Yasmina Ramzy — Curriculum Vitae

Training

2006Hip Hop with Shelley in Toronto
2006Aida Nour from Cairo
2005Tannoura with Riad in Cairo
2005Momo Kadous from Germany
2004Aziza from Montreal
2003Egyptian dance with Magdy El Leisy from Germany
2001Aikido with Takeshi Kimeda Sensei of Aikido Yoshinkai Canada
2000Voice with Paul Cooper in Toronto
2000Capoeira with "Master Bola" Marinaldo daSilva in Toronto
1999Azerbaijani dance with Sashar Zarif in Toronto
1999Abinaya of Indian Classical dance with Gunushaleen in Toronto
1998Arabic drumming and singing with Dr. George Sawa in Toronto
1998Pilates with Anne-Marie Hood in Toronto
1997Amani from Lebanon
1997Patrick Parsons of Ballet Creole in Toronto
1992Mohamed Khalil & National Folkloric Troupe of Egypt from Cairo
1989Mayada, Middle Eastern dance in Damascus
1988Middle Eastern dance with Ibrahim Farrah from New York
1987Mohamed Khalil & National Folkloric Troupe of Egypt in Cairo
1981Aida Nour, Middle Eastern dance from Cairo
1980Star Bell, Middle Eastern dance in Toronto
1971-1974National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto

Performer/Choreographer, Soloist, Middle Eastern dance

May2013Cassandra Shore Gala, Toronto
March2013Halifax, Nova Scotia
October2012Zagbreb, Croatia
October2012Cleveland, Ohio
September2012Boston, Massachusetts
March2012Thunder Bay, ON
February2012Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
Janaury2012Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
September2011Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
March2011Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
January2011Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
October2010Robert Gill Theatre
April2010Ryerson Theatre
March2010Yukon, Whitehorse
March2010Vancouver, BC
February2010Fleck Dance Theatre
January2010Fleck Dance Theatre
June2009Austin, Texas
January2009Fleck Dance Theatre
September2008Mexico
August2008Atlantic Dance Festival, Moncton, New Brunswick
August2008Fleming College, Haliburton, Atrium Stage
May2008York University Theatre, Pulse Youth Dance Conference
April2008Ryerson Theatre, IBCC Gala Stage
April2008Museum of Textiles
January2008Fleck Dance Theatre
April2007Ryerson Theatre, IBCC Gala Stage
January2007Premiere Dance Theatre
November2006Premiere Dance Theatre
May2006Grand Rapids, MI
March2006Edmonton, AB
April2006Vancouver, BC
September2005Artsweek, TD Centre Outdoor Stage, Toronto, ON
May2005Bristol, England
March2005Ottawa, ON
June2005Omni Ethnic Awards Show, Omni T.V., Toronto, ON
June2005Chicago, IL
February2005Atlanta, GA
August2005fFIDA, Outdoor Stage, Toronto, ON
April2005Thunder Bay, ON
April2005Vienna, Austria
April2005Budapest, Hungary
April2005Barcelona, Spain
September2004Windsor, ON
September2004Montreal, QC
October2004Edmonton, AB
October2004Grand Rapids, MI
November2004Performance in Stratford, ON
November2004Performance in Sarnia, ON
May2004Virginia Beach, VA
May2004Thunder Bay, ON
March2004Smith College, MA
June2004Victoria, BC
June2004Hong Kong, China
July2004Toronto Street Festival, Toronto, ON
January2004Bristol, England
January2004Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
August2004San Juan, Puerto Rico
August2004Guelph, ON
September2003Grand Rapids, MI
October2003Winnipeg, MB
October2003Frankfurt, Germany
October2003Austin, TX
November2003Edinborough, Scotland
November2003Glasgow, Scotland
June2003Sarnia, ON
June2003Atlanta, GA
February2003Red Top Inn, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
December2003Vienna, Austria
October2002Winnipeg Casino, Winnipeg, MB
October2002Rakassah East, NJ
November2002Dancers for Peace, Circle of the Sacred, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
June2002Sarnia, ON
July2002Silk Road Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
January2002Television Interviews: CBC Culture Shock, Sex TV
April2002Atlanta, GA
March2002Radio Interviews: CIUT, CKLN, CBC (twice)
October2001St. John, NB
November2001Miami, FL
June2001Sarnia, ON
January2001Arab Heritage Awards Gala, Toronto, ON
December2001Dancers for Peace, Circle of the Sacred, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
1997 - presentPerformances with Arabesque Dance Company including solo performances. Also various performances at Arabic community events of approximately one per month.
1981 - 1996Three to ten performances a week of approximately 30 to 40 minutes each, usually to a live orchestra. Venues included nightclubs, theatres, banquet and convention halls across Canada and the United States, England, Mexico, Syria, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon and Jordan. Special engagements and weddings for royalty and heads of state in Jordan, Mexico and Syria including large public events on behalf of the Syrian government.
August1995Interview and performance in the Bellydance Documentary, Belly You Say?, produced by Marie Ashworth
June1993Das Rheingold, Theatre Centre, Toronto, directed by Steven Seabrook
1992Solo dance performance in Punjabi movie, Dupke Samundron

