Camel Caravan`s Year End Blowout Sale!!

Camel Caravan’s Year End
Blowout Sale!!
We are clearing out our current inventory for the end of the year to
make way for the new. Everything will be on sale! Come check out
our selection of Hip Scarves, CD’s and DVD’s, Sharif Wear and Gypsy
Tribal wear, Zills, Props, Costumes, Accessories and More.
When:
Saturday December 4th from 11:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday December 5th from 11:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday December 8th from 4:30 – 8:00pm
Where:
10608 130St. Edmonton, AB (Green House)
Find the perfect gift for your dancing friend or purchase a Camel
Caravan Gift Certificate. Taking a bellydance class next term? Find
all your dance supplies at up to 35% off tag price.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Address from the Artistic Director:
As a young chiropractic student, I saw Bellydance as theatre art for the
first time in 2002. It was Arabesque Dance Company’s production ISIS and,
while not new to seeing dance in or as theatre, I remember thinking that it
was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Completely captivated by
the music, dance and visual imagery, I thought the dancers on stage were
the luckiest girls in the world. In my mind’s eye, those pieces are as vivid
and haunting 8 years later as they were that day.
That memory is the inspiration for Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble and
our production of Imraatu and East Meets West. It has been two fun,
frustrating and rewarding years to get us to the stage and to fulfil our
vision. We hope that the Edmonton community finds these shows moving
and motivating and that this is not the end of a journey, but the start of an
even bigger and better one.
Enjoy the show!
Aurora Ongaro
THANK YOU’s
There are so many people that deserve a heartfelt thank you, and I have
endeavoured to include all of them here:
My family, who are my foundation and support me in everything I have
ever done or tried. My loving husband Ralph, who is ever patient with my
many nights away, makes sure I stay healthy and fed with delicious home
cooked meals, and for every “I love you” over the last 11 years. Natasha &
Maria for their creative talents, influences, running rehearsals in my
absence and media expertise. Imraatu would not have come together
without you. Holly & Kelly for working tirelessly to make sure the fresh
ideas keep coming in, all the To Do lists are completed and that the “I”s
are dotted and the “T”s are crossed. You made the administration part of
this possible and kept my sanity. Mariann & Camel Caravan for their
costuming help and expertise on a rather small budget. DJ Rex for editing
and mixing our music. Gabriel Cabrolier for his creative help and
restructuring of Aahat, Christina & Vicente Munoz for their tango
expertise in Otra Luna and Usha Gupta for her knowledge of Indian dance
for the piece Yasmina. Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble for their relentless
drive to work towards this common vision, late nights, tired bodies and
extra rehearsals to make the show come together. Edmonton Middle
Eastern Dance community, students and their families for their support
and continued help when called upon and support. Thank you to our
musicians from U of A Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. Yasmina and
Suleiman, thank you for your knowledge and being my inspiration.
And lastly, but certainly not least, to you the audience member... Thank
you for joining us on this artistic journey.
Aurora Ongaro
If you don’t plan on keeping the program, please recycle.
Thank you!
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22
EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST
EAST MEETS WEST
Kristan
Kristan Bickley has been dancing with the
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble since the summer
of 2010. Kristan is also involved in the salsa dance
community. “Learning from and dancing with
Aurora has been an inspiration for me”.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble
Three Eyes Tribal
Nuwayrah
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble
Lindsey
As the most junior member of EBE, Lindsey is
thrilled to be here! She fell in love with dance at age
four, and has studied Ballet, Ukrainian, and Oriental.
Lindsey balances her participation in EBE with her
studies: she is a third year law student at the
University of Alberta.
Mehrdad
Raq-a-Belly
Suzy / Shimmy with Suzy
Yasmina Ramzy
Intermission
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble
Yasmina Ramzy with Suleiman Warwar
Finale
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2
FRIDAY – EAST MEETS WEST
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12th
EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
Zahra
Zahra is a graceful dancer, whose Egyptian
heritage sparked a passion for dancing. In 2006,
Zahra began her formal study of Middle Eastern
dance and has not looked back since. Having
completed her teacher training Levels 1 & 2 with
Hadia in 2009, Zahra is currently teaching and
performing in Edmonton.
