands on it! 🌿

We want to make sure this year’s workshops feel like they were made just for you. We’re running a few polls in our Facebook group to get your input on topics and styles—come tell us what you're excited to learn!

Cast your votes here: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/emeraldsanctuaryretreat

The magic is officially taking shape. ✨

We are so excited to announce our 2026 Emerald Sanctuary instructors!

This year, we’re coming together to learn, move, and find our flow with:
🌿 Nisaa (Egyptian Raqs Sharqi & History)
🌿 Bevin Victoria (Fusion & more)
🌿 Elisa Gamal (PNW AmCab)
🌿 Faisal Zedan (Drumming)

With music by House of Tarab and morning movement with Stephen , Michelle , and Indigo

Whether you’re here to sharpen your technique or just soak in the community, there is a space held just for you.

🎟 Registration is now OPEN! Click the link in our bio to claim your spot in the sanctuary.

http://emeraldsanctuaryretreat.org/registration

Hafla Registration closes tomorrow! Wednesday February 25th.

There is still time to sign up for our annual benefit hafla

Join us on Saturday, March 14th, from 1 PM to 6 PM (ish) for our annual Emerald Extravaganza Winter Benefit Hafla!

✨ There’s plenty of room for everyone to dance, and we’d love to see you shine onstage!
✨ Prefer to cheer from the audience? Come enjoy fabulous performances, delicious food and drinks, and the chance to discover treasures at our Belly Dancer Garage Sale.

Ready to dance? Register here

https://www.emeraldsanctuaryretreat.org/benefit-hafla