Guest Teacher

Leading Arizona's Middle Eastern dance (MED) scene, Ava Fleming's innovative isolations and soulful music interpretation has captivated audiences across the world.  In high demand for her teaching skills and performances, Ava's unique approach to MED has led her to international recognition and acclaim.  She spends the majority of her time traveling as a guest seminar instructor and artist; however, in Phoenix you can see her performing at venues such as: The Herberger, Scottsdale Center for the Arts and Tempe Center for the Arts, for special engagements as listed on her website.

Recognized by her peers, role models, and audience members, Ava Fleming is the only award-winning dancer to sweep all three categories, Champion, People's Choice and Miss Congeniality in the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition (2004). Since then she has become a regular judge at MED competitions worldwide.  Ava also owns al Moro Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona where you can find Flamenco, Capoeira, Samba, MED, yoga and fitness classes. Additionally she teaches weekly classes at Arizona State University, Paradise Valley Community College and Scottsdale Community College.

You can see her and her dance company, Black Opal, on more than a dozen instructional and performance DVDs worldwide.  Ava continually draws inspiration from her student's fresh viewpoints, her own resolve to be true to herself by living in her heart; and as always, from great music and teachers.

Find out more about Ava Fleming.

Nicole LeCorgne has been the musical accompanist and resident drum teacher for Oasis Dance Camps since 1996. She has a B.A. in World Music and Dance from the University of Minnesota, a Masters Degree in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University, and has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, where she made photographs and field recordings of Saudi folk music for Saudi Aramco World Magazine. She is a a member of several New York-based music ensembles including al-Hawanim, Sounds of Taraab, Alhambra and Zikrayat. Nicole has received Fulbright funding for the 2008-2009 Academic Year in Cairo to work on a photodocumentary project about musical life in Cairo.

Find out more about Nicole.

Zulaika's career in Middle Eastern dance spans 30 years. She studied under Cassandra Shore, was a founding member of Jawaahir Dance Company, and a teacher at the Cassandra School. In addition, Zulaika was a soloist at Arabic restaurants and weddings in the Minneapolis metro area. In 2007, Zulaika and her husband were relocated to Seattle, WA where she continues to teach and perform. She is excited to bring the "Cassandra Technique" to the Great Northwest!

Find out more about Zulaika.

Photo credit: Nicole LeCorgne

A classically trained dancer, Yasmina Amal's repertoire ranges from ballet and modern to jazz and beyond. A professional Middle Eastern dancer with more than sixteen years experience, she has studied with the legendary stars of modern Middle Eastern Dance. As the artistic director of the renowned Middle Eastern dance troupe Habibi Dancers, Yasmina teaches technique, choreography, costuming, finger cymbal technique and the use of props. In addition to leading warm-ups preceding morning technique class, Yasmina will offer classes in the use of balanced props at Oasis North 2008.

Find out more about Yasmina Amal.

Hasani, a well established dancer and performer when Oasis came west, was instrumental in getting Oasis West up and running on Vashon Island. Hasani is devoted to teaching the dance, and loves to see the self-realization that takes place as women discover the Dance for themselves. Her classroom and workshop instruction is noted for its emphasis on technique, isolation, and energy flow. At Oasis West, Hasani will lead the warm-ups preceding morning technique class and a trance/turning session each morning.

Find out more about Hasani.