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: Faddah
Welcome! Like an overture, a classic opening sets the stage for the show
to come.
Three Eyes Tribal : Allesandra and Sharia el Souk
Three Eyes Tribal will be performing American Tribal Style bellydance.
Using group improvisation, let them captivate you with their expression of
feminine strength and beauty.
Nuwayrah: Dark Veil
Dark Veil by Nuwayrah (new-WAY-rah) Translation - Small Fire. Every once
in awhile a dancer finds a piece of music that truly speaks to who they are.
Brace yourself while Nuwayrah heats up the stage with a little something
different.
Cyrielle
Originally from France, Cyrielle is a dedicated
dancer who began her bellydance training in
2007 in Québec. She moved to Edmonton in
2008 and from there she studied under local
instructors; Aldiya, Anya, and currently Donna
Cucheran and Aurora. Cyrielle recently became a
member of Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble.
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: Solo Akkordion
“The dancer is the musical embodiment of the music” – Yasmina Ramzy.
Let the accordion and drum draw you into their individual song.
Mehrdad: The First Love (1952)
Composer, Gambar Huseinli; Tar, Remiz Guliyev. The style is Azerbaijan.
Raq-a-Belly: Egyptic by Beats Antique
Tribal Fusion Piece. Whilst waiting for a train, several Victorian ladies
discover that there is danger lurking in every corner…
Shimmy Dance Productions: Pharonic Odyssey
Shimmy Dance Productions is a Middle Eastern Dance Company based out
of Airdrie, Alberta. Suzy Brisbin is founder and director. Tonight they will
be performing Odyssey which is a dramatic piece choreographed and
directed by Suzy. It incorporates wings, cane, shamadan and an exciting
drum solo.
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Elvira
Elvira Falconer's love for dance includes 15 years
of Ukrainian dance (Chumak/Cheremosh,
Vohon), Italian Folk, Salsa, and West African
dance. She became enamoured with Middle
Eastern dance in 2005 and studied with Saskia
Aarts, Nancy Bromely, and Viraj Wanigesakira. In
2009 she began bellydancing with Aurora
Ongaro, and became a member of EBE in June of
2010.
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EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST
Yasmina Ramzy: Khatarna Alla Ballak
Choreography Yasmina Ramzy, Music Arabesque Dance Company
Orchestra, Vocals Bassam Bishara
Suzanne
Suzanne began Hawaiian and Filipino Folk dance
at an early age. She began belly dancing with
various Edmonton instructors (2003). In 2005,
Suzanne found
Aurora
and
has
been
dancing under her tutelage ever since. Suzanne's
passion also includes all styles of Middle Eastern
dance, choreographing and translating music into
emotion.
Margaret
Margret has been dancing for 7 years
and has been with EBE since 2008. Her
favourite styles include Egyptian and
folkloric dance.
Yasmeen
Since childhood, Yasmeen has been exposed to
Middle Eastern music and culture, and as a result,
has gained a love of Egyptian dance. She is a
passionate and energetic dancer whose specialty is
Isis Wings. In 2009, Yasmeen completed Level 1 and
2 of Hadia's teacher training, and she is looking
forward to teaching in the new year.
INTERMISSION
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble & University of Alberta Middle
Eastern Music Ensemble
Drum Solo
Drum solos are often considered to be the epitome of a dancer’s technical
talent. Thanks to Steven Byrne for his musical skills. Back up drummer,
Aurora Ongaro.
El Enab
“Mother, he bought me some grapes, of which he picked the ripe
bunches, Mother I held the grapes (guardingly) afraid of what the wind
might do to them” This hit by Sa’d El Soghayer is Shabbi inspired. By the
way...he isn’t actually talking about fruit at all!
Asharlee Bil Manadeel
“He signalled with a handkerchief, and said ‘I’m leaving’ his dress is navy
and long, his steps I’m following. It’s so sweet, flirty from you sir, when
you are angry, you are artist in flirting, right people.” Khaleegy - In Arabic,
this word means "gulf", and bellydancers use it to refer to the style of
music and dance from the Persian Gulf/Arabian peninsula area.
Aziza : Aurora
Improvised solo with band.
