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Shining Peacekeeper

Dance Instructor

Shining is a respected performer and instructor internationally recognized for her research and reconstructions of early Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance) and the candelabra - balancing dance named “Raqs al-Shamadan”. Committed to providing interesting and educational performances and seminars in Egyptian Oriental Dance, her teaching as well as performances have a strong emphasis on the historical and cultural aspects of Raqs Sharqi as elements which contribute an important depth and creativity in this special art form. Titles Include: “1st place Props” (Candelabra Dance) 2016 La Danse Oriental Competition; “Professional Grand Champion” 2015 Belly Dance Off (live music competition); “1st place Alternative Music Professional” 2009 Belly Dancer USA Competition

Hello! This is my story.

I discovered belly dance as a teenager when I attended my first medieval recreation event. We danced to the beating drums under a starlit sky, circling and circling around the open fire while shimmying our hips and twisting our hands. My first official lesson was right there beside the fire as another dancer taught me how to “scoop the peanut butter” and create beautiful hand circles!

These early memories of dancing with friends under the open sky kindled a curiosity in me that has not faded since. Over the years I have dedicated my time increasingly to researching the historical aspects of Raqs Sharqi in Egypt (a dance globally known as Belly Dance but referred to as “eastern” or “oriental” dance in it’s countries of origin.)

I love to share the peace and joy of this dance with others as well as the captivating music and complex lineage of this art in Egyptian society. Each class is an adventure in connecting with your body and your own artistic sensibilities while learning a little bit about another culture and musical forms.

My classes are a safe space for all races, genders, religions, orientations and people with disabilities.

My Education

Journey Through Egypt 3 & 4 | Cairo/Luxor/Aswan, Egypt
Intensive Dance Ethnology Program w/ Sahra Kent (2019)
Journey Through Egypt 2 | Seattle, WA
Intensive Dance Ethnology Program w/ Sahra Kent (2016)
Journey Through Egypt 1 | Seattle, WA
Intensive Dance Ethnology Program w/ Sahra Kent (2015)
ANAR DANA International Dance Theater | Seattle, WA
Year-long dance theater training program w/ Helene Eriksen (2015-2016)
ANAR DANA International Dance Theater | Seattle, WA
Year-long dance theater training program w/ Helene Eriksen (2014-2015)
Raqs Sharqi & Regional MENAT Folklore w/ A'isha Azar | Spokane, WA
Student and member of A'isha's dance company (2011-2014), distance mentorship (2014 to present)
Portland Community College
AGS; ballet, modern dance, flamenco, choreography, weight training and other related courses (2010)
Euphoria Studios | Portland, OR
Various ongoing and temporary instructors in Tribal Fusion, Neo-Tribal, Raqs Shaqi & other dances (2007-2009)
Beginning Belly Dance Classes | Hillsboro, OR
Various ongoing and temporary instructors (2005-2007)

My Experience

Dance Instructor (2013-Present)
Group and private, online and studio locations through USA and southern China.
Dancer/Performing Artist (2007-Present)
Traditional and contemporary dances of the Middle East, North Africa and Arabian Gulf. Public and Private Exhibitions in USA, China and Online.
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