ShemaOwner of Dar Tangerina Academy, main instructor and choreographerwww.shemaraqs.comShema is an internationally acclaimed professional
Bellydancer, Musician and Writer in demand
all over the world for her dynamic and authentic performances
and exceptional teaching skills.
She is currently based in Egypt (Nuweiba, Janub Sina') and works all across the world.
"Beautiful and delicately lovely...[her]
versatility and
musicality...an absolute joy to behold"
"Delicately lovely", Shema is renowned for her elegant and
feminine styling with a powerful and glamorous approach to Egyptian
Bellydance. Always interested in the history and development of this art
form, Shema also specialises in presenting traditional Folk dances from
the Middle Eastern and Arabic World and exploring how they have
influenced modern bellydance. These styles include Tannoura (Egyptian
Whirling), Sai'idi (Northern Egypt), Khaleegy (Gulf region), and
Moroccan Tanjaoua Sha'abi as well as fusion styles such as fire sword.
Shema maintains an integrity within the
dance - her authenticity, musical interpretation and approachability
make her a sought after artist and teacher and she is passionate about
encouraging students and other professionals to share in her absolute
love and devotion to this dance.
Since first
discovering the dance, Shema has progressed to a stage where she is now
invited to perform and teach at prestigious events all across the
world. She has been a regular guest artiste at Planet Egypt in
London since
2006; Artist in Residence
at Silk Route in London during winter 2009; European
guest teacher/performer for the world-renowned Bellydance Superstars' event 'Raqs Britannia' in 2010; and lecturer and
featured performer at the 'International Bellydance Conference of
Canada' in 2010.
After graduation, the
'Dar Tangerina Academy of Middle Eastern Dance & Music'
was born with the aim of passing on Shema's knowledge and joy for the 'Elegant
Art of Bellydance' through regular classes, workshops and themed
events. The highlight for her students was a chance to perform for
thousands of visitors at the Bristol Harbourside Festival in 2008 and
Shema is proud to have enabled students across the
UK to progress to teaching and performing themselves.
In
2008, Shema was so inspired after studying on the 'pro-course' with
Yasmina Ramzy in Toronto that she returned to Canada, auditioned, and
was offered a place as a member of the prestigious Arabesque Dance
Company where she also played violin in the orchestra (Directed by Prof.
Bassam Bishara) and instructed in the Arabesque Academy. She used
this time to design and copyright 2 unique classes, 'Flexibelly' (c) and
'BellyDRILLS' (c) aimed at increasing dancers' fitness and flexibility
for bellydance and drilling the basic moves for muscle memory.
As a teacher Shema is positive and encouraging,
ensuring that students feel safe and comfortable while they learn and
adding a healthy dose of fun too! Tuition focuses on correct posture,
accurate movements and understanding the connection between music, dance
and culture.
In May 2010, Shema launched the Tangerina
Dance Company- a professional dance company
specialising in Middle Eastern, Arabic and Maghrebi Dance which launched at the Bristol Harbourside Festival July 2010. Regular auditions enable committed students to have a chance to progress to professional level and have a specific aim within classes at the academy.