Arabesque Dance Company
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Production Staff

Administration

Melody Bogin

Costume & Props Director / Wardrobe Mistress

Deborah Shaw

Assistant Stage Manager

Rachelle Allen

Lighting Designer

Arun Srinivasan

Production Manager

Ainsley Kendrick

Rehearsal Assistant

Suzanne Karima

Dresser/Stage Assistant

Shams Dahabi

Production Staff Biographies

Deborah Shaw

Costume & Props Director / Wardrobe Mistress

Deborah Shaw Deborah Shaw graduated with honours from the Theatre Arts Performance program of Humber College and enjoyed two season as a costumier for Canada's Wonderland while embarking on her career as an actor in Toronto. Deborah continued performing, costuming and stage managing for various productions in and around Toronto while co-running her own small theatre company, Carpe Dinero. Deborah both designed and constructed the masks and costumes for the renaissance period Commedia del Arte productions with shows in Canada and the U.S.. Deborah has also been the creator of one of a kind dolls and bears with her own small company Deborah Designs and its adult line, Bear To Be Naughty. While taking belly dancing classes, at Arabesque Academy, Deborah answered a notice for costumers to help with the 2006 production of Asala. Since then Deborah has happily taken the reins as Head Costumier/ Designer, Wardrobe Mistress, Backstage Co - Coordinator and Props Mistress for all of the Arabesque Dance Company and Orchestra's shows.

Arun Srinivasan

Lighting Designer

Arun Srinivasan Arun has worked extensively in the arts and entertainment industry over the last 14 years. Arun has assisted on new galleries at The ROM and was the Toronto associate designer for The Lion King. In 2003, he was fortunate to receive a Dora nomination for Outstanding Lighting Design. Productions have taken him to Ukraine, Malaysia, Singapore, India and across North America. Currently, Arun is teaching at York University in the dance and theatre departments. When not in the theatre, he can be found at the park on the monkey bars with his wife and kids. Arun is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada.

Ainsley Kendrick

Production Manager

Ainsley Kendrick Ainsley Kendrick is a freelance Production Manager and Stage Manager based in Toronto. She received her BFA in Technical Theatre from Memorial University in Newfoundland and migrated to Toronto from the East Coast in 2005. Her credits include Production Management and/or Stage Management for Arabesque Dance (ASALA), Dancemakers (It's About Time: 60 dances in 60 minutes, Things in Between), Toronto Masque Theatre (Masques of War), InDance (Recipes for Curry), Event Horizon Dance (Flight), COBA (Deekali), Ruth Cansfield Dance, Dusk Dances (2008 Tour), CORPUS (Two is Company, Peep Show), The Moving Company (Small Dramas), Little Pear Garden Collective (Phantom Rose) and East of Reason Theatre (The Estatics). Ainsley is also the current Production Stage Manager for Canadian Children's Dance Theatre. Enjoy the Show!

Melody Bogin

Event Coordinator, Administration

Melody Bogin was born in Brooklyn, New York to a family of extraordinary artists and has had no choice but to pursue art in every facet of her life. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2006 where she received her Specialized Honours in Art History. Melody has worked as an event organizer, artist, stylist and costume designer for various not for profit organizations, fashion designers, photographers and film productions and has been featured in various art galleries in North America.
Her infinite passion for the arts led to her introduction to the dance community in 2001 at Arabesque Academy and Arabesque Dance Company where she serves as Administrative Director and Events Coordinator. Since 2007, Melody has been thrilled to be the Coordinator of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada and has also assisted with organizing events such as the Alternative Arts and Fashion Week (FAT) and for Africa's Children - Africa's Future (AC-AF).

Suzanne Karima

Administration, Rehearsal Coach

Over 30 years ago, Suzanne was working in a community YMCA when she heard hypnotic music coming from the next room. Peeking inside, she saw several ladies swaying gracefully... veils flowing...and she was instantly hooked! Suzanne's addiction grew and she joined Diana Calenti for 4 years, performing with her troupe at many events including the 'Egyptian Pavilion' of Caravan in the late 70's. After taking a 7 year break, Suzanne rediscovered the dance once more with Yasmina Ramzy and performed with her for several years. Needing to explore her own dance experience Suzanne became a Soloist and for 8 years taught classes for Parks and Recreation both in Richmond Hill and Toronto. She created an amateur troupe and danced for fundraisers like 'Power of Peace' and 'Breast Cancer Research' and performed with Sphere Entertainment many times. 20 years after leaving Arabesque she was re-united again through a job search for Office Admin and now enjoys the challenges of both working for Arabesque and dancing with Arabesque Allspice!

Rachelle Allen

Assistant Stage Manager

Rachelle Allen started her career as an artist at the tender age of 3 when she received her first box of crayons and a colouring book. She is now a busy mother of 3 children and enjoys painting, bellydancing and chocolate. Rachelle was the assistant Wardrobe Mistress for Asala and continues costuming and dressing for Arabesque when duty calls. Her most recent accomplishment is joining the amazing women of Arabesque Allspice.

Shams Dahabi

Dresser/Stage Assistant

Shams began her artistic career as a model some 15 years ago and continued her passion for art through dance at Arabesque. She was the face of Arabesque Dance Company's production "In Search of the Almeh" and has assisted Arabesque as wardrobe mistress for years. Shams was Assistant Manager for Arabesque Dance Company's production "Asala" in 2006 and has assisted at the prestigious International Bellydance Conference of Canada throughout its duration.