Ghana El Hawa
One of the most well known pieces by Abdel Halim Hafez. “Love has come
our way, Love’s thrown a net our way, that dark eyelash there caught us in
love’s snare, love caught us and we got sleepy, the one who caught us can
set us free. My love is on my mind.” It is with great honour that EBE
performs Yasmina Ramzy’s choreography.
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4
FRIDAY – EAST MEETS WEST
Yasmina Ramzy & Suleiman Warwar
EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
Trisha
As a child, Trisha dreamed of being a dancer but
never had the opportunity to pursue that dream.
As an adult, she happened upon 'Bellydance' and
has been in love ever since! Since her first class in
2003, she has taken every opportunity to learn,
including becoming a teacher herself in 2008.
Dumbek Mania
Improvisation by Suleiman Warwar back up with Aurora Ongaro
Majnun
Composed by Suleiman Warwar, choreography by Yasmina Ramzy .
Majnun is the first Drum Solo Suleiman composed especially for Yasmina.
Back up drummer: Aurora Ongaro
Kelly
Kelly first began her love affair with Middle
Eastern dance in 2002. Since then, she has studied
extensively with Hala of Raqs al Almeh Academy of
Middle Eastern Dance and Aurora of Edmonton’s
Bellydance Academy. Kelly has also taken classes
with local instructors Anemone, Aldiya, and
Shahenda.
Join us for our Closing Party
Sunday November 14 at 5:30p.m.
at Co Co Di
11454 Jasper Ave NW
Drinks, Dinner and Dancing
Visit with Yasmina & Suleiman
Music by Dj Johnny
All are welcome!
No cover charge with your ticket stub.
5
Holly
Holly has been taking classes with many local and
international Middle Eastern dance artists and
instructors since 2002. She became a graduate of
Arabesque Academy’s Intensive Professional Middle
Eastern Dance Course in July 2010. Holly is a student
and instructor at Edmonton Bellydance Academy,
and member of Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble.
“Immaculate Technique” – Yasmina Ramzy
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EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
SUNDAY - IMRAATU
IMRAATU
Kristin
Kristin has been part of EBE/EBA since its inception.
Dancing and teaching dance are her passions. She
performs regularly at restaurants and various community
events and is a graduate of the Arabesque Academy
Professional Middle Eastern Dance Program.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre
Aurora
Bedouin Beats
Clarissa Schram of Usha Kala Niketon Dance School
Maria Kiturah
Nomadic Tapestry
Natasha
Natasha has been devoted to the art of dance
for more than two decades. Her training
consists primarily of Classical Ballet; the Royal
Academy of Dance & the Cecchetti Method.
She has also studied Jazz, Lyrical, Modern,
Character and Tap. Since 2005, Natasha has
been studying Middle Eastern Dance with
Aurora; EBA & EBE.
Veronica
Oksana
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble
Lindsay Cottin
Three Eyes Tribal
Aldiya
Maria Kiturah
Maria Kiturah is a principal member of Edmonton
Bellydance Ensemble and is an instructor for
Edmonton Bellydance Academy. As a soloist, she
has appeared on television and is a featured
performer at two local Greek restaurants. Her
choreographic talents are utilized by both EBE
and the academy. Maria Kiturah currently resides
in Edmonton, Alberta.
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Aurora
Intermission
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble:
IMRAATU
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SUNDAY - IMRAATU
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14th
BIOGRAPHIES
Veronica
Improvised Drum Solo
So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round one of the competition,
originally performed with Uncle Malfufo. Thank you to Steven Byrne for
his musical skills.
Veronica started her bellydance
journey in 2004 with Toronto’s
Arabesque Dance Academy. Folkloric
Egyptian dances became her passion,
submerging into full training (20062007) with Nada Krysko, an Egyptian
and previous member of the Reda
Troupe. In 2007, she became part of
Nada’s Rhythm of the Nile Dance
Company and Mayada’s Banat El Sharq Dance Troupe. She recently has
joined the Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble family.
Bedouin Beats: Return to the Goddess
Yasmina Ramzy
Aurora
Gawaher
So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round one of the competition
choreography. Oriental Style. Choreographer: Heather Curcio
Music by Desert Wind. Choreographer: Alyne Hazard.
