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| About Za'ina Dilshad |
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| Oriental Dance Artist |
| Most inspired by: Hadia Sahra Saeeda Dina Randa Kamel Jillina Fifi Abdou |
| Za'ina Dilshad is a compelling performer, dedicated instructor, and creative choreographer of Oriental Dance or Raks Sharki (Raqs Sharqi); most commonly known as Belly Dance. Student Za'ina's very first classes were with Satori, Shayera and Nicola of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Classes started out as a recreational and social activity with a friend and soon became a passion. After being deeply inspired by Hadia's performance on a Winnipeg stage in 1998, Za'ina finally realized her dream. Since, she has spent countless hours practicing and dedicating much of her life to studying the art of belly dance, continually learning and fine tuning her own skills. Za'ina attends workshops and seminars every year with some of the world's foremost dancers and instructors so that she may pass on what she learns to her students and audience members. (see Dance Training) Za'ina believes that a dancer can never stop being a student, particularly if they are performers or instructors; that a dancer's job as an artist is to improve her art and if you love the art, you want to know everything about it. Performer In the years 2000 through 2002, Za'ina was a member of Winnipeg-based troupe, Gamal Rawhany (directed by Shayera & Nicola). In 2001 she received gold with honors for a vivacious drum solo performance at the Dance Manitoba Festival. Za'ina's performance history also includes stage shows, weddings, corporate and restaurant events throughout central and western Canada. Her dance style is mainly influenced by Egyptian Oriental dance (classical, modern and folkloric), incorporating elements of American Cabaret. Za'ina also enjoys combining fantasy fusion and parody into her dances for uniquely themed shows. Instructor In April of 2003, Za'ina began teaching belly dance classes after receiving much encouragement from her instructors and friends in dance, Shayera and Nicola. Za'ina was pleased to discover how much she truly enjoyed sharing her knowledge of belly dance with other women. She has continued to teach regular classes at several locations in Winnipeg and surrounding area. Za'ina has also taught workshops outside Winnipeg: Drum solo technique workshop - Sponsored by Shimmy Dance Productions, Calgary, AB (2007) "Dance of the Laughing Bellies" workshop - Sponsored by Misty Lake Lodge, Gimli, MB (2007) To further herself as an instructor, Za'ina continues to upgrade her knowledge and skills by attending workshops with many of the very best in Oriental dance. She has completed Hadia's Certified Teacher Training courses, Level 1 & 2 and Sahra C. Kent's (Sahra Saeeda) Journey Through Egypt (JtE), Level 1 certification workshop in September 2009. Choreographer As a choreographer, Za'ina creates for herself, her students and for others. In 2005, she was hired to choreograph a belly dance piece for the Viva Las Vegas show at Legacies Cabaret and Dinner Theatre (Winnipeg) Community Za'ina was one of the founding members of Winnipeg's, Eastern Dance Circle of Manitoba (EDCOM). From 2003-2004, she served on the board as Media Relations Officer and also filled the position of editor for EDCOM's quarterly newsletter, "The Belly Button Bulletin". Za'ina acted as Event Coordinator for EDCOM's Fourth Annual Casbah, Tea and Bazaar. Aspiration Za'ina's goal as an Oriental Dance artist is to represent the beauty and richness of belly dance with dignity, elegance and ethics; to portray the dance as a legitimate and respected cultural art form and to incorporate a healthy and inspiring method to her teaching. Her personal goal is to never stop dancing or learning! Thank you to the many instructors who have influenced my life in dance. Special thanks to my first instructors, Satori, Shayera and Nicola for your guidance, friendship and continued support. - Za'ina Za'ina would love to share the joy of belly dance with you! |
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| Over ten years experience in Raks Sharki |
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| Performer |
| Choreographer |