Performer/Choreographer, Producer Arabesque Dance Company

May2006York University
April2006Neena & Veena Gala, Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto, ON
March2006Aida Nour Gala Performance, Toronto, ON
March2006Lula Lounge - Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Toronto, ON
January2006Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, PDT, Toronto, ON
November2005Sharara Festival, Ottawa, ON
November2005M-Do Studios, Toronto
December2005Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
July2005Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
June2005Stone Church Museum, Belleville, ON
August2005fFIDA, Grand Scale Event, Toronto, ON
April2005Momo Kadous Gala Performance, Toronto, ON
January2005Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
October2004Aziza Gala Performance, Toronto, ON
September2004Junction Arts Festival, Toronto, ON
August2004fFIDA, Grand Scale Event, Toronto, ON
Aug - Sept2004Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, ON
July2004Toronto Street Festival, Toronto, ON
May2004Magdy el Leisy Gala Performance, Toronto, ON
August2004River Run Theatre, Guelph, ON
July2004African Dance Festival, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
March2004Smith College, Massachusetts
January2004Dance Ontario 3X3, Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
January2004Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
September2003Toronto Show, OMNI T.V.
August2003Emerald A Go-Go event, Bambu By The Lake, Toronto, ON
August2003Caribana, Toronto
July2003Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, Toronto, ON
July2003Afrofest, Toronto, ON
May2003Descent of Ishtar and other traditional repertoire with full orchestra performed on tour:
3rd-Sudbury, Fraser Auditorium, Laurentian University
10th-Windsor, Capitol Theatre
24th-Ottawa, Museum of Civilization
31st-St. Catharines, Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
March2003Performance in Guelph, ON
January2003Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
November2002Dancers for Peace, Circle of the Sacred, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
October2002Arab Heritage Weekend, Toronto
August2002Kick Up Your Heels Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
August2002Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists, Toronto, ON
July2002Silk Road Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
March2002Isis, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
January2002Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
December2001Dancers for Peace, Circle of the Sacred, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
October2001The Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
August2001fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists (fFIDA), Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON
July2001Aisha Ali and Morocco Concert - Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto, ON
July2001Discover Dance Documentary USA, Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto, ON
July2001Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, Toronto, ON
May20012nd International Middle Eastern Dance Conference, Los Angeles, CA
February2001Dance Immersion, DuMaurier Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
January2001Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
January2001Arab Heritage Awards Gala, Toronto, ON
November2000Egyptian Canadian Club, Toronto, ON
November2000Silk Road Festival, Scarborough Civic Centre, Scarborough, ON
