Click on a name below to learn more about one of these amazing people.
Originally located in Neptune, New Jersey, currently in Morris County, Tasha was the very first belly dancer I ever saw. Here's a little info on how I arrived at my first belly dance experience; In 1989 I was heavily involved in jazz, tap, musical theatre and lyrical dance on a competitive level. I was performing with Encore Ensemble of Edison, New Jersey at regional dance competitions and busy taking class and rehearsing about 5 days a week. My Mom was taking belly dance class as a hobby and kept urging me to come to class. I was reluctant. Since I was nice and busy, that was the perfect reason not to. Finally she convinced me to go see her teacher, Tasha, perform at a Greek Night. Let me just say this single event changed the course of my life. We sat in the dimly lit nightclub, a Greek band was playing music that was different than anything I had ever heard and out came this beautiful dancer who greeted the crowd and proceeded to dramatically unravel from her veil while spinning for what seemed to be eternity. I was really impressed by her level of concentration and skill. She proceeded for the next 20 minutes to command my full attention and convince me that this is what I needed to be doing. When she came to our table after her show, keep in mind we had never met before, and said, "So when are you going to start taking classes?" The answer was right away! The thought of taking class with the legendary Serena Wilson scared me to no end. However, I soon learned that Serena is a warm, funny and very giving person. Her workshops and classes offer a variety of technique, musicianship, and specific information on how to be a professional dancer. She offers plenty of performance opportunities for students at her parties and performances at her studio, New York City Nightclub's, restaurants and landmarks such as Lincoln Center and CAMI Hall just to name a few. Elena is an artist beyond comparison. Her teaching style is so laid back yet her classes are among the most intense I've ever taken. Elena's style does not fit into any category (just so you know that's the best kind). The best way to describe her style is as interpretive oriental that fuses Turkish gypsy, Egyptian cabaret, modern/contemporary, Flamenco, Zambra, Yoga, and others. The flavors are endless and her classes and performances are a gourmet feast! I had met Aszmara and Roberta in Elena's class and learned they were putting on a dance concert at the Ohio Theatre in Soho. I went to see SaZ Dance Theatre presents "Out of Time". I expected to see a belly dance show. What followed was far more. This all woman dance company presented a multi-cultural experience that explored women's issues that transcended both time and space. The New York Times reviewed the show and gave it a resounding thumbs up! The staging, lighting, sound and choreography were extremely professional and the dancers, oh yes the dancers! All of these women had studied and worked in multiple artforms and disciplines. This fusion of artistic diversity was truly magic. This experience has stayed with me till this day. Amongst the sea of classes and performances in New York City not one "Turkish style" class could be found, however, strains of the "Eighth Avenue scene" of the late 1950¹s through early 1970's kept seeping through. While working with SaZ Dance Theatre I met fellow company member Sabah Nissan, a prominent dancer and musician in the Eighth Avenue clubs where Turkish, Armenian and Greek music and dance ruled! She became my friend and mentor and introduced me to the "old guard" and the living history that created the East Coast Oriental dance scene. A California based artist who has been dancing, I mean really dancing, since the age of four. I've spent much time with her in workshops and training in her format. Her format has changed the way I approach technique and training. Suhaila really breaks down the anatomy of each and every movement. She presents you with foundational elements that serve as a base for intricate hip work and combinations. New York City, Dunyavi Gypsy Specialist. I've taken numerous workshops with Dalia and attend her classes in the city as often as I can. She breaks down how to count a 9/8 Karshilima rhythm as well as use of arms and hands, skirt work and the general history and attitude of gypsy dance. Fusion with integrity is her motto.
My first exposure to Turkish Oriental style was a very short performance by Artemis on one of Bedia's Workshop Seminar Show videos. That image and feeling was imprinted in my brain and I had to find more. Many years later (thanks to the internet!) I found Artemis. I realized that Maryland is not that far away and have been heading down there monthly for private classes, group classes and workshops. Artemis is one of the most energetic and giving teachers I have ever met! As well as being an avid researcher of Turkish Oriental and Romany dance she is an advocate for Romany (Gypsy) rights. Egyptian Master and Founder of the Reda Troupe of Cairo. Workshop covered traditional folkloric movements such as hagallah. It was very earthy and a lot of fun. Egyptian born director of The Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance. Currently teaches in NYC at Fazil's. Workshop focused on a cane dance "Raks al Assaya". If you are in NYC and LOVE Egyptian dance, Yousry is must!
Founder and Director of Fat Chance Belly Dance. Discipline, discipline, discipline!! American Style Tribal is a serious language. If you don't pay attention, you're going to miss it. This clean, precise style is focused on technique and even more so on communication with the other dancers in your tribe! The first thing that strikes you about Fat Chance Belly Dance is the fabulous costumes and the tattoos. This is what most dancers pick up and adapt to their version of tribal. The vocabulary of the dance and how the sentences are put together is the real meat of it.
San Francisco based Master percussionist and leader of the famed band Susu and the Cairo Cats. Susu really brought my dumbek playing to another level. She gave me very specific exercises to develop double left teks, exercises for moving from doums to slaps consecutively as well as a variety of ways to play saaidi. This was just the beginning. I only wish the commute wasn't so far, I'd be in her class every week if I could.
A Lebanese born percussionist who lives in Somerset County, NJ. Amir performs and teaches both in New Jersey and NYC. His style of teaching is very laid back and easy going and makes the impossible possible. Amir is very patient and really works with you until you feel comfortable with the rhythms and technique. I've taken some private classes with Amir and have seen him perform on numerous occasions. He just makes it look so easy!
Los Angeles based Master Percussionist. I've taken a bunch of workshops with Souhail. Souhail is a great teacher but if you are not serious don't waste his time or yours. Souhail is a classically trained percussionist who fronts his own nightclub band and is a dancer's dream. He knows how to watch and work with the dancer.
My only experience with Bedia has been through video. I have watched her videos over and over. This dancer has such a great sense of time and rhythm. While keeping perfect time with her hips, drum one, (and I don't mean just a shimmy) she manages to hit all the nuances and accents with other isolations, drum two. She is truly phenomenal. Don't get a bowl of popcorn for these videos, get up off your butt and try it!
My only experience with Nadal Gamal has been through Ibrihim Farrah's "Rare Glimpses" video. It is rare to see native Middle Eastern dancers combining ballet technique with traditional dance. Nadia was doing it as they say "back in the day". Again, one of those things that there are just no words for. Her incredible, streamlined technique, unshakable sense of timing and stage presence that could knock you out of your seat are the things that grabbed be about this magnificent dancer. We really have to thank Bobby for capturing her on film and sharing it with us. Check out Suhaila Salimpour's article "I Remember Nadia" on her homepage.
Another person I have not taken class with but while SaZ Dance Theatre was in residence at her studio I was able to experience Rocky! Morocco is an extremely giving person and her in your face attitude cracks me up! If you want to know anything about anything in Middle Eastern Dance, this is your resource! This woman is truly a walking encyclopedia. Her knowledge is both scholarly and experiential. Check her out! |
