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 (including 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, Lebanese Dabke and others
• 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, seminars, 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.

Al-Bahira's theatrical productions  incorporate an innovative blend of story telling and movement to invite diverse audiences and share cultural lore and themes in a contemporary context. Whether an individual artistic piece or a scripted dance-play inspired by traditional stories of ethnic groups in the SWANA region, the works are imbued with meaning, creativity, and (often) humor.  

We're always working on new events and creations! 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.