October2000The Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
September2000Madison Square Garden Theatre, New York, NY
August2000Canadian National Exhibition, International Pavilion, Toronto, ON
August2000Rhythms of the World Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
August2000fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists, Toronto, ON
July2000Kick Up Your Heels Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
July2000Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, Toronto, ON
June2000Niagara Folk Arts Festival, St. Catharines, ON
January2000Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto, ON
November1999Ontario Contact, John Basset Theatre, Toronto, ON
October1999The Legend of Ibrahim Farrah, Hart House Theatre, Toronto, ON
October1999James Cowan Theatre, Vancouver, BC
October1999Orpheus Theatre, Calgary, AB
September1999International Stage, Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, ON
August1999Anne Tindall Stage, Hot & Spicy Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
August1999fFIDA - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON
July1999Toronto Street Festival
July1999Dusk Dances, Toronto, ON
April1999In Search of the Almeh, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
February1999Dancemakers, Toronto, ON
January1999Series 8:08, YMCA, Toronto, ON
January1999Residance, Toronto, ON
January1999Dance Ontario, Dance Weekend, Premiere Dance Theatre
August1998Alabina and Bijan Mortazavi in Concert, Hummingbird Centre, Toronto, ON
August1998fFIDA - Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON
August1998Anne Tindall Stage, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON/td>
June1998Caravan - Cairo Pavilion
May1998St. Anne's Theatre, Victoria, BC
May1998Casa Loma, corporate show for Air France, Toronto, ON
April1998Descent of Ishtar, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront, Toronto; Six 90-minute performances with 15 dancers, 9 musicians and originally composed music
March1998Series 8:08, YMCA Toronto, ON
August1997fFIDA, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON
July1997Theatre Fringe Festival, Toronto, ON
June1997Caravan - Cairo Pavilion
March1997Series 8:08, YMCA, Toronto, ON
November1996Call of the Nile, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront, Toronto; four 90-minute performances with 17 dancers and 10 musicians
October1996Shaharazad Gala Show, George Ignatieff Theatre, Toronto, ON
August1996fFIDA, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON
August1996Lester B. Pearson Theatre, Toronto, ON
July1996Theatre Fringe Festival, Toronto, ON
May1996The Field /Series 8:08, Toronto, ON
January1996Homeworks, Toronto, ON
November1995Evening of Enchantment, Easter Seals Benefit, Toronto, ON
September1995Yousri Sherriff Gala Show, St. Michael's Theatre, University of Toronto
July1995GYPSY, Estonian House, Toronto, ON
May1995Language of Dance, YMCA, Toronto, ON
Sept 1994 - Feb 1995Ali-Baba Night Club, Athens, Greece and many special engagements in Lebanon with Walid Tawfik
August1994Feature Country, Egypt, Pyramid Stage, C.N.E., Toronto, ON
August1993fFIDA, Winchester Theatre, Toronto, ON
June1993Caravan, Istanbul Pavillion, nine shows
November1992Robert Gill Theatre, Toronto; four 90-minute performances with 12 dancers
Jan & Mar1992GYPSY, Toronto, ON
Oct & Nov1989Marriott Hotel, Amman, Jordan and Vendome Hotel, Damascus, Syria
November1988Robert Gill and George Ignatieff Theatres, Toronto; four 90-minute performances with 14 dancers

