1001 Nights Retreat & Workshops
April 30-May 3, 2026
Oasis Hafla Tickets
$10 - Saturday May 2 - 7:30pm
Ruckus Cafe - Shaler
1707 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Tickets available presale or at the door
1001 Nights Retreat and Workshops - Inspiration
Join us for the first annual 1001 Nights Retreat and Workshop weekend April 30-May 3, 2026 in Butler, PA.
We invite you to dive in and relax and enjoy a weekend of creativity, community and theatrical dance. The focus for this year’s retreat is Inspiration! The space is very limited. so secure your spot soon. LODGING IS SOLD OUT - DAY TRIPS HAS LIMITED ROOM - ZOOM OPEN
Workshop topics will include:
Workshop Descriptions
FRIDAY MAY 1, 2026
Power Up! Bellydance Edition with Fallon 11am - 12:30pm
Using intentional and strength-driven moves to add superhero dynamics and control to your dance. Thinking about the musculature supporting dance to control dynamics including tempo changes, changes in intensity, based on people’s own personal strength areas.
Character Development and Performance with Queen Bastet 1:30 - 3:00pm
Add depth to your performance with character development. In this workshop, we will practice ways to create characters that read from the stage. Then we will learn how to express different characters by making simple stylistic changes to a 1001 Nights choreography combo. Come see how theatrical belly dance offers a unique opportunity to explore our movements and expand our dance styles.
Stage Makeup Technique with Adonia 4:00 - 5:30pm (In person only)
Make up for stage performance can be tricky but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop Adonia will teach you some tips, tricks, and best practices for looking your best on stage start to finish. From foundation hacks to building your look and how to best accentuate your features and a super quick smoky eye and beyond your look will pop on stage!
SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026
Fishbone Fans: Propwork for Theatrical Spaces with Kirah 11:30am - 1pm
Fishbone Fans offer striking visual impact for both solo and stage performance. In this workshop, we’ll use fishbone fans to explore the expressive and theatrical potential of dynamic prop work to complement choreography and character. Inspired by the mermaids of 1001 Nights' "Ocean" piece, this session blends precision and artistry to help you dance with confidence and presence. All levels welcome, previous prop work encouraged (any prop work).
Geometry in Motion with Faerima 2:00 - 3:30pm
Cultivate grace, control, and fluidity in this technique-focused belly dance workshop. Learn to create stunning lines and dazzling turns while transforming even the simplest movements into visually captivating expressions. Enhance your movement quality through posture, arm pathways, and intentional muscle engagement, and discover how to move with precision while embodying elegance—so your dancing feels effortless and expressive.
Stage Dynamics with Berna 3:30 - 4:30pm
Take your dance to the next level with technique. isolations and careful framing that help tell the story and how to use the stage to your advantage. Learn why stage maps and levels and dynamics matter and how to put them together effortlessly. We also will work on projection and confident movement and presence.
SUNDAY MAY 3, 2026
1001 Nights Choreography 11am - 2:15pm
Join Berna and the 1001 Nights directors as they jump into 1001 Nights Choreographies. Note this workshop includes a Lunch and Learn - Ask us Anything.
11-12:15 -Choreo Part 1 Sneak Peek - Sultan's Tale
12:15-1:00 Lunch and Learn
1:00-2:15 - Choreo Part 2 SAND
There are 3 ways to join the experience
******Day Trip 4 Day Pass + Workshops - $350*****
Join us daily! Workshops are held at Pine Tree Performing Arts Center in Valencia, PA on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Friday afternoon/evening workshops will be held at the retreat center. A performance hafla will be on Saturday evening at Ruckus Cafe in Shaler. The mini photoshoot can be purchased separately.
The retreat Day Trip package includes:
REGISTRATION: Day Trip -1001 Nights Retreat
******Limited Single Day Passes for the Workshops *******
Single Day Passholders will get access to the workshops, including the Lunch and Learns and in-person exclusive Makeup Workshop on the day(s) purchased. The mini photoshoot may be purchased separately.
