Cassandra and Jawaahir Dance Company: Girls Night In

Cassandra Shore has shared her love of Middle Eastern dance and music with Minnesotans for many years; her commitment to bridging the geographic and cultural divide never wavers. Shore's Jawaahir Company presents authentic work and, in so doing, the performers constantly reveal new aspects of a sometimes mysterious society—its beauty, sense of drama, and deep history—while skillfully combining key aspects of tradition and innovation. This new show is centered around a female-only house-party in which women can be themselves, away from their sometimes restrictive daily lives. They dance and sing and revel in the freedom of a safe and creative environment. The cast of 18 dancers will be joined by the all-female al Hareem Orchestra, and Shore plans to incorporate a female DJ and clips from Arabic music videos that are gaining popularity in the Middle East. Jawaahir performances are always a feast for the senses; hypnotic music, colorful costumes, and, of course, dazzling movement including belly dancing and other traditional forms.
March 20-22, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 23, 7 p.m.; March 26-29, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 30, 7 p.m., 2008