Al-Bahira Dance Theater

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Al-Bahira Dance Theater presents creative adaptations and artistic contemporary works rooted in authentic regional dance and music of the SWANA and Persian/Iranian regions. In creating for Al-Bahira, artistic director Mirah Ammal explores historical and contemporary cultural contexts of communities in the region and in diaspora, combined with imaginative storytelling, to create exciting new works. Founded in 2006, Al-Bahira produces original feature shows and performs for a range of events and cultural presentations. 

Al-Bahira represents the Egyptian and Iranian/Persian ethnic groups at the annual Festival of Nations, and performs for cultural festivals throughout the region.

 Some of our specialties include:

• Egyptian folklore: Raqs Assaya/Tahtib, Haggala, Nubian, Fellahin folklore, Eskandarani/Melaya Leff folklore, Ghawazee
• Iranian folklore: Azeri, Yalli, Uzum Reqsi, Baba Karam
• Other Middle Eastern folklore such as Khaliji, Dabke 
• Middle Eastern ensemble "belly dance" - classical, "golden era," modern contemporary and fusion
• Persian classical dance
• Performances and zaffas with live percussion and live musicians
• Artistic theatrical productions

Al-Bahira Dance Theater performs for a variety of festivals, holiday celebrations, community events,  educational opportunities and other events. We also produce showcases and theatrical shows. We'd love to work with you!

Al-Bahira Dance Theater honors the communities of origin of our dances, and embraces artists and communities of all ages, races, genders, and identities.

This will be a section about our dance plays and how story telling and lore is part of the philosophy even behind many of our individual pieces.

We're always working on new events and works. Even under COVID restrictions, we created online events and performances! The best way to keep up is to follow MirahAmmal and also AlBahiraDance on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find us on YouTube and TikTok.