IN PERSON REGISTRATION - Single Day
******Limited Single Workshops - ZOOM *******
Want to join online for one or two workshops? Limited zoom Workshops are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
ZOOM REGISTRATION - Recording available until 6/1/26
All the Zoom Workshops $350
Single Zoom Wokshops
Schedule
Thursday April 30, 2026
4:00 Arrival
5:00 Bee Workshop @Retreat Center - Choreo Creation & Improv Inspiration (Lecture/Movement)
Later that night - Mezza, Snacks & Pajama Party
Friday May 1, 2026
10am Community and Warmup
11am Workshop - Queen Bastet Character Development and Performance
12:30pm Lunch & Learn - Stage craft (pack your lunch)
1:30 Workshop - Fallon Power Up! Bellydance Edition
3:00 Cool Down/Stretch
4:00 Workshop @ Retreat Center - Stage Makeup with Adonia (bring your makeup and a mirror)
5:30 Mini Photo Shoot @ Retreat Center
6:30/7 Social Dance & Costume Swap @ Retreat Center
Saturday May 2, 2026
11am Community and Warmup
11:30 Workshop - Kirah Propwork for Theatrical Spaces - Fishbone Fans
1:00pm Lunch & Learn -Fact or Fusion -Theatrical dance (pack your lunch)
2:00 Workshop - Faerima Geometry in Motion
3:30 Workshop - Bee Stage Dynamics
4:30 Cool Down/Stretch
8:00 Hafla (Doors 7:30) @ Ruckus Cafe in Shaler (Dancer call is 7pm)
Sunday May 3, 2026
10am Community and Warmup
11am Workshop - 1001 Nights - A Sultan's Tale Choreo
12:15pm Lunch & Learn - Ask us Anything (pack your lunch)
1:00 Workshop - 1001 Nights - A Bellydance Story Choreo
2:15 Cool Down/Deep Stretch/Restorative
3:00 Depart
ALL REGISTRATIONS AND SALES ARE FINAL UNLESS THE EVENT IS CANCELLED
Locations
Retreat Center Meadow Rock Farm
899 Rockdale Rd
Butler PA 16002
Workshop Location Pinetree Performing Arts Center
1161 Pittsburgh Rd
Valencia, PA 16059
Hafla Location Ruckus Cafe Shaler
1707 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
$10 - Saturday May 2 - 7:30pm
Ruckus Cafe - Shaler
1707 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Tickets available presale or at the door
1001 Nights Retreat and Workshops - Inspiration
Join us for the first annual 1001 Nights Retreat and Workshop weekend April 30-May 3, 2026 in Butler, PA.
We invite you to dive in and relax and enjoy a weekend of creativity, community and theatrical dance. The focus for this year’s retreat is Inspiration! The space is very limited. so secure your spot soon. LODGING IS SOLD OUT - DAY TRIPS HAS LIMITED ROOM - ZOOM OPEN
Workshop topics will include:
- Fusion and traditional choreos and technique
- Theatrical bellydance stylizations
- Fishbone fans and flow props
- Character development and performance
- Leveling up in your dance
- Sneak peeks at all new 1001 Night stories
Workshop Descriptions
FRIDAY MAY 1, 2026
Power Up! Bellydance Edition with Fallon 11am - 12:30pm
Using intentional and strength-driven moves to add superhero dynamics and control to your dance. Thinking about the musculature supporting dance to control dynamics including tempo changes, changes in intensity, based on people’s own personal strength areas.
Character Development and Performance with Queen Bastet 1:30 - 3:00pm
Add depth to your performance with character development. In this workshop, we will practice ways to create characters that read from the stage. Then we will learn how to express different characters by making simple stylistic changes to a 1001 Nights choreography combo. Come see how theatrical belly dance offers a unique opportunity to explore our movements and expand our dance styles.
Stage Makeup Technique with Adonia 4:00 - 5:30pm (In person only)
Make up for stage performance can be tricky but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop Adonia will teach you some tips, tricks, and best practices for looking your best on stage start to finish. From foundation hacks to building your look and how to best accentuate your features and a super quick smoky eye and beyond your look will pop on stage!
SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026
Fishbone Fans: Propwork for Theatrical Spaces with Kirah 11:30am - 1pm
Fishbone Fans offer striking visual impact for both solo and stage performance. In this workshop, we’ll use fishbone fans to explore the expressive and theatrical potential of dynamic prop work to complement choreography and character. Inspired by the mermaids of 1001 Nights' "Ocean" piece, this session blends precision and artistry to help you dance with confidence and presence. All levels welcome, previous prop work encouraged (any prop work).
Geometry in Motion with Faerima 2:00 - 3:30pm
Cultivate grace, control, and fluidity in this technique-focused belly dance workshop. Learn to create stunning lines and dazzling turns while transforming even the simplest movements into visually captivating expressions. Enhance your movement quality through posture, arm pathways, and intentional muscle engagement, and discover how to move with precision while embodying elegance—so your dancing feels effortless and expressive.
