PRINCEVILLE — Princeville resident Talia Soleil, also a producer and performer, will be bringing a variety of international guests to lead Raqs Tiki 2023 at Church of the Crossroads from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.
Raqs Tiki, now enjoying its seventh year on Kaua‘i, is an opportunity to connect communities through the universal vocabulary of dance. A series of 10 different belly dance and music workshops will take place through the weekend.
Additionally, the Raqs Tiki Glittering Gala showcase will take place on Sept. 30 at Church of the Pacific. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for shopping with local vendors. The showcase starts at 7 p.m.
“Hawaiians understand the importance of dance to communication, and connection to the human condition,” Soleil said. “It seems only natural to broaden our scope and enhance our lives with more vocabulary and movement to better understand the stories of other cultures.”
Special kama‘aina rates are available for the package of 10 workshops that include “Modern Oriental Choreography,” “Dramatic Movement,” “D’ranged Combinations,” “How to Dance to a Live Drummer” and more. Individual workshop pricing is also available.
Tickets are also available for the Raqs Tiki Glittering Belly Dance Showcase with special rates for keiki ages 5 to 15 years old and senior citizens over 65 years old. Special pricing is also available for active military.
Online ticket sales and registration can be done by visiting raqstiki.com where people can also have the opportunity to “Win a scholarship.”
Soleil, a workshop teacher and international coach, is the multi-award winning director for Dansoleil Belly Dance Theatre. She is also a solo artist and principal dancer in Dangerous Beauties.
She will be joined by a star-studded lineup of dancers, including Emmy-nominated DeVilla of Hollywood, California, renowned psychic and dancer Crystal Ravenwolf of Hanford, Calif., and Surreyya Hada of San Francisco in leading the various workshops.
Issam Houshan is recognized as the “ultimate master of drumming for belly dance” and will join the lineup of workshop leaders.
“Bringing in these top professionals is a big endeavor for me, and I’m so excited to share this with the island,” Soleil said. “And, helping the critters at the Kaua‘i Humane Society makes me so happy.”
Because Soleil is a lifelong lover of animals, she is proud to have the proceeds from Saturday night’s Raqs Tiki event benefit the Kaua‘i Humane Society.
