Yalla Habibi Presents:
Soumaya MaRose & Jill Parker in Buffalo, NY
October 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2026
Presented by Samana and Kenzie! Join us for an inspiring weekend of Moroccan dance, raqs sharqi, and fusion dance in Buffalo!
About Soumaya
We're thrilled to bring this incredible artist to Buffalo for the very first time.
Soumaya MaRose is an award-winning performer, teacher and cultural ambassador based between New York City and Boston. A proud member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO, Soumaya carries the living heritage of Morocco in every movement—bridging ancient traditions with contemporary expression across continents.
Her artistry transcends performance. It is a living conversation between cultures, a preservation of sacred movements passed down through generations of Moroccan women. Soumaya has taught Moroccan dance both domestically and internationally, including at prestigious universities throughout New England.
Her approach combines academic training in Geography, personal heritage, and deep self-reflection to guide students through dances of both the Arabic-speaking and Amazigh (Berber) world.
"Dance is a language and a way to keep the Arab woman in me alive" -Soumaya MaRose
Find out more about Soumaya and her work on her website, www.soumayamarose.com
About Jill
We are excited to welcome Jill Parker back to Buffalo!
Jill Parker is internationally recognized as a pioneer of fusion Bellydance. A lifelong student and devoted lover of Bellydance, she is renowned for bringing her trademark earthy, grounded, and slinky sensuality to the form.
For more than three decades, JP has refined a masterful approach to teaching that consistently sparks breakthroughs for dancers of all levels. A generous and insightful instructor, she has a rare ability to demystify this sensuous art form, meticulously breaking down complex movements into their essential components and making technique, nuance, and embodied flow both clear and accessible.
Now teaching and performing internationally, Jill offers classes, workshops, and private lessons between tour dates. Whether in San Francisco or abroad, she is known for cultivating heart-forward classes that emphasize joy, well-being, and a strong sense of community.
Learn more about Jill on her website, www.jillparkerdance.com
Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY
Performance Intensive Choreography Rehearsal with Jill Parker - 15 dancers only!
1pm - 4pm
Be one of fifteen dancers who will learn and perform Jill Parker's Ismaaouni choreography. Dive into infectious rhythm, learn new moves with old vibes, and connect with fellow dance lovers. Ismaaouni is a classic Arab song that translates to "Listen to Me." The version by Musicians of the Nile is a lively, high energy folkloric instrumental rendition of the classic, featuring mizmar, rebab, and driving rhythmic tabla.
The details: you will join Jill online prior to the October weekend to learn the choreography via live and recorded Zoom classes. All participants must attend the in-person rehearsal together on Friday, October 23rd from 1-4pm in Buffalo, and you must also be registered for the FULL weekend pass. This choreography will be performed as a group with Jill Parker in the Saturday evening Gala Show.
Introduction to Moroccan Dance and Culture with Soumaya MaRose
7pm - 9pm
Moroccan dances are so diverse and find their roots though the people and their knowledge of their environment. You will be introduced to four traditional dances and their techniques, implemented in a deep analysis of historical and socio economic context to understand what shapes the mosaic of Moroccan dances; music and culture and its complexity.
SATURDAY
Beyond Style: Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Growth with Jill Parker
10:30am - 1pm
Honor the roots. Elevate your craft. Deeply rooted in folkloric and belly dance traditions, Jill brings nearly four decades of dedicated study and a wide-ranging exploration of movement forms. Jill believes that, given the right tools, every artist can cultivate an unmistakable presence—an aura of magic that transcends form.
Together, we will focus on precision and clarity in movement, healthy and efficient mechanics, muscular awareness, strong, articulate isolations, emotional authenticity and embodied presence, and refined musicality, and dynamic control through focused drills, movement combinations and thoughtful exploration.
Darbuka and Rhythm with Soumaya MaRose
2pm - 4pm
What if I tell you that Rhythms are the identity of a region and their Rhythms of life. This workshop will focus on understanding traditional ways to interpret the darbuka, the meaning and cultural context, and where they are performed. We will focus on very intricate pelvic movements and deconstruct the image of the “westernizations “ of the style.
Gala Show
7pm | $20 tickets; tickets will go on sale in August 2026!
Featuring Soumaya MaRose & Jill Parker
Elmwood Commons Theater
SUNDAY
Brunch
10am - brunch begins
Throw on your fanciest galabeya and head over to the venue early for light brunch fare, good conversation, and delicious espresso drinks handmade by barista Jacob prior to our last movement workshop of the weekend!
Henna Ceremony with Soumaya MaRose
11am-1pm
The Ritual of Henna is an important transition social in the woman and man life. Full of symbolism, it is often accompanied by specific regional music and dances. In this workshop, we will focus on the Citadin North Moroccan ritual and compare it to its Amazigh roots.
Minimize to Amplify: Slinky Fusion & Internal Power with Jill Parker
1:30pm - 4:30pm
This workshop invites dancers into the subtle, powerful world of less is more. Through the lens of slinky fusion bellydance, we will explore how refining and internalizing movement can unlock a deeper, more magnetic presence.
Centering on the principles of heart lift and holding frame, alongside minimizing movement to amplify sensation and clarity, dancers will learn to access muscular control from within—dancing closer to the spine, the breath, and the body’s inner pathways.
We will move through slow, fluid drills, spinal articulation, and grounded walking patterns to cultivate seamless transitions and a continuous, serpentine quality. Through dynamic contrast work, exploration, drills, and visualization, you’ll develop the ability to shift texture and timing—melting, striking, suspending, and flowing with intention.
Workshop Location
All workshops will take place in the Elmwood Commons, 3200 Elmwood Avenue in Tonawanda, NY.
Pricing
Registration is available here!
Full Pass - Early bird rate: $365 until July 15th, 2026 ($399 after July 15th)
Includes all workshops and brunch. Performance intensive is not included.
Saturday/Sunday Pass - Early bird rate: $295 until July 15th, 2026 ($315 after July 15th)
Includes Saturday & Sunday's workshops, brunch, and the evening gala show.
Performance Intensive with Jill Parker - $150 (this is an add-on and full weekend pass purchase is required)
Gala Show Ticket - $20 (sales open in July 2026)
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 in October!
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.
QUESTIONS? Reach out to Kenzie - kenziebellydance@gmail.com