PROGRAM INFORMATION

Thank you to Cosmos Theatre Arts for graciously hosting us. We are so excited to dance in your beautiful space.

Cosmos Theater Arts is dedicated to creating and presenting transformative, thought-provoking, interdisciplinary theatre and education that encourages empathy and strengthens connection among a diverse, inclusive community. Located at 222 N. Marina Street, Prescott AZ.  

RAQS GÜLISTAN

Raqs Gülistan means dancers of the rose garden. It is composed of the Arabic word Raqs (pronounced Raks) which means dance, and the Turkish word Gülistan (pronounced goolistan)  which means rose garden or land of Roses. This name was chosen to represent the cultural roots of the dances we perform, coming from both the Arabic speaking nations of North Africa and The Levant, as well as both the European and Anatolian regions of Turkey. Each dancer in the group is celebrated as an individual rose in a beautiful garden. We are excited to our vision to Acker Night 2025!

Kirsten - Artistic Director, Instructor

Kirsten teaches dance classes in Prescott, AZ both at the Elks and through Yavapai College Community Education. Raqs Gülistan is the name of the student/performance group of Kirsten's classes in Prescott. Today she presents her students in a tableau of group pieces and student solos. 

The group is joined by guests the Desert Nomads, a group bonded by the sisterhood of Improvisational Tribal Style belly dance. Desert Nomads incorporate different forms and dialects of dance from all over the globe playing with structured improvisational tools and using cues to transition from one move to the next. Their joyful offerings are a celebration of women from all cultures and pay homage to our connections to the earth, ancestors, teachers and each other.

Performing tonight are:  

Kirsten

Shiva

Ivy

Daniel

Pam

Seleatha

Samantha

Lauren

Bridget

Zoe

Dawn

Desert Nomads