The Qabila Project is honored and thrilled to announce our second ever Los Angeles Iraqi Dance Intensive 2026 featuring the one and only Mohanned Hawaz!!! Join us for this amazing weekend July 25-26, 2026 in Los Angeles!
Register NOW for this amazing opportunity and experience!!!
Saturday, July 25th
10am-12pm Basrawi (Southern Iraqi Khaliji style): bring thobes (Pieter)
Understanding Iraq’s connection to the Gulf region. From the Afro-Iraqi beats of El Hewa to the soulful traditions of El Samri. These two are essential styles that serve as part of a foundational base for mainstream Khaliji dance today.
12:30-2:30pm Khashaba (Urban Street dance exclusive to El Basra) (Pieter)
This class breaks down El Basra’s exclusive urban street-style vocabulary that is integral to popular Iraqi dance, that is sometimes referred to as Kawliya. Balance powerful jumps and hops with a signature "light elegance" as you learn the high-level technique that is unique to this distinctive urban dance.
7-10pm Evening of Performances & Special Screening of the Ministry of Culture sponsored Documentary of Iraqi Dance (The Cat’s Crawl Theater)
Sunday, July 26th
10am-12pm Hecha with daggers (Folkloric foundational dance) (Pieter)
A foundational folkloric dance that is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Iraqi Domari, known as the Kawliya. This iconic style is known for its dramatic dagger performances.Discover the technical blueprint and cultural history of this quintessentially Iraqi dance.
12:30-2:30pm Kawilya (Popular Iraqi Dance of the Domari) (Pieter)
This is the one that started it all. The style that made Iraqi dance a global sensation. A dance that is so magnetic it redefined the region's artistic landscape. From its folkloric roots to its world-famous hair work, this dance blends feminine power with raw, rhythmic intensity. Discover why Kawliya Style remains one of the most elusive and desirable dance styles in the global SWANA dance community.
2:30-4:00pm Social: snacks, tea, music, and hang (Pieter)
LOCATIONS:
All workshops are held at Pieter Performance Space (2701 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031) a beautiful history building in Lincoln Heights with high vaulted ceilings, large windows with natural light pouring in, and stunning hardwood floors for your dancing enjoyment. The area has several cafes and restaurants as well as local shops.
The Performance & Documentary Screening will be at The Cat’s Crawl Theater (660 Helitrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90004). With raked plush seating, there is not a bad seat in the house. Plus a full bar.
ABOUT MOHANNED HAWAZ:
Mohanned Hawaz is an Iraqi–Swedish dance artist and choreographer bridging contemporary movement with traditional Iraqi forms. Trained by renowned folklorist Hanaa Abdullah, he is the founder of the Enkidu Folklore Arts Group, which has performed in over 30 countries worldwide. Commissioned by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, he has represented Iraq at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and led nationwide field research documenting traditional dances across all Iraqi provinces. In 2025, he received official artistic recognition from the Ministry, affirming his role as a key cultural ambassador safeguarding and reimagining Iraq’s intangible dance heritage on a global stage.
Full weekend including all workshops, performance, and documentary screening ONLY $400
REGISTER HERE
Can’t make the whole weekend? ALA CARTE options are now available!!!
If you have any questions, please email us anytime at qabilafoundation@gmail.com
See you in JULY!!!