dance class

Advanced Middle Eastern Dance Class

In her classes, Amara stresses a strong foundational technique through combinations of choreography, improvisation, solo, and group work. Students are encouraged to create their own style and are taught to embellish their performances with props such as veil, zils (finger cymbals), cane, and sword. Besides movements, Amara also discusses the history of Middle Eastern dance, the differences between various genres, and the issues facing dancers today

Amara is one of the most versatile dancers in the U.S. as her repertory includes traditional and experimental improvisations and choreographies. She has held long-term performing engagements at several nightclubs and restaurants and is featured in several commercial videos. Amara teaches dance studio classes and is an instructor at Cal Poly, Pomona. In addition, she is Director of Ya Helewa!, Producer of EEMED and Co-producer of X-MED. She holds a degree in Music History and Literature and a certificate in Ethnomusicology (FSU) and worked towards an MA and MFA in Dance (UCLA). Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in Dance History and Theory (UCR).