This workshop is designed for the dancer who likes to work hard to elevate her talent and submerge herself into dance that is loaded with high quality, precise technique, and intriguing depth. Advanced technique and choreography will be presented.

All classes will be held at the Jasmin Jahal School of Dance 4037 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago 60641.

Bring your veil and finger cymbals, something to take notes, and water or power drink. A 30 minute break will be taken each day. There will be live drum accompaniment in class on two days. Music will be available to purchase. No videotaping allowed, although you may bring a cassette recorder to help you take notes. The workshop will be videotaped and copies will be available for workshop participants only. Class size is limited to 30 students.

Registration is on a first-come first-served basis. A $100 non-refundable deposit must be received by June 28. Remaining balance of $275 due July 17. There is a $25 discount for early registration that is paid in full before June 20. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Exclusive 1 or 2 day Shimmyfest offer this year for the first time!!
Take just the first day of Shimmyfest (July 21) for $80 or the first two days (July 21 and 23) for only $150. This is a limited time offer with only a handful of slots available!

Click here to download the full brochure and registration form.

The Shimmyfest Schedule by day is:

Cocktail Reception and Opening Ceremony:

Mix and mingle, meet and greet at this fun, informal reception. Held at the Jasmin Jahal School of Dance: 4037 N. Milwaukee Ave in Chicago, the reception is free and open to the public. For those workshop participants who love to perform, here is a great opportunity in an intimate setting. Please indicate your interest on the registration form. You will need to bring your music on CD with a maximum time limit of 7 minutes. You may perform a choreography or improvise. If you choose to perform at the reception, you may also perform at the Gala and/or be a model in the fashion show.

Optional Extra Day:

Due to popular demand, we are offering an Optional Day which you can use to polish your technique and workshop choreography. Only 3 hours long, this Optional Day will leave you plenty of time to explore the city before returning home. Minimum requirement is 6 participants. Only $25 for the optional day!

Private coaching sessions with Jasmin Jahal:

Experience a one-on-one session with Jasmin as your private coach! Each session will be specifically tailored to your special requests. You might like to work on improving your dance technique, input about a dance you choreographed, and/or get a professional critique of your performance skills from either the Gala Show or from past performances that you have on video. Bring your questions and desires! 30 minute sessions are $35. 60 minute sessions are $60. Schedule your session for Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23, or Sunday, July 26. Private coaching sessions may not be shared and are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please list your preferred date/time on your Registration Form. Your scheduled coaching session will be confirmed. Payment in full is due by July 17.

Glamorous Fashion Show:

The Fashion show will open our evening's Gala Performance and will run approximately 30 minutes. Workshop participants are asked to participate either as a Model or as a Performer, or both, if you wish. Professional costumes will be provided by Audrena's International Bazaar and will be selected on Friday, July 24 at the studio after the workshop has ended.. Participants do not need to purchase a show ticket. All models will be expected to attend dress rehearsal. Please indicate on your registration form if you wish to be a model.

Gala Performance:

An exciting part of the Shimmyfest experience is to challenge yourself with the Art of Improvisation to live Arabic music! We seek up to 15 brave, beautiful performers. The evening show will be held at Vittum Theaterm 1012 N. Noble, Chicago 60642 , in a brand-new, state-of-the-art 300+ seat theater. Only workshop participants are invited to dance in this Gala. Doors open at 4:30pm, show starts at 5pm. Length of each performer's show may vary depending on total number of performers. Each performance will run approximaely 6-9 minutes. Participants need not pay for a show ticket. The show will be videotaped and copies will be available on a professional DVD. You may pre-order your DVDs on the registration form.

Hotel Suggestions:

These hotels are near the studio by the intersection of Interstate 90 and Higgins Road/Route 72. They have shuttle service or other easy access to O'Hare Airport and are high quality facilities in a safe, convenient neighborhood. Driving to the studio is easy. Public transportation (via train and bus) is also possible. If you'd like a Chicago Transit Authority map, please call us at 773-777-4037 to let us know and we'll gladly send you one! If you are looking to share your room, you may indicate this on your registration form and we'll do our best to find you a roommate.