Instructor

March2012Thunder Bay
February2012Workshop X
November2011Al Khaima - dancing with Live Musicians Workshop
October2011Oum Kalthoum Workshop
August2011INt/ADV Bellydance Crash Course
July2011BG I/II Bellydance Crash Course
July2011Two-Week Professional Middle Eastern Dance Course
May2011Al Khaima - dancing with Live Musicians Workshop
May2011BELLYDANCE: SPIRITUALITY, SEXUALITY, FEMINISM & SELF-ESTEEM Lecture
April2011Yearnings Choreography Workshop
April2011Drum Solo Choreography Workshop
April2011Kick Ass Technique Workshops
March2011Khatarna Alla Ballak Choreography Workshop
March2011West Meets East Lecture
November2010Al Khaima - Dancing With Musicans Workshop
November2010Edmonton, AB
October2010Oum Kalthoum Workshop
October2010Yearnins Choreography Workshop
October2010Kick Ass Technique Workshops
September2010Drum Solos & Taxims
September2010I Dream In Drag Workshop
July2010Two-Week Professional Middle Eastern Dance Course
May2010Saiidi Workshop
April2010Folklore Workshop
April2010Kick Ass technique Workshop
March2010Workshop, Yukon, Whitehorse
March2010Workshop, Vancouver, BC
March2010Oum Kalthoum Workshop
March2010Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
October2009Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
July2009Bellydance Video Night
July2009One-WeekIntensive Summer Camp at Haliburton School of the Arts
July2009Two-Week Professional Middle Eastern Dance Course
June2009Austin, texas
June2009Two-weekTechnique Master Classes
March2009Folklore Weekend Workshop
February2009Four-week Technique Master Classes
February2009Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
October2008Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
September2008Intensive Folklore Weekend
September2008Two-Day workshop, Mexico
August2008Atlantic Dance Festival, Moncton Bellet School
August2008Fleming College, Haliburton School of the Arts, Level Two
July/August2008Fleming College, Haliburton School of the Arts, Level One
July2008Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
July2008Arabesque Intensive Professional Course
May2008AuSet Studio , Winnipeg
May2008York University, Pulse Youth Dance Conference
April2007Museum of Textiles, Ontario
February2007Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music, Ontario
February2008On The Move, National Ballet of Canada School, Ontario
August2007One-dayworkshop, Kingston, Ontario
August2007Four-day workshop, Thunder Bay, Ontario
July2007Two-week Professional Middle Eastern Dance Course, Ontario
July2007Two-day workshop, Boston, Massachewsetts
July2007Five-day workshp, Haliburton School of the Arts
July2007One-day workshop, Kingston, Ontario
June2007One-day workshop, Brockville, Ontario
June2007Three-day workshop, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June2007Three-day workshop, Calgary, Alberta
April2007International Bellydance Conference of Canada, ON
May2006Three-day workshop, Grand Rapids, MI
April2006Three-day workshop, Vancouver, BC
March2006Three-day workshop, Edmonton, AB
June2005Two-day workshop, Chicago, IL
May2005Two-day workshop, Bristol, England
April2005Two-day workshop, Thunder Bay, ON
April2005Three-day workshop, Budapest, Hungary
April2005Two-day workshop, Vienna, Austria
April2005Three-day workshop, Barcelona, Spain
March2005Two-day workshop, Ottawa, ON
February2005Two-day workshop, Atlanta, Georgia
May2004Two-day workshop, Virginia Beach, Virginia
October2004Two-day workshop, Grand Rapids, MI
October2004Two-day workshop, Edmonton, AB
September2004Two-day workshop, Windsor, ON
September2004Two-day workshop, Montreal, QC
Aug2004Three-day workshop, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Aug2004Four-day workshop, Guelph, ON
July2004Two-week intensive professional course, Toronto, ON
