Ahlan wa sahlan!  Thank you for visiting my website and reading my bio.  I am a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, and I have been belly dancing since I was 11 years old.  I have focused my attention on Egyptian style dance for the last 10 years, which I now teach and perform along the Wasatch front.

Philosophy

I consider myself to be a well-informed and conscientious teacher, as well as an eternal student.  Egyptian style dance is heavily influenced by the dance traditions of the Egyptian people, both past and present.  Studying the culture has helped me to become a more knowledgeable and expressive dancer.  In addition to the familiar raqs sharqi (nightclub) dance style, I also study, teach, and perform traditional beledi and theatrical folkloric styles.  To dance is to make the music come alive and to visually represent the rhythm, melody, meaning and emotion of the song. This is what I strive to do.

I strongly encourage an intellectual and physical approach in the study of Egyptian style dance.  I impart elements of cultural and dance background information to my students while offering a fun, movement-oriented lesson.  Dancers who study with me learn proper dance technique as well as the history and culture of Egyptian style dance.

One of my favorite aspects of belly dance is the unique nature of the experience. It is both art and entertainment, participatory and observational, fun and educational. There is a place for everyone within the world of belly dance, whether it is as a teacher, a performer, a student, a musician, a fan, and so on.  I would love to help you define your belly dance experience!

Experience

I have studied with many dancers in Utah including Shoshanna, Aziz, Zahirah, Thia, Shahravar, Johanna, Tamar and Jamileh. Each teacher has left a lasting impression and has helped me become the dancer that I am today. Additionally, I have been honored to study several times with the legendary Sahra Saeeda, and have received certification in Level One and Level Two of her “Journey Through Egypt” intensive study course.  I also travel regularly to take workshops with top dancers from Egypt, which have included sessions with Dina, Fifi Abdo, Mohammed Kazafy and Randa Kamel, to name a few. Recently, I had an opportunity to take a workshop and private lesson with Mahmoud Reda, a legend of Egyptian dance. 

I am currently a member of Blue Lotus Dance Collaborative, a cooperative professional dance company.  I am a principle choreographer for the group, and I have created many of our most popular numbers.  I also design and create the majority of our costumes.  I am the director of the student troupe the Lotus Buds. Previously, I have been involved in several local dance groups including Desert Orchid Dance Company, Banat al Sahar, Cartouche and Troupe Avatar.

Costume  Design

Like most belly dancers, I have a strong affinity for all things sparkly and a constant desire for new costumes!  I am an accomplished costume designer and seamstress, and I create many of my own costumes. My original creations can also be seen on the members of Blue Lotus and the Lotus Buds, along with other local dancers.

Performance

I perform regularly around the Wasatch Front, both as a solo artist and with Blue Lotus.  I also have been an invited performer for professional shows in Dallas and Orlando.

 For a list of upcoming performances, please visit my events page.  For information on how to hire me or Blue Lotus for a performance, please visit my booking page.  For information on costumes, please email me.

Shukran!