The annual Southern Oasis event was created by Alchemy, a local Middle Eastern dance troupe, to satisfy dancers' desire to perform.
"When we first started, our goal was to give local dancers another opportunity to dance. Besides parties or class, the only opportunities belly dancers got to dance, at the time, was First Friday, Arts in the Heart of Augusta and Riverblast," said Jeannie Bylinowski, co-director of Alchemy. "This event gives people a chance to dance."
The fourth annual event will be held Saturday and Sunday at three downtown venues. Though young, the event has gotten bigger and better each year, Ms. Bylinowski said.
The first year there was just dancing. The second year, workshops were added. Last year, the event expanded to two days. And this year musicians will be included.
"Every year when we host this it's a production. It's like hosting a wedding every year, with friends and the public coming out and having a good time," she said.
The event will feature eight workshops and a gala. The workshops will be taught by dancers and musicians from around the Southeast. There is a fee for each workshop.
Participants needn't have previous dance experience to enjoy the workshops, Ms. Bylinowski said.
"All of our workshops are created so that beginners can walk into the workshop and feel comfortable," she said. "You're not going to feel weird attending the class or feel like you had walked into the class by mistake."
The gala will feature dance and drum performances, vendors and a professional photographer.
Alchemy, Delirium Tribal Bellydance Co., Grits Raq and Jezibell are among the groups that will perform during the gala.
Southern Oasis will be an event everyone can attend, Ms. Bylinowski said.
"We wanted to be as acceptable as possible when selecting the acts, but we also wanted to be family friendly. This is an event that people don't have to be afraid to bring their 13-year-old daughter to," she said.
For more information on Southern Oasis and Alchemy, visit www.alchemydance.com.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fourth annual Southern Oasis: Puttin' on the Glitz
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday
INFORMATION: For more information or to register for a workshop, visit www.alchemydance.com. Workshop registration will continue through the day of the workshop or until filled. Visit the Web site for workshop fees and details.
GALA SHOW
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: The City Club, 724 Broad St.
COST: $7, open to all ages
WORKSHOPS
Note: Children ages 16 and younger should be accompanied by a parent. Those younger than 18 will be asked to have a parent sign a parental waiver.
WHAT: Introductory Hand Drumming Class
TAUGHT BY: Denys Proteau
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
WHERE: Joanie Lamb Hair Salon, 720 Broad St.
WHAT: Delirium Tribal Improv Combos
TAUGHT BY: Natalie Brown
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
WHAT: The Basics of Working With Dancers
TAUGHT BY: Darbuka Dave
WHEN: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Joanie Lamb Hair Salon, 720 Broad St.
WHAT: Stage Presence and Fluid Motion
TAUGHT BY: Ashley Bennett
WHEN: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
WHAT: Floorwork
TAUGHT BY: Mari Edwards and Jeannie Bylinowski
WHEN: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
WHAT: Bhangra
TAUGHT BY: Ashwathy Nair and Michael Bartnenfeld
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
WHAT: African Dance
TAUGHT BY: Lauren Prince
WHEN: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
WHAT: Basics of International Folk Dancing
TAUGHT BY: Barbara Shine
WHEN: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.
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