Aziza returns to Buffalo, NY alongside world famous drummer Issam Houshan!
We are thrilled to bring these two incredible artists to our hometown for a weekend filled with dance and live music. Join us for an inspiring weekend in Buffalo!
Weekend Schedule
Art of the Drum Solo with Aziza and Issam (DANCERS) - 15 dancers only!
Friday, September 19th, 2025 | 6:30PM to 9:30PM
Oasis Dance Center (26 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
​
Experience the magic of dancing to live drum with the legendary Aziza! In this three-hour intensive, dancers will spend the first two hours learning a dynamic drum solo choreography crafted by Aziza, designed to highlight musicality, precision, and expression. In the final hour, dancers will dance alongside drummers from Issam Houshan’s companion percussion workshop. Dancers in this workshop will have the opportunity to perform the choreography in the Saturday evening show!
Art of the Drum Solo with Aziza and Issam (DRUMMERS) - 10 drummers only!
Friday, September 19th, 2025 | 6:30PM to 9:30PM
Tribu Studios (15 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
​
Join master percussionist Issam Houshan and superstar of Middle Eastern dance Aziza for a dynamic three-hour drum solo intensive! In the first two hours, drummers will learn and refine a powerful drum solo under Issam’s expert guidance. In the final hour, drummers will bring the music to life, playing alongside dancers from the companion dance workshop. Drummers in this workshop will have the opportunity to perform the drum solo in the Saturday evening show!
Silk Whisperer with Aziza
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 | 10am - 12pm
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
​
Join Aziza for an inspiring workshop featuring one of her signatures - silk veil. Aziza will guide you through veil technique, transitions, and expressive combinations that feature her signature weightless illusions, seamless wraps, and dynamic flourishes.
Mastering the Drum: Advanced Middle Eastern Drumming with Issam
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 | 10am - 12pm
Tribu Studios (15 Webster Street, North Tonawanda)
​
Take your drumming to the next level with Issam Houshan in this intensive advanced workshop designed for experienced percussionists. Dive deep into complex rhythms, intricate finger techniques, and dynamic accents.This is a rare opportunity to train with an internationally recognized master of percussion in Buffalo, NY!
Rhythm Exploration Part One: Swift & Strong
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 | 1pm - 2:30pm
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
​
Join Aziza and Issam for a workshop focused on fast, heart-pounding rhythms that drive high-energy performances. Issam will break down several Middle Eastern rhythms, and Aziza will guide dancers in interpreting these rhythms through dynamic dance combinations.
Gala Show featuring Aziza, Issam, local and guest performers, and some special surprises!
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 | 6pm
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
Galabeya Brunch
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 | 9:30am - 11:30am
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
Throw on your fanciest galabeya and head to the venue early for light brunch fare, good conversation, and delicious espresso drinks handmade by barista Jacob prior to our last workshop of the weekend! This special edition of our galabeya brunch will have a very special surprise to be revealed soon!
Rhythm Exploration Part Two: Fluid & Focused
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 | 11:30am - 12:45pm
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
Join Aziza and Issam for a workshop focused on slower, melodic rhythms like Samai, Masmoudi Kebir, and Wahida Kebira. Issam will break down the rhythms, and Aziza will guide dancers in interpreting these rhythms with intention, fluidity, and musical awareness.
Anatomy of a Drum Solo with Aziza and Issam
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 | 12:45 - 2pm
Milton J Brounshidle Post; 3354 Delaware Ave., Kenmore NY
Unlock the secrets behind creating a dynamic, engaging drum solo in this workshop with Aziza & Issam Houshan. Designed for both dancers and musicians, this workshop will focus on learning how to construct a drum solo. Together, we’ll explore which rhythms to use for different parts of a solo, how to build tension, release, and variation, and the best ways to transition between rhythms for maximum impact. Issam will break down the rhythm structures, while Aziza will show you how to interpret these rhythms with movement, highlighting how dancers and drummers can work together in creating a cohesive, powerful performance.
​
Workshop and Show Locations
Friday's Art of the Drum Solo dance workshop with Aziza will take place at Oasis Dance Center.
26 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Excited to host the small group in our beautiful studio!
Friday's Art of the Drum Solo drum workshop with Issam and Mastering the Drum: Advanced Middle Eastern Drumming will take place at Tribu Studios
15 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14210
We are thrilled to partner with new-to-North Tonawanda studio Tribu Studios for the drum workshops!
​
All dance workshops Saturday and Sunday will take place at the Milton J. Brounshidle Post Ballroom
3354 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217
Lovely hardwood floors, a huge room and a raised stage for instructors make this a wonderful workshop location! We are excited to host you here.
​
Early Bird Pricing
FULL WEEKEND DANCE PACKAGE $375 (early bird ends July 1st, 2025. $399 after July 1st)
Includes ALL dance workshops of the weekend including Friday's small group Art of the Drum Solo workshop and performance with the group in the gala show!
FULL DRUMMER PASS $225 (early bird ends July 1st, $250 after July 1st)
Includes both Friday night's DRUM Art of the Drumo Solo workshop with Issam, and Saturday morning's Mastering the Drum: Advanced Middle Eastern Drumming with Issam.
SAT/SUN DANCE PACKAGE - Saturday and Sunday's workshops: $285 (early bird ends April 1st, 2024. $305 after July 1st)
A LA CARTE Mastering the Drum: Advanced Middle Eastern Drumming with Issam: $98 (early bird ends July 1st, $110 after July 1st)
GALA SHOW - tickets are $15 each. Tickets will be on sale starting in July.
​
BIPOC and MENAHT dancers, please use the code "BIPOCMENAHT" at checkout for BIPOC/MENAHT rates on the workshops.
Sorry, no refunds unless event is cancelled by the hosts. If you need to sell your spot, please contact Kenzie.
​
QUESTIONS? Reach out to Kenzie - kenziebellydance@gmail.com
​
​
Coming from out of town?
Buffalo is a short drive from Toronto, Rochester, Syracuse, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! We often say that "everything in Buffalo is at most a 20 minute drive" and it's true! You can't really go wrong with where you're staying, but here are a few suggestions for hotels:
​
Home2 Suites by Hilton Amherst Buffalo
3820 Ridge Lea Rd, Amherst, NY 14228
8 minute drive
​
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tonawanda
2400 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150
10 minute drive
​
Staybridge Suites - Amherst
1290 Sweet Home Rd, Amherst, NY 14228
13 minute drive
​
Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
One Canalside, 125 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
16 minute drive
​
The Westin Buffalo
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
17 minute drive
We can't wait to see you and dance & drum with you with Aziza and Issam in Buffalo!
​
Questions? Reach out to Kenzie! kenziebellydance@gmail.com
Sorry, no refunds unless event is cancelled by the hosts. If you need to sell your spot, please contact Kenzie.
​
Register on Eventbrite.
​
QUESTIONS? Reach out to Kenzie - kenziebellydance@gmail.com​