July2004Five-day summer course, Belleville, ON
June2004Four-day workshop, Hong Kong, China
June2004Three-day workshop, Victoria, BC
June2004Workshop in Sarnia, ON
May2004Two-day workshop, Thunder Bay, ON
March2004Workshop in Stratford, ON
January2004Workshop at Dance Ontario, Kingston, ON
January2004Workshop in Bristol, England
2001-2003Taught average of 5 classes a week at Arabesque Academy
November2003Workshop in Edinborough, Scotland
November2003Workshop in Glasgow, Scotland
November2003Four-day workshop, Vienna, Austria
October2003One-week workshop, Frankfurt, Germany
October2003Two-day workshop, Houston, TX
October2003Two-day workshop, Winnipeg, MB
September2003Two-day workshop, Grand Rapids, MI
June2003Workshop in Sarnia, ON
May2003Workshops during Descent of Ishtar tour in cities across Ontario: Sudbury, Windsor, Ottawa, and St. Catharines
November2002Workshop at Branksome Hall, Toronto, ON
October2002Two-day workshop and performance, Winnipeg, MB
April2002Two-day workshop and performance, Atlanta, GA
February2002Two-day workshop and performance, Sarnia, ON
November2001Two-day worksho, Miami, FL
October2001Two-day workshop, St. John, NB
May2001Re-organized Arabesque Academy to an exclusively Middle Eastern dance, music and history school, offering up to 30 classes a week
March2001Workshop in Barrie, ON
February2001Workshop at University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
February2001Workshop at Branksome Hall, Toronto, ON
1995 - 2000Reopened Arabesque Academy, a multi-ethnic dance school specializing in Middle Eastern, Latin and Brazilian dance; owner, manager, teacher, agent, teaching sixteen Middle Eastern dance classes weekly
December2000Workshop at Earl Haig Secondary School for the Arts, Toronto, ON
December2000Workshop at Womyn's Forum, Windsor, ON
October2000Workshop in Kingston, ON
July2000Workshop at Kick Up Your Heels Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
June2000Present monthly workshops in Sarnia, ON
January2000Women's Self Esteem workshop at Oakwood Public Library, Toronto, ON
January2000Women's Self Esteem workshop for Women's Health Issues, Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON
November1999Drum Solo workshop with percussionist Amer Matri, Toronto, ON
November1999Workshop in Barrie, ON
October1999Two-day workshop for MEDA, Vancouver, BC
October1999Two-day workshop in Calgary, AB
August1999Workshop at Water's Edge Cafe, Hot n' Spicy Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
July1999Workshop with Dr. George Sawa at Centauri Summer Arts Camp
May1999Workshop in London, ON
January1999Workshop to the East York Woman's Group, Toronto, ON
August1998Workshop at Water's Edge Cafe, Hot n' Spicy Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
October1998Workshop in Guelph, ON
July1998Workshop - Drum & Dance Marathon for COBA and OMO
May1998Three-day workshop, Victoria, B.C
March1998Workshop for Harbourfront Community Centre, Toronto, ON
February1998Workshop for the Centre For Well-Being
January1998Workshop for the Gay & Lesbian Committee, York University, Toronto, ON
May1997Workshop sponsored by Dance Umbrella of Ontario at the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada
September1997Workshop for Canadian Managers of Proctor & Gamble with Carmen Romero
February1997Weekly class for Donna's Friends in Fitness, Hamilton, ON,
February1997Seminar for Graduate Dance Program at York University, Toronto, ON
1991 - 1994Average of three Middle Eastern Dance classes and workshops a week in Canada, United States, Mexico, Syria and Jordan
1987 - 1990Arabesque Academy - owner, manager, teacher, administrator, promoter
1984 - 1986Average of two Middle Eastern Dance classes a week out of the home

