One of the things I love about Mahmoud is the lack of small talk so I dove right in as usual asking about his artistic vision, his legacy, his creative process, etc. This time was a little different.

Were these beautiful young girls going to miss out on something so precious and end up instead, being part of a new global cheerleader type dance form?

Learning to fill in a template with a costume style, music and steps is not what I mean by learning a folklore style of dance.

I feel honoured and comforted that so many world respected artists whom I admire commented that they had either done the same or were contemplating the same position.

After 34 years, I have decided not to be a Bellydancer anymore.

However, it should made clear that the work to receive such an amount began 20 years ago with producing valued work and inspiring audiences at home around the world.

If I only had a dime for every time someone suggests to me that the Arabesque productions should tell a story that the audience can relate to and follow…

Amateur dancer seeks and enjoys approval. Professional dancer seeks and enjoys critique.

That power Source is the emotionality of classical Arab music which arises from Arab culture.

There are hundreds of Bellydancers all over the world becoming pro everyday. What is the future for these hard working and passionate dancers?

Often what is labelled crazy at the time is later named brilliance.

SAWAH is all about collaboration between East and West, music and dance, Ontario and Quebec.

There are 5 pieces of music I have been dying to choreograph

The following is the email she wrote back to me. I was touched by the email and I loved her words of wisdom

he fact of the matter was my insecurities were correct and based on reality.

Any self pity I had previously about my trials and tribulations with Arabesque quickly evaporated in the face of what she and Mahmoud had been through and still face.

Keep seeking truth and love.

Don’t miss out by staying in the shallow end of the pool.

It is a lot of work but truly magic when it all aligns.

Funny how life reflects dance class.