Sharifa Asmar
Performer / Instructor of Oriental Dance
Sharifa has always danced and Oriental music is in her heart and soul....
It was the music that brought her to the dance, that first captured her attention, her imagination, her heart...... Her vivacious love of people and her music shine through her dance.
Sharifa dances with passion, grace, and classic style.
As a performer, Sharifa is known for her authentic classic style, engaging audience-pleasing presentation, and masterful technique. Her connection to the dance and its musical context is such that audience members often address her in their native Arabic. She has performed at a variety of celebrations, international and corporate events, public venues, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as, numerous family celebrations such as weddings and festivals in the US and Europe. Currently based in the southeastern US, Sharifa’s travels have taken her across the Americas, to Europe and the Middle East. Sharifa's repertoire includes Egyptian, Lebanese, and Turkish styles, regional North African and Arab-Asian dances.
Sharifa teaches with clarity and patience.
As an instructor, she shares her knowledge and experience without reserve. There are no trade-secrets for Sharifa and she is an exemplary [and multi-lingual] instructor. Sharifa provides strong Middle Eastern dance basics and Oriental technique sets the foundation for each dancer’s creativity. Her own passion for the dance is constantly renewed by studying with internationally- known dancers and dance masters world-wide.
Sharifa loves to share the dance and is a recognized resource for quality Middle Eastern Oriental dance education.
As
director and choreographer
of Qarisma Dance Arts,
a resource for traditional Middle Eastern and North African dance, Sharifa
seeks to take Middle Eastern
dance beyond its traditional audiences with quality
innovative Oriental dance and education programs.
She
has been a panelist on NPR radio, appeared on cable TV, and her performances
have been included in several video collections. Sharifa's
educational programs and demonstrations are presented to audiences from grammar schools to adult service organizations and museums.
In 2001,
Sharifa
presented her research
at the 2nd International Middle Eastern Dance Conference in
Costa Mesa, CA..
In
2006, Sharifa brought her dance company, Qarisma Dance, to the Charlotte Dance
Festival - the first and only Oriental dance company to perform there.
Extended engagements in NY/NJ metro area, Charlotte,NC, and Central Florida resorts are among her professional experiences.
Sharifa has served the dance arts community as a member of the North Carolina Dance Alliance board, as well as her local Arts Richmond board. In 2006, she was awarded a substantial artist's regional project grant by the Arts Council in Fayetteville, NC.
Sharifa's academic education includes post-graduate studies in history and European languages.
Some Recent Highlights ~
§ 2006 Featured performer, Clarkesville GA, "A Dancer's Timeline"
§ 2006 Completed Level 1, Middle Eastern Dance Teacher Training with Hadia [Canada]
§ 2006 1st performance of Oriental Dance at the Charlotte Dance Festival [Qarisma Dance Company]
§ 2006 Featured performer, Richmond VA, Tammalyn Dalal Gala Show ~ Women of Selket Productions
§ 2006 Featured performer, Greenville SC, "Be My Habibi" Retrobellydancer Productions
§ 2006 Raleigh, NC Exploris Museum, AFRICA program / North African dance
§ 2005 1st performance of Oriental Dance at North Carolina Dance Alliance Annual Event [Soloist]
Booking Your Event Qarisma Dance Choreography
Cultural Programs About Oriental Dance Health and Healing