Workshop Instructor

October2008Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
September2008Intensive Folklore Weekend
September2008Two-Day workshop, Mexico
August2008Atlantic Dance Festival, Moncton Bellet School
August2008Fleming College, Haliburton School of the Arts, Level Two
July / August2008Fleming College, Haliburton School of the Arts, Level One
July2008Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
July2008Arabesque Intensive Professional Course
May2008AuSet Studio , Winnipeg
May2008York University, Pulse Youth Dance Conference
April2008Museum of Textiles
February2008Al Khaima - Dance Relation w/ Music
February2008On The Move, National Ballet of Canada School
June2007One-dayworkshop, Kingston, Ontario
June2007Four-day workshop, Thunder Bay, Ontario
June2007Two-day workshop, Boston, Massachewsetts
June2007Five-day workshp, Haliburton School of the Arts
June2007One-day workshop, Kingston, Ontario
June2007One-day workshop, Brockville, Ontario
June2007Three-day workshop, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June2007Three-day workshop, Calgary, Alberta
June2006Three-day workshop, Grand Rapids, MI
June2006Three-day workshop, Edmonton, Alberta
June2005Two-day workshop, Chicago, IL
June2005Two-day workshop, Bristol, England
June2005Two-day workshop, Thunder Bay, ON
June2005Three-day workshop, Budapest, Hungary
June2005Two-day workshop, Vienna, Austria
June2005Three-day workshop, Barcelona, Spain
June2005Two-day workshop, Ottawa
June2005Two-day workshop, Atlanta, Georgia
June2004Two-day workshop, Virginia Beach, Virginia
June2004Two-day workshop, Grand Rapids, MI
June2004Two-day workshop, Edmonton
June2004Two-day workshop, Windsor
June2004Two-day workshop, Montreal
August2004Three-day workshop, San Juan, Puerto Rico
August2004Four-day workshop, Guelph, ON
June2004Two-week intensive professional course, Toronto, ON
June2004Five-day summer course, Belleville, ON
June2004Four-day workshop in Hong Kong, China
June2004Three-day workshop in Victoria, BC
June2004Workshop in Sarnia, ON
June2004Two-day workshop in Thunder Bay, ON
June2004Workshop in Stratford, ON
January2004Workshop at Dance Ontario 3X3 in Kingston, ON
January2004Workshop in Bristol, England
August2001-2003Average 8 classes a week at Arabesque Academy
June2003Workshop in Edinborough, Scotland
June2003Workshop in Glasgow, Scotland
June2003Four-day workshop in Vienna, Austria
June2003One-week workshop in Frankfurt, Germany
June2003Two-day workshop in Houston, TX
June2003Two-day workshop in Winnipeg, MB
June2003Two-day workshop in Grand Rapids, MI
June2003Workshop in Sarnia, ON
June2003Workshops during Descent of Ishtar tour in cities across Ontario: Sudbury, Windsor, Ottawa, and St. Catherines
June2002Workshop at Branksome Hall, Toronto
June2002Two-day workshop and performance in Winnipeg, Manitoba
June2002Two-day workshop and performance in Atlanta, GA
June2002Two-day workshop and performance in Sarnia, ON
June2001Two-day workshop Miami, FL
June2001Two-day workshop in St. John, NB
June2001Re-organized Arabesque Academy to an exclusively Middle Eastern dance, music and history school, offering up to 30 classes week
June2001Workshop in Barrie, ON
June2001Workshop at University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
June2001Workshop at Branksome Hall, Toronto, ON
1995 - 2000Reopened Arabesque Academy, a multi-ethnic dance school specializing in Middle Eastern, Latin and Brazilian dance; owner, manager, teacher, agent, teaching sixteen Middle Eastern dance classes weekly.
June2000Workshop at Earl Haig Secondary School for the Arts, Toronto, ON
June2000Workshop at Womyn's Forum in Windsor, ON
June2000Workshop in Kingston, ON
June2000Workshop at Kick Up Your Heels Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
June2000Present monthly workshops in Sarnia, ON
January2000Women's Self Esteem workshop at Oakwood Public Library, Toronto, ON
January2000Women's Self Esteem workshop for Women's Health Issues, Toronto Convention Centre
June1999Drum Solo workshop with percussionist Amer Matri in Toronto, ON
June1999Workshop in Barrie, ON
June1999Two day workshop for MEDA in Vancouver, BC
June1999Two day workshop in Calgary, AB
June1999Workshop at Water's Edge Cafe, Hot n' Spicy Festival, Harbourfront Centre
June1999Workshop with Dr. George Sawa at Centauri Summer Arts Camp
June1999Workshop in London, ON
January1999Workshop to the East York Woman's Group
June1998Workshop at Water's Edge Cafe, Hot n' Spicy Festival, Harbourfront Centre
June1998Workshop in Guelph, ON
June1998Workshop - Drum & Dance Marathon for COBA and OMO
June1998Three-day workshop in Victoria, B.C
June1998Workshop for Harbourfront Community Centre
June1998Workshop for the Centre For well-being
January1998Workshop for the Gay & Lesbian Committee, York University
June1997Workshop sponsored by Dance Umbrella of Ontario at the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada
June1997workshop for Canadian Managers of Proctor & Gamble with Carmen Romero
June1997Weekly class in Hamilton, Ontario, Donna's Friends in Fitness
1991 - 1994Average of three Middle Eastern Dance classes and workshops a week in Canada, United States, Mexico, Syria and Jordan
1987 - 1990Arabesque Academy - owner, manager, teacher, administrator, promoter
1984 - 1986Average two Middle Eastern Dance classes a week out of the home

