Who is Tarifa?

Tarifa Salem is a 2nd generation Lebanese American Eastern Dance Artist, Instructor and Choreographer.

Her love for dance and theater led her to NYC in 1978 where she taught dance at an elite private school and became a performing member of the Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Group. She earned her MA degree from NYU in Dance Education in 1982.

Though she grew up in Pennsylvania where there was a large Lebanese Community in which she was immersed in the music and dance of the Middle East, she credits her uncle/mentor, Ibrahim Farrah for her accomplishments. He was her inspiration in developing her art and pursuing graduate level academic work in dance.

Over the years, she has published several articles in Arabesque and Yallah magazines.

To learn more about Tarifa go to www.tarifasalem.com/about.

Workshop Topics + Schedule

Saturday February 24

1:30-3:30pm: Raqs Sharqi w/ Veil + Cymbals

Learn a classic, dynamic raqs sharqi (bellydance) choreography to an Arab pop song. This choreography features both veil and optional cymbals. It’s earthy, playful, and surprising, and it’s sure to give you new pathways and techniques for your own dancing.

4-6pm: Lebanese Folkloric Dance w/ Handkerchiefs

Inspired by her grandmother’s dancing, Tarifa will share a choreography rooted in her Lebanese heritage. It is energetic, soulful, and will introduce you to fundamental steps and elements of Lebanese folkoric dance.