Finearts, Bellydance & Henna

Joyfulbellydance was fantastic!

By Jennifer M. on August 23, 2016

This was an amazing (surprise) addition to our 20th wedding anniversary celebration. None of our guests knew she was coming, and WOW did I make the right decision! She was on time, professional, and beautifully in costume. She was able to engage with the guests and bring the party to a fun, energetic level. 
When she arrived we had to delay due to a guest that was in the middle of a medical emergency. We waited until we knew our guest was ok, and was taken away in an ambulance due to a diabetic seizure. She was able to help relieve this tense situation and bring everyone back into a festive celebration mode.
We are so grateful to her, and are impressed with her amazing talent!
Thank you Joyfulbellydance, and I hope we are able to work together again in the future!
Kevin & Jennifer

Dance Artist statement

      Paintings, wedding/party entertainment and henna. Raqs sharqi aka bellydance is deeply rooted as a social dance that creates joyousness on special occasions especially for viewers. My art and dance reflects the joy I feel in life and is an attempt to savor every moment; Achieved by being present centered and through CONNECTION WITH THE subject/music and audience.  I choose to keep my dance open-ended with mostly improvisation and occasional choreography and using music, props, costumes, and expressive movement to embody the emotions of the  music. 

     Currently based in California's beautiful Central Coast where I share my passion via painting in my studio, performance and giving instruction.

     My vision and inspiration for dance and art derives largely from my experiences growing up in the Middle East.

Dance Experience

      I started taking classes in 2006 and continue my dance training by attending workshops, private coaching and performing. I Trained under multiple master teachers, starting with local teachers Sandra Sarrouf and Jenna Mitchell followed by intl dance artists such as, serena ramzy, Mohammed Shahin, Sahar samara and Aziza of cairo, Alla Kushnir, Sadie, Princess Farhana, Helena Vlahos, Ranya Renee, Monica Berini, Cory Zamora, mARIA SOKOLAKOVA, Tatiana werya, ava fleming, Innah raks, Andalee and Pierre Khoury, etc. i also emersed myself in learning arabic rythms by learning to play the arabic percussion instrument called doumbek(arabic drum). 

Performances: I have Performed at numerous events: First as part of a local dance company called SAJa, Performed at various venues in San Luis Obispo, Sfo, la including multiple performances with Calpoly’s State University's Arab Music Ensemble's biyearly shows. Fundraisers for women’s shelter, local dance groups and Botanical gardens. Performed at San Luis Obispo vets hall(Cabaret Fest event), Monday Club, la, SB, SFO, Clovis, Calpoly's Culture fest events, Chumash Auditorium, Paso Robles Elegant evening, DAou vinyards events, farmers market events, nursing homes, wineries(Chateau Nolan, Bovino, Daou), restaurants, numerous wedding venues, such as Terra Mia, Private parties, etc.

Teaching: I have been teaching online for many years. Taught for Transitions Mental health Association for over two years. I formed the Calpoly Bellydance Club IN 2010. A club that was designed to give back to the community by offering free classes to interested students. Classes were designed to educate students about bellydance practice and culture. I taught at the Calpoly studio for three years with the Calpoly bellydance Club exposing hundreds of students to the art of bellydance and also led my student troupe to perform at the Calpoly openhouse events. I continues to educate student about the art of Raqs Sharqi bellyDance. Currently teaching at Nexus SLO. I have a solid background in anatomy and physiology taking care to teach a safe technique to students.