Producer/Presenter

International Bellydance Conference of CanadaApril 18-22, 2007 and April 23-27, 2008.
Layali ArabesqueDecember 2004 to present
Every Friday - different solo dance artist and live band.
Al KhaimaFeb. 23, 2008, July 12, 2008
Hezz Ya Wezz10 soloists and live band, 4 times a year from
HaflaDecember 2001, August 2002, September 2002, June 2004, December 2004, December 2005
Lesson in bellydance, performance, and music in Toronto, ON
Student Soiree15 Students of all levels perform solo to cd
October 2005 & March 2006
Student Gala1995 - present, Toronto, ON, Student Gala twice a year (Spring and Fall) presenting 300 bellydance students performing in group format
GYPSYMulti-cultural music, dance, food and handicraft event. Each occasion included five ethnic bands and five ethnic dance groups. Attendance averaged 800 people.
February 2005 Estonia House, Toronto
July 1995 Estonia House, Toronto
January 1995 Club Lusitania, Toronto
March 1992 Club Lusitania, Toronto
DancenetTwo-hour dance-show on the last Sunday of every month that presents eight different styles of dance. The wide variety of artists changes every month. Sixty-two performances over six years. Attendance averaged 175 people. Oct. 1995 - present Arabesque Studio Theatre, Toronto
Jun. 1995 Artword Theatre Space, Toronto
Feb. 1995 Symptom Hall, Toronto
Sep. 1994 Symptom Hall, Toronto
Jul. 1994 Symptom Hall, Toronto

Workshop Presenter/Producer

Series A variety of dance workshops every week with guest teachers in all forms of dance. Instructors who have taught workshops and who have all performed at Dancenet at the Arabesque Academy, from October 1995 to present:

  • Jazz (Bhangra)
  • Maan Lababneh (Debke)
  • Gary Dafoe (American Swing, Tango, Latin, Hustle, Lindy Hop)
  • Faranak (Classical and Modern Persian Dance)
  • Dr. George Sawa (Understanding Arab Music for the Middle Eastern Dancer, Zar and Sufi Dance)
  • Elena Quah (Chinese Folk Dance)
  • GoGo Mahashi (Indian Film Dance)
  • Elaine Abolicao (Afro-Brazilian Dance)
  • Cheryl Findley (Afro-Caribbean Dance)
  • Max Ni-Noi (Hip Hop)
  • Loretta Faveri (Zebekiko)
  • Saeid Shanbehzadeh (Bandari and Other Dances from the Persian Gulf)
  • Tanya Bakala (Flamenco)
  • Andrew Kennedy (Country & Western)
  • Lisa Sandlos (Comparative Modern)
  • Pam Johnson (Contact Modern)
  • Bindu Shah (Odissi & Indian Folk Dance)
  • Maya DaSilva (Samba)
  • Carmen Romero (Flamenco)
  • Sandra Rocha & Ruben Bustamente (Argentinean Tango)
  • Denise Mireau (Creative Movement)
  • Bageshree Vaze (Bharatha Natyam)
  • Jahanara (Kathak)
  • Valerie Scannura (Flamenco)
  • Tom Callwell & Myra Hirschberg (Cajun)
  • Newton Moraes (Afro-Brazilian/Modern)
  • Sarah Gagnon (Latin-Jazz) etc.

Egypt Tour

1989 & 2004Organized educational tour of Egypt including dance classes with famous choreographers for groups of students.

