Workshops

Drake is a highly sought-after workshop instructor, and has had the opportunity to provide sold-out workshops all over the United States.

Movement workshops

Drake’s movement practice is informed by formal pedagogical education and from working as a certified personal trainer since 2018. His biomechanical approach to teaching movement is adaptable to dancers of every stage of their dance journey. With lifelong experience onstage, as well as academic research, Drake’s workshops are a balance between intellect and physicality.

Additionally, all of Drake’s workshops are SAFE ZONES for LGBT and BIPOC students, and accessible, appropriate language practices are enforced relating to vectors of identity such as race, gender, ability, and class. Drake regularly engages in rigorous continuing education on anti-racism, multiculturalism, culturally responsive teaching, and decolonization, and implements the ideology and methodology from his education into his pedagogical philosophy and teaching practice.

Seminar workshops

Drake, through formal education and research through Texas Woman’s University and as a lifelong student, is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker and lecturer in multiple subjects relating to men and masculinities in fusion belly dance and LGBTQ+ allyship.

In the realm of belly dance scholarship, Drake centers his research on the history of male belly dancers in the United States, with special attention to masculinity, fusion belly dance, and Orientalism. His research includes archival, qualitative, and oral history methods.

Drake’s investigations are an accessible way for dancers to engage with belly dance history, critical dance study, and critical gender study. His work aims to bring awareness to these forgotten histories, as well as to foster critical thinking skills for students to continue their own investigations.

As history is a living document, these seminars are conversations, not lectures. While Drake maintains an arbitration and facilitation role, he also invites dissent, inquiries, analysis, perspective, and corrected information from participants. Students should feel empowered to challenge and engage with the material in a safe environment, respectfully.

Schedule a workshop with me.

Testimonials

  • “Drake is an inspiring dancer! He is a mesmerizing treat for the soul. I have also had the pleasure of taking a workshop with him. He was informative, personable, and easy to follow. Taking the time to break down the moves and music so that I could learn easily and understand all the whys and hows. He was tons of fun and lots of energy. I can’t wait for another opportunity to take another workshop with him again, and I’m always delighted to watch him perform. ”

    Melissa Z, Leander

  • “Drake always brings wonderful energy and great knowledge to workshops. I was fortunate to be able to take the Twerkshop, which was to say the least at first blush intimidating to me , but Drake made it fun and approachable. His stage presence can’t be beat with fluid movements, modern beats, and exciting dynamic performances that draw any festival crowd. Our festival, Migrations, has had him on stage several times and we know he will always provide memorable, thought provoking, inspired performances. ”

    Sarah, Austin

  • “Drake is a phenomenal dancer. The handful of workshops I’ve taken have been challenging and opened my eyes to different types of movement. I look forward to catching more of them in the future! ”

    Katie, Louisiana