"...a jungian wonder, studded with arresting archetypal and symbolic power...intelligent and inventive choreography...seduces completely."
-Deirdre Kelly, The Globe and Mail
"An Egyptian extravaganza presented by Yasmina Ramzy & her Toronto troupe, the body speaks of undulating curves of the female form. It also addresses the capacity of the body to create its own music, with hand clapping, foot stomping, and shimmying hips accenting the sensual rhythms of the dancer."
-Deirdre Kelly, Globe and Mail
"
will go down in history as having redeemed bellydancing
scorching solo of virtuoso body isolations
"
Rebecca Todd, The Globe and Mail
"....Kudos to Yasmina Ramzy and her Arabesque Dance Co. In Aswan, her resplendent tribute to the Saiidi women of Upper Egypt....replete with exotic live music, colourful costumes, makeup...well rehearsed dancers who performed with consummate professionalism. The piece was hypnotic to the eye and ear and was well appreciated by the audience for its artistry and passion."
-Paula Citron, Dance International
"...I was totally unprepared for the gush of emotion I experienced at Arabesque Dance Company's Descent of Ishtar. Was it the rapturous music, stunning costumes and seductive movements of the dancers, or Richard Feren's lovely score?...It was an excellent introduction for those of us new to the world of bellydancing, providing samples of a variety of dances from different Arab regions..."
-Lise Watson, Toronto World Arts Scene
"Performing Nedaa El Nil was Artistic Director and Choreographer, Yasmina Ramzy of the Arabesque Dance Co. Exploring contemporary & traditional Egyptian style dance & music, this riveting performance had a powerful emotional effect on the audience....it was an evocative, hypnotic theatrical experience that stirred the spirit."
-Sussi Dorrell, Picante Magazine
"Arabesque artistic director Yasmina Ramzy, an exciting choreographer who understands the importance of theatrics in her presentation, gets better and better with each new work."
-Paula Citron, Toronto Life
"...Ramzy explores more ancient meanings in the dance. "Everyone may associate the dance with Salome," says Ramzy, "but it's actually a very important ritual for matriarchal religious and Goddess worship. It's also a journey inward, taking off veils so you can see the truth. It's really the story of everyone." Quick moving and filled with archetypal references, colorful costumes and sensual gestures, Descent employs a Middle Eastern artistic tradition not afraid to play up to an audience."
-Geoffrey Hays, Toronto Star
"Approximately 5'2" in real life, she appears much taller on stage and is an attractive, personable, and lively lady, both as a performer and as a person. Her set was tight and professional."
-SAHDA Magazine, Vancouver
""
expertise in blending elements of modern dance with Middle Eastern dance to create an ethereal and hypnotic effect
a powerful sense of devotion and reverence was palpable
a celebration of colour, form and feminine grace
"
-SAHDA Magazine, Vancouver