This difficult, but visually stunning double veil dance was brought to
Canada by Denise Leclair. The addition of the Wings of Isis gives it a whole
new dimension.
Clarissa Schram: Rajasthani gypsy (Ghoomar)
Choreographed by Usha Gupa, Artistic director of Usha Kala Niketan
Dance School. In this dance the dancer is showing her emotions through
her dance, hand gestures and expressions. The pirouettes in the dance
give it the name 'Ghoomar'.
After many years of performing throughout the
Middle East for royalty and heads of state, Yasmina
Ramzy founded the critically acclaimed Arabesque
Dance Company & Orchestra, Arabesque Academy
and the International Bellydance Conference of
Canada. She received her key training from leading
masters in Egypt and Syria including Aida Nour and
Mohammed Khalil of the National Folklore Troupe
of Egypt.
Maria Kiturah: Lucy
The piece was titled Lucy because the track was recorded from vinyl but
the song name has been lost. It was composed for the dancer Lucy in the
'80's. The piece is an opening and was Maria’s entry for the Ahlan Cairo
Nights Queen of the Nile Competition judged by Randa Kamal, Aida Nour
and Lubna Emam. Choreography by Maria Kiturah and Maya Christina
inspired by Cassandra Shore.
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16
BIOGRAPHIES
SUNDAY - IMRAATU
Three Eyes Tribal
Nomadic Tapestry: Raqs Al Sagat and Raqset Al Hajella
Three Eyes Tribal is a dance troupe
located in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada. They primarily perform
American Tribal Style bellydance
(ATS) as created by Carolena
Nericcio, director of Fat Chance
Bellydance.
The troupe consists of 5 beautiful
women, who after years of studying
various forms of bellydance,
discovered that the empowerment, joy, and excitement entrenched in
group improvisational dance continually draws them to ATS. This love of
presenting ATS blossomed into the official troupe formation in 2008.
We improvise; we synchronize; and we mesmerize audiences with our
colourful costuming and swirling skirts. We are Three Eyes Tribal.
Nomadic Tapestry is going to perform two dances for you tonight. The first
dance is “Raqs Al Sagat”, which was choreographed by Jamila Salimpour in
1968 for her master class students, and is one of the required
choreographies for the second level of her certification program. “Raqset
Al Hajalla”, the second number, is an Egyptian Water Pot dance that was
choreographed by the members of Nomadic Tapestry, who also made and
decorated the pots they dance with.
Usha Kala Niketan Dance School
Usha Gupta is the Artistic
Director and Choreographer of
Usha Kala Niketan dance school
as well as an established
artistic,
choreographer, and
teacher in Edmonton. She has
been honoured with the City's
'Salute to Excellence' award in
the category of Performing Arts
and the Government of India's
choreography award in New Delhi. Usha has a masters degrees in Indian
classical vocal music and dance.
Usha Kala Niketan opened in1989 and now boasts 100 students in Indian
classical and folk dance who perform in shows and tour conferences and
festivals across Canada. Students have won gold medal awards and
trophies in such competitions as Dance Power, and EFCL. They perform
regularly at Kala Nidi Festival (Toronto) and Kimberly International
Festival, and danced in three shows with Edmonton's Great Storybook
Productions Association.
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Veronica: Hagallah- based on the original choreographies of Mahmoud
Reda and Nada Krysko
Hagallah- a word believed to mean skip or stomp in Arabic; it is a folkloric
dance of the Bedouin (settled gypsies) of Western Egypt and parts of Libya
with strong hip accents, stepping and small twist-jumps. Traditionally; a
rite of passage to the coming of age of young girls into married life, the girl
is the centre of attention while it would be her only chance to dance, flirt
and mingle with all the single men in the tribe, until she finally chooses her
husband-to-be. This piece is a tribute to Mahmoud Reda and Nada Krysko.
Oksana: Tabel Ya Issam
Egyptian oriental with fun intermix of baladi, drum and saidi.
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble : Ana Saidi
“I am Saidi” The Saidi dance is from Upper Egypt, between Gizeh and Edfu,
and the people are typically farmers. Saidi dance is lively, energetic and
earthy. The stick itself is about four feet in length and is called an Assaya.
Lindsay Cottin: Ya Sha Eyya
Cabaret style with improvised drum solo.
