Have you ever attempted to create your own choreography? Almost every dancer at some point in their life attempts to put their own movements to the music. If your experience has been anything like mine, this process is harder than it looks!
I bet you've been there - music ready with pen and paper in hand, only to find yourself frozen in place desperately trying to remember a cool move or combination that you know. Or perhaps you've successfully choreographed before, but now find yourself stuck in a cycle of repetition that is boring you to death.
What to expect
Who can take this course?
Sahira was practically born on stage, having studied music, drama, and dance since the age of two. The musicality instilled within her as a classically trained flautist and singer infuse her dance with a sophisticated quality and her extensive training in Middle Eastern as well as Tribal, Modern, and West African dance gives her performances an intense and earth energy.
In 2005, Sahira released her first instructional DVD, ”Arabian Spices“ and has since then been invited to teach and perform across the USA as well as Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Canada, and Taiwan. In 2006 she had the honor of being the first tribal instructor ever invited to teach at the largest belly dance festival in the world: Ahlan We Sahlan, in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007 Sahira released two more instructional DVDs: ”Ali“ and ”Bella Donna Ya Helwa.” In 2011 she teamed up with Silvia Salamanca to release the DVD “Spanish Gypsy Passion“. Her latest DVD “Urban Gypsy Folkloric Combinations” was released in the Summer of 2013.
When in Houston, Sahira performs three nights a week with Bella Donna, voted Houston ’s Best Belly Dancers by the Houston Press. She is founder and director of Houston’s premiere Tribal Style troupe, Urban Gypsy.
Sahira says:
“I love belly dancing! Seriously… I did not ever set out to be a professional belly dancer, but since dedicating the last 18 years of my life to it, I cannot imagine doing anything else. I was an engineer by training before starting my first belly dance class – which just goes to show that anyone can learn this beautiful dance!
What I love best about teaching – and I’ve had the opportunity to work with students all over the world – is watching a student grow into their dance – from that first “ah-ha” moment, to seeing them dance with a confidence that they never thought they had. This dance is so wonderfully empowering and can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. I’ve gained balance, confidence, poise, and come to appreciate my body and who I am… and you can too!
People have described my classes as “clear and easy to follow”, “approachable”, “a fabulous workout”. My science background comes out in my attention to detail and the way I break the movements down into their smallest component parts.
I look forward to helping others all over the world to learn and love this dance that means so much to me.
See you on the dance floor!”