• JANE ARCHER (Tribal style belly dance)
• EVA CERNIK (Turkish Romani & Oriental)
• L'EMIR HASSAN HARFOUCHE (Lebanese dabke)
• SOUHAIL KASPAR (Rhythm & Movement)
• SADIE MARQUARDT (Cabaret drum solo)
• MIRIAM PERETZ (Central Asian dance)
• MOHAMED SHAHIN (Egyptian style oriental and folk dance)
• SHOSHANNA (Raks sharki combos & four yard veil)
• SUZIE TEKBILEK (Turkish style belly dance)
• ZIVA (Rhythm & Movement)

JANE ARCHER (Tribal style belly dance) , 2007 1st Runner up for Tribal Fusion in The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, is a highly energetic, supportive dance instructor who found her passion in teaching, performing, choreography, and organizing fun events.  Jane is the lucky owner of Portland’s gorgeous Euphoria Studios.  A soulful dancer all her life, Jane's expression is rooted in a diversity of dance experiences - many years of ballet, ballroom, jazz, & swing. She began belly dance in 1985 in the cabaret style, then discovered tribal belly dance & fell in love with its grace, strength, and sense of community. Always reaching for new heights, Neo-Tribal Belly dance was born in 1996, incorporating moves from many other dance styles & bridging the gap between Egyptian Cabaret & Tribal.  Forever expanding her creative vision, Jane continues her classical Raqs al-Sharki education with esteemed Master Percussionist Souhail Kaspar, and has 
assisted him in teaching his Portland workshops.  Ms. Archer is Artistic Director of Mandala (formerly The Circle Dance Company) - Portland's premiere Neo-Tribal performance group.

Jane often works with Arab music greats Georges Lammam, Naser Musa & Souhail Kaspar. Well known and sought after, her passion for the music is evident in the energy she brings to both classes and performances.

Jane Archer’s Notable Achievements

Instruction:
Assistant to Arabic percussion master Souhail Kaspar, Portland OR–2006
the 3 largest Tribal Festivals in the US:
Spirit of the Tribes in Florida - 2004
Tribal Quest NW in Portland, OR - 2004
Tribal Festival in California – 2003, 2007
NW Raks Festival in Portland, OR-2005
OR Health Sciences University (OHSU) program - 2004
City of Portland, Fernwood Middle School-2001, 2002
City of Portland, Metro Arts Kids Camp-1998
PD Public Schools, Winterweeks Program – 2004, 2005
Privately Sponsored workshops

Performance:
Musicians of the Nile restaurant performance, Luxor, Egypt, 2007
Mendocino Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp, CA – 2001-2008
Arabic percussion master Souhail Kaspar, Portland OR –2005-2008
Portland Rose Festival-2000-2008
The 3 largest Tribal Festivals in the US:
Spirit of the Tribes in Florida-2004
Tribal Quest NW in Portland, OR - 2001 through 2006
Tribal Festival in California – 2000-through 2008
The Bite of Oregon Festival-2006
Unity & Diversity Conference, Pd World Trade Ctr - 2005
Ancient Future (Georges Lammam’s fusion group), 3 shows of Pacific NW tour, OR - 2005
The Bellydance Superstars, Portland OR - 2004
NW Raks Festival -2005
OR Zoo - 2004, World Animal Festival 2005
YWCA Grand Reopening Benefit-2003
Art in the Pearl-2000, 2001, 2002
Portland Int’l Women’s Day-2000-2003
National Endowment of the Arts program benefiting at-risk teens-2002
City of Portland, Fernwood Middle School -2001, 2002
City of Portland, Metro Arts Kids Camp-1998
Cascadia Forest Alliance Benefit-1998
Street fairs, public and privately sponsored shows, private parties & corporate functions.

EVA CERNIK (Turkish Romani & Oriental) is well known for her sizzling Turkish Oriental dance style. She has danced since her childhood in Brasil. After extensive training in gymnastics and ballet, at the age of 19, Eva was first introduced to Oriental Dance by Anahid Sofian of New York, and later worked in several of the night clubs there.  Anahid's influence, Eva's Eastern European heritage, and extensive travels in Turkey attracted her to practice the Turkish style.  The following years, Eva studied in Denver with Naila-Rose, of the original Salimpour school. Then for 14 years, she studied intensively with Adnan Sarhan of Baghdad. This training filled her with a deep love for Arabic music and with techniques to practice dance as a spiritual path.

