Welcome to
Strictly ‘Drum’ Dancing
Drum Solo Choreography
with Sonia Ochoa and Issam Houshan
The Bellydance Superstars dream team are back to present a brand new drum solo composed by Issam Houshan and choreographed by Sonia Ochoa.
Introduction to Iraqi Rhythms
with Sara Al-Hadithi and Issam Houshan
After years of talking about it, Sara and Issam are finally presenting an Iraqi Rhythms workshop. We will be teaching dancers 3 of the most commonly used rhythms in Iraqi dance today.
Meet Your Instructors

Sonia Ochoa
Her love of music and dance has led her on a lifelong journey, exploring a vast collection of artistic movement, expression, and language. With a career spanning over 25 years, Sonia Ochoa has toured with companies of various genres featuring her as a principal dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars (2002-2010). Managed by music mogul, Miles Copeland, she was catapulted into the world of raqs sharqi, performing in some of the most prestigious theaters and popular television shows across the globe. Sonia has travelled extensively through India, Egypt and Spain to study the local culture and dance traditions. Drawing from a vast background, she has developed a signature style of her own and has been presented with opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists worldwide.

Issam Houshan
Issam Houshan is one of the rarest of talents. We call him the ‘Wassan Pharaoun,’ King of the Drum. It’s his connection to the dancer that is the essence of his magic. It is a merging of egos serving a mutual and identical goal that few musicians ever master fully. Issam is now recognized as the ultimate master of this art. Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. 24 years ago. He had formal music training in the Damascus Academy of Music, and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous bellydancers. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master, Mahmood Salahadeen. In the U.S. he performed with Sting at the Grammy Awards, and with the BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam’s background, training and experience has made in him huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops.

Sara Al-Hadithi
Sara Al-Hadithi is a multi-faceted artist who draws upon her training in music, dance and theatre to teach and inspire students from all backgrounds. A native of Iraq, Sara is the daughter of renowned ethnomusicologist and folklorist Dr. Sadi Al-Hadithi. From childhood, Sara was surrounded by many of Iraq’s luminaries in the fields of the arts, music and folklore, who also tutored her in several aspects of traditional Iraqi folkloric arts. Sara has also had formal training in the Bedouin folkloric traditions that are part of her lineage, including Bedouin language and poetry traditions. Over the past several years, Sara has dedicated her focus to sharing her knowledge of Iraqi dance, music, and culture with others. Sara’s goal as both artist and educator is to share accurate information and promote responsible and respectful portrayals of Iraqi culture in the dance community and beyond.
Join In-Person
Drum Solo Choreo
In-person
$85 +fees
Iraqi Rhythms Intro
In-person
$85 +fees
Drum Solo + Iraqi Rhythms
In-person Early-bird!
$135 +fees
Location:
Los Angeles Bellydance Academy
1644 S La Cienega Blvd Ste B Los Angeles, CA 90035
Join On-Line
Drum Solo Chreo
Online
$75 +fees
Iraqi Rhythms Intro
Online
$75 +fees
Drum Solo + Iraqi Rhythms
Online
$125 +fees
Once registration is completed, we will contact you with a confirmation email within 72 hours.
For other inquiries, email: info@theshapeoflines.com