Stage Dynamics with Berna 3:30 - 4:30pm
Take your dance to the next level with technique. isolations and careful framing that help tell the story and how to use the stage to your advantage. Learn why stage maps and levels and dynamics matter and how to put them together effortlessly. We also will work on projection and confident movement and presence.
SUNDAY MAY 3, 2026
1001 Nights Choreography 11am - 2:15pm
Join Berna and the 1001 Nights directors as they jump into 1001 Nights Choreographies. Note this workshop includes a Lunch and Learn - Ask us Anything.
11-12:15 -Choreo Part 1 Sneak Peek - Sultan's Tale
12:15-1:00 Lunch and Learn
1:00-2:15 - Choreo Part 2 SAND
There are 3 ways to join the experience
******Day Trip 4 Day Pass + Workshops - $350*****
Join us daily! Workshops are held at Pine Tree Performing Arts Center in Valencia, PA on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Friday afternoon/evening workshops will be held at the retreat center. A performance hafla will be on Saturday evening at Ruckus Cafe in Shaler. The mini photoshoot can be purchased separately.
The retreat Day Trip package includes:
- 12 plus hours of instruction and creative labs, Lunch and Learns
- Exclusive Thursday Night Workshop with Berna
- Retreat Center Access
- Performance Hafla
- Social Dance and Costume Swap
- Mini-Photo Shoot with complimentary photo
REGISTRATION: Day Trip -1001 Nights Retreat
******Limited Single Day Passes for the Workshops *******
Single Day Passholders will get access to the workshops, including the Lunch and Learns and in-person exclusive Makeup Workshop on the day(s) purchased. The mini photoshoot may be purchased separately.
IN PERSON REGISTRATION - Single Day
- IN PERSON Retreat Workshops Single Day Friday $150
- IN PERSON Retreat Workshops Single Day Saturday $150
- IN PERSON Retreat Sunday only $100
******Limited Single Workshops - ZOOM *******
Want to join online for one or two workshops? Limited zoom Workshops are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
ZOOM REGISTRATION - Recording available until 6/1/26
All the Zoom Workshops $350
Single Zoom Wokshops
- Friday Power Up! Bellydance Edition with Fallon 11am - 12:30pm $55
- Friday Character Development and Performance with Queen Bastet 1:30 - 3:00pm $55
- Saturday Fishbone Fans: Propwork for Theatrical Spaces with Kirah 11:30am - 1pm $55
- Saturday Geometry in Motion with Faerima 2:00 - 3:30pm $55
- Saturday Stage Dynamics with Berna 3:30 - 4:30pm $55
- Sunday 1001 Nights Choreography 11am-2:15pm $110
Schedule
Thursday April 30, 2026
4:00 Arrival
5:00 Bee Workshop @Retreat Center - Choreo Creation & Improv Inspiration (Lecture/Movement)
Later that night - Mezza, Snacks & Pajama Party
Friday May 1, 2026
10am Community and Warmup
11am Workshop - Queen Bastet Character Development and Performance
12:30pm Lunch & Learn - Stage craft (pack your lunch)
1:30 Workshop - Fallon Power Up! Bellydance Edition
3:00 Cool Down/Stretch
4:00 Workshop @ Retreat Center - Stage Makeup with Adonia (bring your makeup and a mirror)
5:30 Mini Photo Shoot @ Retreat Center
6:30/7 Social Dance & Costume Swap @ Retreat Center
Saturday May 2, 2026
11am Community and Warmup
11:30 Workshop - Kirah Propwork for Theatrical Spaces - Fishbone Fans
1:00pm Lunch & Learn -Fact or Fusion -Theatrical dance (pack your lunch)
2:00 Workshop - Faerima Geometry in Motion
3:30 Workshop - Bee Stage Dynamics
4:30 Cool Down/Stretch
8:00 Hafla (Doors 7:30) @ Ruckus Cafe in Shaler (Dancer call is 7pm)
Sunday May 3, 2026
10am Community and Warmup
11am Workshop - 1001 Nights - A Sultan's Tale Choreo
12:15pm Lunch & Learn - Ask us Anything (pack your lunch)
1:00 Workshop - 1001 Nights - A Bellydance Story Choreo
2:15 Cool Down/Deep Stretch/Restorative
3:00 Depart
ALL REGISTRATIONS AND SALES ARE FINAL UNLESS THE EVENT IS CANCELLED
Locations
Retreat Center Meadow Rock Farm
899 Rockdale Rd
Butler PA 16002
Workshop Location Pinetree Performing Arts Center
1161 Pittsburgh Rd
Valencia, PA 16059
Hafla Location Ruckus Cafe Shaler
1707 Babcock Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15209