Raghsidad was founded in 1988 as a means to unite diverse dancers in the Lawrence and Topeka area.  It provided a group for performance opportunities.  The name "Raghsidad" is Persian (Farsi), and was suggested by Showleh.  It is a conjugation of the verb "to dance" - specifically "they dance", and we do!

Over the years Raghsidad performed at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival (KCRF) one weekend each year under the banner of "Raghs Ruz", which means "a day of dance".  In 1996 the group decided to follow Zada's artistic vision that Middle Eastern dance is an art form that belongs on a theater stage.  Raghsidad's annual dance concert was dubbed "Cairo on the Kaw" by Shaheena, and 2012 will mark the eighteenth (18th) in the series. 

In 2000, the KCRF requested a full time show featuring Raghsidad and it's musicians.  Since then, we have been the "home" belly dance company, and Gaziyeh Enterprises, Inc. has produced the middle Eastern Weekend events featuring Raghsidad and Aalim Dance of St Louis, MO.

Raghsidad's first appearance at the Kansas City Fringe Festival was in 2007. 2012 will mark their 5 th KC Fringe appearance...

Former members of Raghsidad include Roya, Lydia, Showleh, Melody and Jemira.   Aliya

Aimee performs as an emeritus member.

Cairo on the Kaw XIV