Though the essence of this dance is universal, if the dancer has a strong curiosity, it is difficult to avoid savouring the cultures which have nurtured it for centuries. With this in mind, Eva set out in 1979 on her first trip to the Middle East. To finance her explorations and ongoing dance studies abroad she worked as a Bellydancer in London, Paris, much of Spain, Baghdad, Cairo, and Istanbul. She worked regularly with The Erdoğans Modern Turkish Oryantal Troupe, as soloist with the Samir Sabri troupe in Cairo, Inosis Berber Ballet in NYC, and her own Bedouin Ballet Troupe. Eva traveled in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Morocco and 14 other coutries. She recently returned from a multi-city tour of Japan, teaching Turkish Romani and Oriental styles.  Eva has taught a week-long Turkish dance intensive in Mexico, and is often invited back to New York to teach at her original teacher's week-longs at Anahid Sofian Studio.

Eva returned to Egypt 26 times, where she developed a friendship with families in Cairo and Upper Egypt.  Her experiences are not limited to the nightclubs of Cairo and Istanbul. They extend to the villages where Ghawazi, Romani and "folk" dance to traditional acoustic music at their festivals, weddings, and in their homes. In 1984 Eva began offering dance-study tours to Egypt, arranging many parties for the villagers, always hiring Ghawazi dancers and mizmar bands. She also returned to Turkey eleven times to really grasp the very strong contrast of the Egyptian style to the Turkish and Romani styles with which she had become so at ease.

Eva offers her findings to the dance community by documenting Ghawazi and Turkish Oriental and Romani dancers on video, as well as Eva's own dances of which she has completed three, two-hour video volumes.

In 1997, Eva Cernik was voted Innovative Dancer of the Year, by the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance, and by Zaghareet Magazine as 2002 favorite interpretive artist. Eva was Habibi Magazine "cover-girl" in 1987, interviewed for "The Belly Dancer" magazine for the cover story Winter 2006/7. The interview focused on the direction and evolution of Oriental Dance.
Eva was the Turkish style representative  in "This is Belly Dance" production by IAMED at Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood (2003); was celebrity judge and performer at Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in CA, two years, and in 2009 was awarded their "Lifetime Achievement Award".
An interview with Eva about her ongoing lifetime achievements will appear in "The Chronicles" magazine this June 2009!

More of Eva's teaching and performing venues: 
for Saudi prince Bin Abd el Azziz in Marbella, Spain (1983); for president Gerald Ford in Vail, Colorado (1988); at Myoko Ebihara Studio (1989) and Kervanserai studio (2009) both in Tokyo; Burcin Orhon's show on Turkish Television (1995); Studio Artemis, MD, USA (1997+); European Oriental Festival in Duisburg, Germany produced by Leyla Jouvana (2000); Delilah's Maui retreat (2001); Anahid Sofian Studio weeklong dance intensive (2002 and 2006); soloist with Anahid Sofian Dance Company at Town Hall, New York City (2003); featured dancer in "Night on the Silk Road" at Boulder Theater, produced by Golden Sun Foundation for World Culture, also including Kitaro (2003); Turkish style representative  in "This is Belly Dance" production by IAMED at Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood (2003); was celebrity judge and performer at Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, CA, two years, and in 2009 was awarded their "Lifetime Achievement Award".
Eva was presented as Salome, in 2008, by Denver Lyric Opera Guild, to perform Strauss's disturbing "Dance of the Seven Veils" from his opera: "Salome" at their third season of Metropolitan Opera movie theatre screenings, attended solely by opera lovers.

Eva has taught Turkish style dance seminars at University of California, Santa Barbara; at Princeton University, N.J.; at Colorado College and at University of Colorado, both in her home state of Colorado, USA.  She has also performed several traditional Turkish style dances, including the Whirling Dervish dance, Romani Dance, and Turkish Kashik Dance, two years in a row, for the Turkish Student Association cultural presentation at University of Wyoming.

Just a few of the numerous musicians Eva has worked with are: Samir Sabri, Selim Sesler, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Souren Baronian, Haig Manoukian, Nabil Azzam, John Bilezikjian, Ishmael, Beth Quist,  and bands: UCSB Mideast Ensemble, Sirocco, Transition, Sherefe;  and since 2003 has begun a collaboration with Rachid Halihal.

L'EMIR HASSAN HARFOUCHE (Lebanese dabke) has been a professional Dabke dancer, choreographer and teacher for over 20 years, performing all over the world. His early training was with Mirwan and Wadia Gerrar. He later began a long association with Keram, the founder of stylized Dabke. He has been a coach and teacher, played the Mehbaj, and has given seminars all over the United States.