Sponsored Out of Town Guest Teachers

March2006Aida Nour, Cairo
January2006Lesya Starr, Barcelona, Spain
Sept or Oct2005Nath Keo, BC
July2005Linda Reed, Tennessee
July2005Aniko, Budapest Hungary
April2005Momo Kadous, Germany
October2004Aziza, Montreal
March2004Ansuya, Los Angeles, CA
March2004Bozenka, Miami FL
June2004Muhtar and Hally from Turkey
May2004Magdy El Leisy from Germany
September2002Hadia in residency at Arabesque Academy
July2001Aisha Ali of Los Angeles and Morocco of New York
October1999Near East Dance Troupe from New York. NY
February1999Hadia from Calgary, AB
November1998Dahlena from Berkley, CA
June1998Denise Sedmack from Milwaukee, WI
March1998Venus from Vancouver, BC
November1997Denise Sedmack from Milwaukee, WI
September1997Rayna from New York, NY
May1997Amani from Beirut, Lebanon
March1996Denise Sedmack from Milwaukee, WI
February1996Mey Jen from Hong Kong
August1992Mohamed Khalil from Cairo, Egypt
November1998Ibrahim Farrah from New York, NY

Recording

Producer Nawaem2005Recording of traditional Arabic music with Arabesque Orchestra
Oyoun1999Recording of traditional Arabic music with Arabesque Orchestra
Descent of Ishtar1998Soundtrack for choreography, music by Richard Feren

Video/DVD

Producer Bellydance Choreography Volume One (2004) - Instructional Video/DVD

Bellydance Technique Volume One (2004) - Instructional Video/DVD

Oyoun (2002) - Filmed in July 2001, Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto

Descent of Ishtar (2002) - Filmed in July 2002, Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto

Bellydance Movement Foundation (2002) - Instructional Video/DVD

Malika (2005)

Choreography Volume II (2006 ) - Instructional Video/DVD

Choreography Volume III (2006 ) - Instructional Video/DVD

The Night Club Performance (2006)

Television

Jan 11, 2008, Global TV

Jan. 29, 2008, Rogers TV

Feb. 11, 2008 Rogers. TV

Feb. 28, 2008 Bollywood TV, Omni

May 21, 2008 Much Music, City TV - , So You Think You Can Dance Canada Promo

Radio

March 6, 2008, CKLN

April 20, 2008, CIUT

Print Media

June 23, 2008 Hello Canada

April 24, 2008 Toronto Star

Grants

Dance Ontario 2006 1st Bellydance Conference of Canada

Canada Council for the Arts

  • For hosting teacher-in-residence, Hadia from Calgary, AB, 2002
  • For Isis, new work to premiere in 2002
  • For presentation at 2nd International Conference of Middle Eastern Dance in Los Angeles, CA

Ontario Arts Council

  • Touring grant (2003), For performances in Windsor, Kingston, Sudbury and St. Catherine's, ON
  • For In Search of the Almeh (2000), Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Toronto Arts Council

  • For Fasifisa - production costs, new work to be presented in 2005.
  • For Isis, new work to be premiered in 2002
  • With Sashar Zarif, for Leyla and Majnun
  • For In Search of the Almeh, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
  • For Descent of Ishtar, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Laidlaw Foundation

  • For Isis, new work to be premiered in 2002
  • With Sashar Zarif, Yashar Collective, for Leyla and Majnun
  • For In Search of the Almeh, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
  • For Descent of Ishtar, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
  • For Nedaa El Nil (Call of the Nile), Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Municipality of Metro Toronto

  • For Nedaa El Nil, Studio Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Human Resources Development Canada

  • For employment of production, administrative and costume labour

Dance Umbrella of Ontario

  • Sponsorship for Women's Self-Esteem Project

Awards

2003 Nominated for International Middle Eastern Dance Awards - Best Egyptian-style dancer

2001 Arab Heritage Award

Other Positions

1997 - present Serving on the Board of Directors of Dance Ontario

1997 - present Member of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists

May 19, 2008, Judge for Dance Manitoba Festival