Calgary

Yay, Canada, my adoptive home! I was thrilled to be invited back to Calgary by the Little Fish Dance Company. Last time I was in Calgary it was very cold and we performed in a clown school! This time the weather was more mild and the event was held in a Ukrainian community center. I had a warm welcome from the students. We laughed, cried and worked very hard. Special thanks to Hollie for all her hard work and to all the students that travelled long distance to dance with us. I truly hope to dance with you all again. Next time I will bring my cowboy hat...

COLOMBIA

This was my first trip to Medellin, Columbia. I was immediately impressed with the promoter, Maria Isabel. Although Bellydance is relatively new in this country, Maria is presenting the dance with integrity and professionalism. Maria worked with a publicist and kept me busy with radio, newspaper, and television interviews before the workshops and show. The result was a full house in one of Medellin’s top theatres. I shared billing of this event with Yousery Sharif, Gada of Chile, and Angie of Venezuela.
There were 200 students in attendance at the workshops. Maria should be proud of the work she has done to promote Bellydance in her area.

Hola Mexico

After the spectacle of Argentina I had a complete change of environment. I was invited to Cuernavaca, Mexico by Georgina Ruiz. I was charmed by Georgina and her supportive family. This workshop was attended by 11 enthusiastic students. Although this event was a much smaller scope than Argentina, it was still emotionally satisfying in a different way. I was happy to be able to work intimately with the students and give feedback.
I love the hospitality of Mexico! My gracious hosts made me feel at home and fed me well! I look forward to returning to Mexico, soon.

ARGENTINA

September 2010 and back to Buenos Aires, Argentina! This was my fourth trip to Argentina to participate in the 12th annual EIDA (Encuentro Internationale Danse Arabe) hosted by Amir Thaleb. This year I was joined by Randa Kamel, Momo Kadous, Mohamed Shahin, Yael of Argentina, Isis of Mexico, and 800 students!
The shows were spectacular with laser lights and fog machines. The South American dance style is very bold and can leave you exhausted as a spectator. Teaching to 800 students is an emotional high. I feel lucky to have experienced this extreme event.

Upcoming Events

I am looking forward to returning to Buenos Aires, Argentina for Encuentro VII, Mexico, and my first trip to Columbia. In November it is back to Berne, Switzerland to see Alex and Amira, and Duisberg, Germany for Layla Jouvana’s Festival and Bellydancer of the World Competition. This will be my 9th trip to Germany! I am really looking forward to what looks like a great event in Wisconsin and returning to Calgary. Check my calendar at www.azizashimmy.com for an event near you!

Aziza Dreamcamp

July of this year I had my first Dreamcamp in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Dreamcamp was a realization of a vision I had 8 years ago. I am so grateful to the first participants who trusted me with their precious time. Everything turned out better than my vision and I am thrilled to announce that there will be three Dreamcamps next year! It was not easy to think of a way to top the first Dreamcamp…so I have invited some special guest instructors to join me! We are already booking for the camps next year, and have students coming from all over the world. Please find more information at www.azizadreamcamp.com.

Latest news

Where in the world has Aziza been this year? I started this year in Israel, Italy, France, Belgium, England, and Spain! I have also visited Japan, Malaysia, and Turkey. In North America I have had the pleasure of teaching and performing in Minneapolis, Orlando, and San Diego.

After many years of traveling and being hosted by hardworking promoters all over the world I finally invited my own guest to join me in Montreal. Not just any guest, but Issam Houshan, master percussionist. Issam is most known for his work with the Bellydance Superstars. I have had the pleasure of working with this talented drummer on a couple of occasions and finally taught with him a couple of years ago at Ya Halla Y All in Texas. We both agreed that we had a great time teaching together and wanted to continue to work together. So August of 2010, with the help from the efficient and hard working Zafirah, we finally made our vision a reality to rousing success. Classes in Drum technique, rhythm identification, finger cymbols, and a drum solo choreography were so well received that we have no choice but to bring him back! This time for the Dreamcamp weeklong intensive in July 2011! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with this generous and talented artist. Don't miss this special event!

Student feature

Our featured student is the gorgeous Gemma. At a vibrant 71 years young, she is one of the most dedicated students I have ever worked with. I first noticed Gemma at the monthly workshops I was teaching in Quebec. I could tell she was challenged by the material but she had such determination and a great attitude. When she began private lessons, I saw an amazing transformation. I may have given her some tools and encouragement but the work was all Gemma. She practices EVERY DAY and does not give up. Gemma can mesmerize with the veil and has now mastered the ¾ shimmy. She also gets requests to perform. We could all learn something from this remarkable woman. Gemma truly inspires me to be a better teacher and dancer.