SOUHAIL KASPAR (Rhythm & Movement) Grammy-nominated Souhail Kaspar, Master Percussionist, is known world wide for his brilliant technique, exciting performances and teaching skills. A true virtuoso, his ability to improvise and embellish the rhythmic patterns of Arabic music, as well as his knowledge of ethnic musical history make him one of the most highly acclaimed performers and instructors of our day.

Born in Lebanon and trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia (Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music) in Aleppo, Syria, he excelled in both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques; there he received his Degree in Classical Arabic Performance.

Mr. Kaspar has worked with legendary Egyptian composers Farid al-Atrash, Sayyad Makowi and Hanni Mehanna. He has traveled extensively during his career and has performed with artists John Bilezikjian, Kenny Burrell, Omar Faruk, Shujaat Khan, Kronos Quartet, Cheb Mami, Dr. Scott Marcus, Roberto Miranda, Tito Puente, The Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, Kathem al-Saher, Simon Shaheen, Sting, Strunz & Farah, Ottmar Liebert,Wadi al-Safi and many others. He has also performed for dignitaries such as Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the Dalai Lama.

Souhail, recipient of the Durfee Music Fellowship given to master musicians and teachers, has worked with Dr. Ali Jihad Racy (renowned UCLA Ethnomusicologist) at a wide variety of cultural events. Together they have performed in major concert halls and taught master classes and workshops throughout the United States.
His impressive body of recorded work includes soundtrack credits for the movies The Prince of Egypt, Sinbad and Scooby Doo in Egypt and for the documentaries The Region of the Nile, Darfur Now and The Great Bazaars. He has been featured on many CDs including guest percussionist on Caravan with the cutting edge Kronos Quartet, When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq for the Smithsonian Institute (nominated for the 2008 Grammy Traditional World Music Category), The Congo Square Project to provide relief funds for New Orleans musicians, Khaliji and Magic.
Recordings for educational purposes include his CD Awzan: Arabic Rhythmic Modes and his DVD Foundations of Arabic Rhythm with Souhail Kaspar, Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah & Riqq. He has recently completed filming two new instructional DVD’s Intermediate & Advanced Techniques & Rhythms with Souhail Kaspar, Master Class at Home for Egyptian Tablah and Egyptian Rhythm & Movement for Raqs al-Sharqi with Souhail Kaspar: Master Class at Home for Dancers & Drummers.

Souhail’s signature Egyptian drum line was released in 2007. Currently, Souhail Kaspar lives in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

He performs/records internationally, teaches percussion and dance theory as well as coaches professional musicians and dancers in the traditions of Arabic performance.

SADIE MARQUARDT (Belly Dance Drum Solo) Sadie is an International performing artist, instructor and choreographer who is recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting and talented Belly Dancers.

She draws upon an innate understanding of movement instilled from 14 years of training in gymnastics and swimming as a child and teenager. She began practicing Belly Dance nearly a decade ago.

Some of the most influential moments in her education include two extended trips to Turkey where she studied and observed the dance and learning to play the doombek (Middle Eastern hand drum) via master percussionist and musician Souhail Kaspar, which impressed a great understanding of the varied Middle Eastern rhythms as well as the relationship between the music and dance.

Sadie’s lifelong love for dance, music and culture has prompted her to explore and study other forms of world dances such as, Brazilian Samba, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Tahitian, Hula and Flamenco with a dedication to foundation training in Ballet and Jazz. This background has given Sadie a style that is uniquely hers and a great command of movement and dance that comes to life not only in her inspiring performances but also in her gift to teach. Based out of Denver, CO, when Sadie is not traveling she can be found teaching her ongoing weekly classes as well as dancing at some of the city’s finest restaurants, nightclubs and events where she has performed over 300 shows in one year. She has received accolades such as "The Critic's Choice" by the Denver Post and Westswords "Denver's Best 2006" for shows and dance classes. Other career hi-lights include dancing for celebrities like Will Smith and Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet's "Emergency Vets", TV appearances such as a James Bond commercial produced by Starz/Encore and choreographing for and dancing in music videos and musicals.

2008 was one of Sadie’s busiest and most exciting years filled with performances and workshops across the US and Internationally to countries including Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, The UK, The Canary Islands, Holland and more.