Three Eyes Tribal : Sahra and Huda
Three Eyes Tribal will be performing American Tribal Style bellydance.
Using group improvisation, let them captivate you with their expression of
feminine strength and beauty.
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SUNDAY – IMRAATU
BIOGRAPHIES
Aldiya: Enchanted Gardens and Drum Solo, part 1
Raq-a-Belly
Music - Enchanted Gardens from Oriental Fantasy vol. 11 and Tabla Solo
from Millenium by Amir Sofi. Choreographers - Orit Maftsir and Aradia.
This piece showcases the first part of a beautiful and dynamic
choreography by Isreal's Orit Maftsir. The music features six rhythmic
changes within the first 3 minutes.
Raq-a-Belly
dance
is
Edmonton’s longest running
bellydance troupe. Our motto?
Variety is the spice of life. We
take pride in the diversity of
our dance as well as our
diversity as women from
various backgrounds at various
stages of our lives. We perform several styles of bellydance, mainly
Oriental, American Tribal Style, and Tribal Fusion. Though some of us have
a style preference, we all perform every style as we want to express our
many facets, from the sparkly to the scary.
Aurora: WalkaNottaTalka
So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round two of the competition. Hip Hop
bellydance fusion. Choreographer: Sara
INTERMISSION
Shimmy Dance Productions
Shimmy Dance Productions is a
Middle Eastern Dance Company
based out of Airdrie, Alberta.
Suzy Brisbin is founder and
director. Tonight they will be
performing Pharonic Odyssey
which is a dramatic piece
choreographed and directed by
Suzy. It incorporates wings,
cane, shamadan and an exciting
drum solo.
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: IMRAATU
Love, jealousy, loss, and rebirth collide in a busy village marketplace. A
group of gypsies have arrived to do business and enjoy the delights that
the village has to offer. The Gypsy Queen, earthy and unrestrained, flirts
outrageously with her favourite, Kasim. Teasing him, she proceeds to
sport with all the other men available, hoping to spark his jealousy.
The careless flirting is interrupted by the arrival of refined, delicate
Intisar. Taken by her delicacy and refined beauty, Kasim becomes
infatuated with Intisar. They meet and fall in love, but Intisar is unaware
of the Gypsy Queen’s mounting rage. Mad with envy, the Gypsy Queen
attempts to kill her rival. As she lunges to deliver the death blow, Kasim
moves in the way and is inadvertently stabbed.
Intisar plunges into despair, consumed by the thought that it was she who
was supposed to die, not her lover. Tormented by her grief, she begins a
journey that will force her to face her demons and be transformed,
redefining what it is to be whole, strong, and triumphant.
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Suleiman Warwar
Suleiman is a sought after master dumbek
artist who is invited around the world to
teach. He is the lead dumbek player for the
Arabesque Dance Company Orchestra and
has composed many popular drum solos
available on his CD entitled "Beyond Rhythm"
and the Arabesque Dance Company CDs
entitled "Nawaem", Asala 1 and Asala 2.
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EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE
Nuwayrah
Nuwayrah started her Middle Eastern dance career at Isis
Dance Productions (Edmonton) in 2002 after
accumulating considerable experience in musical theatre
and martial arts. Although her discipline is now largely
Raqs Sharki, she also has a strong leaning towards Tribal
Fusion style. She continues to build upon her repertoire
and has taken workshops with artists such as Beata &
Horacio Cifuentes, Nath Keo, Amir Thaleb, Hadia, Sabura,
Sonia, Petite Jamilla, Kami Liddle, Gypsy Caravan,
Unmata, Ariellah & Sadie. When not teaching Nuwayrah
can be found performing at a variety of events with
Edmonton's most diverse Middle Eastern dance troupe, Raq-a-Belly
dance!
FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST
Aldiya
Aldiya has been teaching and performing Middle
Eastern Dance as a full time profession for 8 years,
and loving it!! She has travelled to Egypt and
Turkey to experience the culture and dance first
hand, studying with various instructors at home
and abroad. Before pursuing MED as a career she
earned a degree in Anthropology, working in
various museums. These days her 2 year old
daughter, Maria, keeps her on her toes as much as
dance!!
