Safa's Dance Resume (includes dates and performances current to 2005)

Teaching Experience

2000-present – Instructor of beginner, intermediate, and private dance classes
Khafif Studio, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA
Focus is on basic vocabulary of tribal-style Middle Eastern dance, with emphasis on improvisation.  Special classes include: dancing with props (canes, swords, skirts, finger cymbals), facial expressions, constructing choreography, and partnering.

2002-2005 – Workshop instructor (with Elizabeth Howard), Instructor of beginner dance classes
Pitt Program Council, Pittsburgh, PA
Taught basic dance technique and some combinations

March, 2003 – Featured instructor (with Elizabeth Howard), Indo-Eurasian Fusion seminar
Spirit of the Tribes, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Taught intermediate and advanced Indo-Eurasian fusion combinations and technique, with focus on fusing dance forms effectively

July, 2002 – Featured instructor at tribal-style dance workshop
London, Ontario, Canada
Taught some basic to intermediate level technique and a performance choreography.

January, 2002 – Featured instructor (with Elizabeth Howard), Indo-Persian Fusion seminar
Future of Traditions Center, Asheville, NC
Taught intermediate and advanced techniques of Indian and Persian fusion dance, with emphasis on improvisation and performing to live musicians.

2001-2002 – Instructor of beginner dance classes
Jewish Community Center (Squirrel Hill), Pittsburgh, PA
Taught basic dance vocabulary and a simple choreography.

1996-1998 – Instructor of private beginner dance classes
Various locations, Ontario, Canada
Taught extreme basics of Middle Eastern dance, focusing on performing improvisationally for audiences and developing dance technique.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

Spirit of the Tribes 2006, April 28-30, 2006 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Teaching “Spices of the Silk Road” with Elizabeth Howard

Performance Experience With Troupes

2000-present – Co-founder, co-director international performance troupe – Khafif Middle Eastern Music and Dance
Various locations, United States and Canada
Performed and choreographed a variety of different styles of dance, including traditional North African and Indian dance as well as classical tribal-style Middle Eastern dance.  Performance locations include Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Washington DC, Georgia, Canada, Louisiana, West Virginia.

1998-2000 – Guest performer, international performance troupe – Ghawazee
Various locations, Pittsburgh, PA (and surrounding region)
Performed choreographies and improvisational pieces in a variety of different styles, including tradition folk dancing and tribal-style Middle Eastern dance.

1996-1998 – Co-founder and choreographer, amateur performance troupe – Romani Caravan
Various locations, Ontario, Canada
Performed choreographies and improvisational pieces for festivals and medieval re-creation events throughout Ontario.

Independent Performance Experience

1999-present – Improvisational performer
Pittsburgh, PA
Perform at events around town (restaurants, gallery openings, benefits)

1996-present – Performer at post-seminar showcases
Ontario, Canada and United States
Perform solo and with groups at seminar showcases for dancers such as Ansuya, Rachel Brice, Ultra Gypsy, Urban Tribal, Leila Gamal, Bellydance Superstars, Eva Cernik, Artemis

1993-1996 – “Bellygram” deliverer, for The Laff Gards
London, Ontario, Canada
Performed personalized choreographies for events such as weddings, parties, etc.

Education

1997-present – Assorted advanced dance seminars
PA, OH, GA, NC, Canada
Intensive workshops with Bellyqueen (NY/CT), Ansuya (FL), Zafira (PA), Baraka Mundi (NC), Carolena Nericcio (CA), Urban Tribal (CA), Ultra Gypsy (CA), Awalim (GA), Cindy Ryan (DC), Kamillah (CA), Kassar (NJ), Morocco (NY), Rachel Brice (CA), Suhaila Salimpour (CA), Eva Cernik (CO), Artemis (DC)

March 2002, 2003, 2004 – Spirit of the Tribes advanced dance seminars
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Intensive seminars with Urban Tribal (CA), Ultra Gypsy (CA), FatChanceBellyDance (CA), Gypsy Caravan (OR), Circle Dance Co. (OR), Amel Tafsout (England), John Compton (CA), Rachel Brice (CA), Neha Shah (Rajasthan)

August, 2001-2005 – Advanced dance seminar with Zhaleh Fereshteh (TX)
New Castle, PA
Weeklong seminar with focus on classical Egyptian-style Middle Eastern dance.

January-May 2001 – African dance classes
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Studied and performed African dance with African Drum and Dance Ensemble and other members of class.

1998-2000 – Intermediate and advanced technique with Ghawazee Dance Troupe
Joy School and private lessons, Pittsburgh, PA
Studied tribal-style Middle Eastern dance technique with a focus on improvisation and creating choreographies

1997 – Advanced technique workshops with Yazmina Ramzy
Arabesque Academy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Studied intermediate and advanced Egyptian-style dance technique

1996 – Choreography and advanced technique seminar with Leila Gamal(IL)
Arabesque Academy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Studied advanced level choreography and classical Egyptian-style dance vocabulary

1993-1998 – Middle Eastern dance classes
Various teachers, Ontario, Canada and New Castle, PA
Studied generic tribal-style Middle Eastern dance technique

Specific locations of performances and classes available on request.