Dancer Origin Stories – Asli
Asli is an award-winning Turkish dancer, born and raised in Turkiye. She frequently performs at public and private events as well as teaches throughout the GTA, Hamilton, and southern Ontario under Yasmina Ramzy Arts Academy.
Dancer Origin Stories – Shahrzad
Shahrzad is a professional dance instructor and performer specializing in Raqs Sharqi as well as folk and social dance styles from around North Africa and the Middle East. In 2015 Shahrzad moved to Egypt to live and work full time and has since made a career as a performer appearing in top night clubs as well as film and media. She currently resides in Cairo, Egypt where she performs and teaches regular classes in person and online, produces music, and runs immersive cultural tours.
Dancer Origin Stories – Khadijah
Khadijah is a teacher, dancer, ethnologist of African in origin dances and a choreographer for 22 years, considered one of the most influential names in Arabic dance and folklore. She is based in Denver, CO (USA), of Kenyan descent, born in KSA. She is known for having unique didactics of Afro-Arabian Folklore, music and its cultural aspects, constantly traveling to improve her approach, technique and cultural aspects of the dances and the culture embedded deep within the foundations of the African diaspora.
Dancer Origin Stories – Yamê
Yamê is a big believer in the power of dance to relieve stress and overcome the challenges of daily life, and she brings a kind and compassionate approach to her teaching and business.
Yamê is a Brazilian-born, New Jersey-based professional belly dance teacher, performer, and owner of SharqiDance, a physical and virtual space where adult students with little or no dance experience can feel welcomed and supported as they embark on their belly dance journey.
Dancer Origin Stories – Catrice Fairuza
Read about Catrice Fairuza’s amazing dancer origin story!
“Honestly, the first time I ever heard the music, I think I was in a YouTube rabbit hole. I heard this beautiful song. And when I heard it, I can remember shutting my eyes and my headphones and pressing my headphones closer to my head.”
Dancer Origin Stories – Nisaa
In this edition of Dancer Origin Stories, I’m thrilled to feature Nisaa (Heather D. Ward), a Middle Eastern dance instructor, performer, and researcher based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Her mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexity, diversity, and beauty of Middle Eastern dance forms.
Dancer Origin Stories – Oreet
One of my first conversations with Oreet was at an event we both attended, during the creation process for my first DVD. She generously offered insights gained from her experience producing her SharQui belly dance fitness videos, which were so helpful. Her desire to “remind women and men that they are already Beautiful, strong and that they CAN do it, dammit!” is most admirable, both in intention and execution.
Dancer Origin Stories – Tava
Tava has been a professional belly dancer in New York City and the surrounding areas for 20 years. She’s currently based in Norwalk, CT, where she brings her deep knowledge and caring attitude to her weekly classes, while continuing to perform regionally and teach workshops up and down the East coast.