Aurora
Bellydancing since 1999, Aurora is often credited
as being an accomplished and graceful dancer
with most of her training from Arabesque
Academy. In 2010 she competed in the So You
Think You Can Bellydance? Competition in Las
Vegas and won first place giving her the
Ultimate Bellydance Artist title.
Aurora is the Founder and Artistic Director of
Edmonton Bellydance Academy and Ensemble.
She has performed and lectured at the
International Bellydance Conference of Canada.
Oksana
For Oksana, born in Russia, dancing has always been
a passion. In school, she was a frequent performer
and winner in the annual dance competitions. The
Art of Middle Eastern Dance was introduced to
Oksana in 2006, and it was an eye opener for her and
a love from the first class.
She has been studying with many teachers and
internationally known dance artists including Sahra
Saeeda (USA), Yousry Sharif (USA), Tito (Egypt),
Cassandra (USA), Louchia (USA), Jillina (USA),
Yasmina Ramzy (Canada), and Hadia (Canada) with
whom she completed the Certified Teacher Training Level 1 & 2.
In 2008, Oksana became a founder of the Moondance Shimmy dance
group for which she is the instructor, lead choreographer and artistic
director.
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Bedouin Beats
These dancers hail from Bedouin
Beats in Edmonton and are
performing
a
magical
choreography by Alyne Hazard of
California with stylistic changes
from the dancers. Dancers
include Stacey Peacock, Denise
Leclair, Susan Stolte, Kristy OHeir
and
Leah
Hopkins.
10
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble
Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble (EBE) is
comprised of the teachers and students of
the Edmonton Bellydance Academy.
Sharing a determination to be successful
individually as well as in the group dynamic,
EBE has delighted and dazzled audiences
throughout Canada. EBE has performed at
the International Bellydance Conference of
Canada, Heritage Days, Festival of Trees and
Feats Festival.
Lindsay Cottin
Lindsay Cottin is a Middle Eastern dance performer
and instructor based in Regina Saskatchewan. She is
versatile in Flamenco, Caribbean, Hip Hop,
Contemporary and Latin styles. She also enjoys
teaching hip hop and a fitness dance called Socacize.
For more info on Lindsay you can visit her site at,
www.rhythm-dance.com
Maria Kiturah
Maria Kiturah has been named an elegant
and adept dance artist. Her formal
training includes both Royal Academy of
Dance and Cecchetti methods. In 2007,
she was hand selected to perform with
Jayson Molina’s Sabor a Fuego, Edmonton
and at the 2007 International Salsa
Congress in Puerto Rico. She has been
principal dancer with Ballet Folklorico Heurquen, Ballet Folklorico Pucara
and has danced with Movements Afro Caribbean Dance Ensemble. Maria
Kiturah’s Middle Eastern dance career has been guided by local instructors
and by highly acclaimed international artists. She completed the
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Arabesque Professional Course in 2010. Maria Kiturah teaches for
Edmonton Bellydance Academy and has taught for Dance Fusion
Academy.
Mehrdad Shokouhi
Mehrdad is a multimedia artist
specialized in Printmaking at the
University of Saskatchewan, but he uses
any medium to express his creativity. I
was born in Tabriz, Iran where the roots
of his passion for art started to grow
deep in his existence. In 1995, an inner
search for freedom brought him to
Canada and back to his true calling as an
artist. Art helps him to connect to his real self, to others, and to the
universe through his deep belief that everything and everyone are
connected together as part of one source. Dance also brings him back to
such connection! Mehrdad is honoured to be one of the founders and
performers of Edmonton Azerbaijani Music and Dance Ensemble, Araz.
Nomadic Tapestry
Nomadic Tapestry is the brainchild
of Donna Cucheran, co-owner of
Raqs Al Almeh - Academy Of
Middle Eastern Dance. For many
years Donna has had an idea of
her perfect Dance Company in
mind. She wanted the Company to
be well versed in all forms of
Folkloric and Classical Middle
Eastern dance.
The Company rehearses tirelessly, and spends many hours studying all
forms of Middle Eastern dance. Occasionally, they even travel outside the
country to do so. Nomadic Tapestry made its first international
appearance at Tribal Fest, in May of 2009.
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