I’ve always loved the camaraderie and community feeling of dancing with a group. As a child I participated in team sports, from track to gymnastics. I loved the training, consistency and dedication to competing and going to meets. When I retired from team gymnastics, my focus turned to dance. My first Bellydance troupe performance was many, many years ago at Cafe Bellie’s showcase at Ashkenaz. I had 4 brave ladies perform a short choreography and I remember how important it was to all of us. It was my troupes second performance at this event where my current Petite jolie duet dancer and main apprentice Mandanah saw us and quickly joined my group. She was the first student I had that believed in my vision and her participation in my troupe elevated us to another level. In 2004 with 2 beginning level students in tow, my Troupe won 1st runner up at Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, in 2005 we won 1st place Troupe at Bellydancer of the Year and won 1st place at 2005 Bellydancer of Universe Troupe Competition, 2006 1st place People’s Choice Competition in addition to Petite Jolie winning countless 1st place awards from Wiggles of the West Competition to North Valley Competition.
My First Troupe:
with 1st troupe in 2004
With One of my Company Members Heaven 2010:
In 2010 I formed the Shabnam Dance Company with the goal to elevate Bellydance for theatrical presentation. All company members are my dedicated students who train in Bellydance and Flexibility Training. My training method includes dance conditioning, ballet technique in addition to instruction in musicality, finger cymbals and various props. My point of view as an instructor is to create dancers that are extremely well rounded. My most consistent students do well in the competition circuit and are award winning dancers.
With Senior Company Member Mandanah:
Winning 1st place in 2006
Post EDF Audition 2010
Being a professional dancer is not for everyone, we have to earn our right to perform on a respected theatre stage. This includes a dedication to perfecting movement, to never settle for good and continue pushing our bodies to new limits. My dancers meet several days a week in troupe rehearsals generally Monday & Wednesday nights in addition to continuous studies in flexibility. A dancer without flexibility or strength is not a dancer, they are a hobbyist.
My Dancers Training:
my dancers training
Not all glamour - bruises from Turkish Drops
Last weekend my Dance Company performed at the very prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. We auditioned against 130 groups for a coveted spot at this event. I was deeply honored to have my company chosen to dance at the renowned Zellerbach Hall. This theatre that has hosted famous Dance Companies from all over the world houses 2,000+ people and seats for both shows were completely filled. The level of artistry and professionalism of all the acts were breathtaking. It was an honor to perform in this amazing show that garnered a standing ovation Saturday night.
Zellerbach Hall:
Zellerbach
Whats next? My dancers and I are are preparing for our Bellydance Day event that will take place August 27th and 28th in Alameda. Feeling deeply inspired, I am hard at work creating new visionary works of Middle Eastern Dance. I want to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support.
- Maurice Wright
- All the wonderful staff at World Arts West
- Patricia Arellano
- Mandy, Heaven, Alicia, Gloria(G-Unit),Jules,Diana,Emi,Emily,Karimah,Sumaia
More Photos from Last weekend
With Theatre Flamenco