MIRIAM PERETZ (Central Asian dance-Afghani & Tajiki) Miriam Peretz is an internationally acclaimed performing artist and instructor, specializing in dances from the Silk Road (Persia and Central Asia), the Middle-East, North Africa, and the Roma “Gypsy” trail.  She has been a featured soloist both in the U.S. and internationally.  Miriam was a principle dancer with “Inbal” Ethnic Dance Theater in Tel Aviv, Israel and is now assistant artistic director, principle dancer and choreographer of “Ballet Afsaneh.” Miriam’s love of dance has led her on a life long journey that has taken her throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.  These cultural exchanges have inspired her to use the arts as a bridge to create respect, love and unity among people of different backgrounds and spiritual traditions

During her years living in the Middle East, Miriam immersed herself in studying the diverse forms of Middle Eastern and Central Asian dance, and music.  She studied for three consecutive years at the Jerusalem Academy of Oriental Music and Dance.  She also traveled to Egypt, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Tajikistan to study with master teachers.  In Egypt she studied with Raqia Hassan and Mahmoud Reda, and attended the Middle Eastern dance conference of Cairo two years.  In Tajikistan, Miriam had the honors of completing an artist in residency with Padida Dance Theater, directed by Sharofat Rashidova. 

Miriam has been selected as a soloist for the highly acclaimed San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival June 2005, and again for June, 2008.  She has recently  released her DVD Dances of the Middle East & Roma “Gypsy” trail, available through her web site; www.miriamdance.com

Miriam has just recently premiered a new work entitled, “Miriam’s Well,” an Interfaith collaboration of Sacred dance, music & poetry.  This piece made its first debut to a sold out theater, receiving raving reviews, it will be performed throughout the Bay Area and beyond in the coming year. 

From the critics…

"Miriam's Well tells a story that unites us in our common humanity and divinity. A stunning devotional offering through dance!"
Conscious Dancer Magazine

“Prayer in theater, theater as prayer, a beautiful and inspired evening of music, dance, deep attunement, and ecstatic love for the divine source of all life.”
Hilal Sala of the Mevlevi Sufi Order
“Peretz has synthesized a myriad of styles, from many shades of modern dance to the most ritual-infused Sufi movement, with passion, craft, and vision…. to achieve stellar results.” 
Michael Smolens, Senior Composer

MOHAMED SHAHIN (Egyptian style oriental and folklore dance)Mohamed Shahin is a world-renowned performer, instructor and choreographer of the Folkloric and Oriental dances (Raqs Sharqi) of Egypt.  His expertise includes all styles of Egyptian dance, including Tanoura (Whirling Dervish) and Saidi Tahtib. As an innovative choreographer, Mohamed’s magnetic personality has made him a highly sought-after dance mentor not only in Egypt, but throughout the world.

A native of Cairo and a trained mechanical engineer, Mohamed discovered his passion for Egyptian dance at the age of fourteen. His training began with the famous El Kawmia Troupe where he earned his degree in Egyptian Folklore, and initiated his lifelong career of performing at the most prestigious establishments. Mohamed has been dancing with the most renowned Egyptian folkloric choreographers of Egypt such as Mahmoud Reda, Hassan Afifi, Kamal Naim, Hamada Hossam El-Din, and Gedawy Ramadan.

Mohamed has also made numerous appearances for various Egyptian television programs, theaters, 5-star hotels, music videos, films and theaters as a dancer and choreographer. In addition to performing a wide variety of dances he is also the choreographer for his own folklore dance troupe. He also served as artistic director for Egyptian singer Samir Sabry's dance troupe.

Mohamed's mission as a performer and instructor is to introduce the male folkloric dances of the Middle East into the West, which are still relatively unknown compared to "Belly Dance," their female counterpart. Tanoura dancing, for example, is a form of sacred Sufi dancing that has existed for centuries, but that remains generally unheard of outside the Middle East.

It emulates the spinning motion of the Sufis, who use dance as a means of communing with the Divine. Tanoura dancers, originally persecuted by Orthodox Ottoman Turks for their "heresy" now boast an array of fantastic colors on their outfits to celebrate their vibrant tradition.

Mohamed also hopes to unite people with his love for the dance.  "For me dance is one of few activities around which people can come together and forget their differences.  It is a way for people to experience their common humanity," he says.

In addition to Tanoura dancing, Mohamed performs and teaches Egyptian style or Oriental dance( Raks Sharki ) and Folklore dance Mahmoud Reda style Saidi, Falahi, Melaya Laff, Nubian, Andalusian, Haggala, Baladi,

 Mohamed also teaching at the international Dance Festival "Ahlan wa Sahlan" in Cairo, Egypt. 

