They Call it Belly Dance

Often called “belly dance,” this form is known in its cultural contexts as Raqs Sharqi, Baladi, Hishik Bishik, among others. Rooted in rituals, social gatherings, and performance traditions, it carries a rich history that has been both celebrated and misunderstood.

This workshop invites queer migrant and allies to explore foundational movements and rhythms and engage in guided improvisation. Alongside the physical practice, we will reflect on the form’s origins, history, and myths, reclaiming it from reductive and colonial narratives.

Andrea Fahed ist Tänzerin, Performerin und Kulturpraktikerin aus Beirut. Mit einem Hintergrund in Psychologie und Management begann sie 2021 mit zeitgenössischem Tanz. Verwurzelt im Raqs Sharqi nutzt sie diesen als zentrale Bewegungssprache und erweitert ihre künstlerische Forschung. Sie ist Mitgründerin des Beirut Physical Lab und absolvierte das Tanzfabrik Dance Intensive. Derzeit lebt sie in Berlin und entwickelt ihre künstlerische Praxis weiter.

Queer Bridges: Forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with experiences of migration and/or displacement.

Queer people with experiences of migration and/or displacement in Berlin often face unique challenges in their daily lives that can limit their access to supportive communities and inclusive environments.

With the support of the Deutsche Fernsehlotterie Stiftung, we have developed the Queer Bridges program to overcome these barriers. We provide resources, networking and support in a welcoming environment for queer immigrants and refugees through our special program. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging to the local LGBTQIA+ community, enabling smooth integration and an improved quality of life for queer folks with experiences of migration and/or displacement.

✅ Our Queer Bridges program will continue to evolve and we are always happy to hear about your needs. If you are interested, you can send us an e-mail to stay informed about further updates.

General Information
Participants: This workshop is for all who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experienced migration and/or displacement. If you don’t share these experiences but are interested in joining please reach out to us first to see if space is available. We ask that all participants respect the program’s core focus and contribute to fostering an open respectful space.
Registration: This event has limited spots available. Registration through our website is therefore required.
Language: English
Cost: The event is free of charge.