Year of You 2023!

Raqs Sharki and Folkloric Foundations

Vanessa is an international performing artist, instructor & choreographer whose credits include regularly teaching at the Nile Group Festival in Cairo. Residing in Cairo, she instructs private / group classes in all styles including many of the Egyptian folklore dances. In addition to daily night club shows,she is contracted in many Five Star hotels including The Four Seasons, The Hyatt, The Marriott, Hilton Dreams, Hilton Sharks Bay, Hilton Waterfalls, Maritime/Jollieville, Helnan, Kiroseiz, Sonesta Beach, Melia Sharm, Melia Sinai, Holliday Village, Nubian Island and others. Previously based for six years in Sharm El Sheikh, one of Egypt’s most prized ​touristdestinations, Vanessa is believed to be thefirst and only (American) woman to start a production company in Egypt.

Rhythm identification,drum solo performance

In expert hands, the Arab hand drum – known as the dumbek, darabukka or tablah- is an amazingly versatile instrument capable of creating a wide variety of sound and timbres. There are no abler hands than those of Issam Houshan – dubbed the “Wassan Pharaoun” (Pharaoh of Rhythm) with his “magic fingers.”

Born in Damascus, Syria, Issam moved to the U.S. in 1990, became a U.S. citizen, and soon became the leading Arab drummer in the U.S. Issam has worked with an impressive list of singers, dancers, and musical groups, including with Sting for the Grammys when he performed “Desert Rose.” In 2003, Issam joined the Bellydance Superstars as solo percussionist- touring the world performing 400 concerts in 16 countries to over 1 million people. During the extensive touring, he undertook the task of training a number of dancers in drumming technique and now they join him on stage as back up. Issam has become recognized as one of the foremost teachers of the Arab drum in the world. He has released 3 music CDs and a drum solo DVD with Bellydance Superstar Sonia – ART OF THE DRUM SOLO. He is also featured on the Bellydance Superstars DVDs, LIVE IN PARIS AT THE FOLIES BERGÈRE, SOLOS FROM MONTE CARLO, and BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS, VOL. 1.

Safe dance practice, strength and flexibility

Is a multi-award winning belly dancer, and is the founder of Greenstone Belly Dance. Her love of music is equaled only by her love of movement, making belly dance her perfect match. Siobhan Camille takes a particular interest in the health, strength and performance of dancers, as she is not only a professional belly dancer, but also an exercise scientist. She conducted the first ever peer-reviewed scientific research concerning injury incidence in belly dancers, and has a decade of experience working with athletes and dancers across the globe, helping them to recover from injury and improve their performance.

CREATIVITY AND IMPROVISATION

Welcome! I am guessing that you are here, because you are like so many dancers of the world who are seeking more inspiration through your dance journey.  With my 30+ years of dancing and teaching experience, I am excited to help you along the way.   Over the years I have had countless students tell me that staying inspired to train and improve is the most difficult part of their dance journey.  I want to help you release the guilt and frustration over feeling unmotivated in your dance practice, by giving you the tools, tips and inspiration to create a dancers way of life. Come with me on a holistic approach to becoming the dance artist you know you can be.