SHOSHANNA (Raks Sharki Combos & Four Yard Veil) is from Arcata, in the redwoods on California’s North Coast. She has danced throughout her life in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance, but has found her art in the dances styles of the Middle East. She is very interested in the thoughtful fusion of diverse styles of dance, and the power of dance as a vehicle of expression and personal interpretation of music for an audience. Shoshanna’s interests lie in a strong foundation in Egyptian dance with a fusion other influences inspired by her extensive dance training. Shoshanna is a dedicated improvisational dancer who values any opportunity to perform to live music.

As a performer, Shoshanna strives to express the joy of dancing and the emotional quality of the music. As an instructor, she works to balance artistic and personal interpretation of the music with excellent technical skills, a deeper understanding of the dance form, and to instill a passion for this dance form. This philosophy holds true for any class that Shoshanna teaches.

In addition to performing and teaching workshops across the United States, Shoshanna has taught for the past seven years in the Dance Department at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, from which she earned her BA in Art History in 2003. In Arcata she also directs the Ya Habibi Dance Company, produces concerts and dance events (including the new Redwood Coast Bellydance Festival), and teaches many classes. Shoshanna earned the coveted title of Belly Dancer of the Year in 2004.

SUZIE TEKBILEK (Turkish style belly dance) Suzie was born in Ayvalik, Turkey to a musical family. Her father was a jazz drummer and music had a special place in their home. In almost every party or special occasions "Little Suzie" was encouraged to dance. She was such a natural talent and loved dancing so much that she was always a joy to watch. At the age of 12, Suzie's family immigrated to the US. Her brother Ibrahim Turmen became a well-known professional drummer. Suzie continued dancing, although not professionally yet. In 1971, at the age 15, Suzie met Omar Faruk Tekbilek. He was touring the US at that time with a Turkish ensemble. This meeting was a turning point in both their lives. In 1975 Omar Faruk returned to the US to marry Suzie. They have since been happily married and raised three children. Their children are grown up now, and are also naturally talented in music. Murat, the older son, has become a professional musician and is the percussionist for the Omar Faruk's Ensemble. On many occasions Suzie travels with the ensemble and often joins them on stage. Watching her dancing accompanied by her husband and son is exhilarating. Suzie also teaches dance workshops. She has taught classes in the Magical Retreat music and dance camp in Maui, The Dionysian Festival in Rome, Italy, in Tel Aviv, Israel, and she also teaches privately at her hometown. For many years Suzie has participated in the Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp. Her own Turkish style has become very popular.

ZIVA (Rhythm & Movement) is an Egyptian cabaret belly dancer based on the Northern Coast of California.  Her bright and radiant performance style has enticed audiences throughout the United States and captured the hearts of many.  As a belly dance artist, instructor, and performer, Ziva has been able to share her passion for the art form with dancers and musicians alike.
 
Ziva discovered her love for belly dance when she began studying with Shoshanna, a highly respected and award wining Middle Eastern dance artist in Arcata, CA.  Ziva passionately continued to study the dance form and sought instruction from several valued performers and choreographers.  Yousry Sharif, Marta Shill, Souhaila Salimpour, Aisha Ali, Dahlena, Dalia Carella, Amina Goodyear, Katarina, Jill Parker, and Leyla Zahar are just a few of the influences that have shaped Ziva’s dance technique.

In addition to seizing a strong foundation in Raks al Sharqi bellydance, Ziva has captured the art of expressing the dynamic qualities of Middle Eastern music.  With training from master percussionist and 2008 grammy nominee Souhail Kaspar, Ziva blossomed into an exciting and interpretive performer.  In 2008, Ziva enjoyed accompanying Kaspar throughout the
States to help coach dancers in his extremely popular Rhythm and Movement workshop.  She was featured in the recently released instructional DVD: Rhythm and Movement for Egyptian Raqs Al-Sharqi Vol. III.

Ziva enjoyed dancing for two years for the award winning Ya Habibi Dance Company.  She has performed at events including Raqs L.A., Deeta's Bellydance Extravaganza, the Desert Rose competition, North Country and Del Norte fairs, and Raks Rosa.  She loves entertaining audiences at private parties, art galleries, and restaurants such as Peña Pachamama in San Francisco.
 
All in all, Ziva is an intriguing performer whose dance style lies in the heart of the music.  Her show is purely enjoyable, absolutely unforgettable, and can’t be missed!