Teachers & Staff
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OASIS and Cassandra go hand in hand. Cassandra is the reason there is an Oasis Dance Camp. Regardless of your level of dance experience, you will come away from classes with her a better dancer. She is a superb teacher, patient, inspiring but not intimidating. Her technique classes challenge the most competent dancers while bringing newer students up a few levels. Find out more about Cassandra. |
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For the past twenty years Habiba has trained dancers in Middle Eastern movement techniques and cultural traditions at her Philadelphia studio. She is a leading researcher of the dances of Egypt and Tunisia and teaches contemporary styles as well as the traditional folkloric dances that have been performed and passed down for many years. Habiba will be our guest teacher for Oasis 2008. Find out more about Habiba. |
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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 member of several
New York-based ensembles including al-Hawanim, Sounds of Taraab, Alhambra
and Zikrayat. Nicole lives in New York, where she teaches, performs and
photographs. Find out more about Nicole. Bring musical instruments to jam with! |
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Zulaika's career in Middle Eastern dance spans 30 years. She studied under
Cassandra Shore, was a founding member of Jawaahir Dance Company, a teacher
at the Cassandra School. In addition, Zulaika was also 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!
Photo credit: Nicole LeCorgne Find out more about Zulaika. |
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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. The artistic director of the Habibi
Dancers, a renowned Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, 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. |
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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. Hasani will lead warm-ups each morning at Oasis West preceding
technique class and a trance/turning session each morning at camp.
Find out more about Hasani. |
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Kay Hardy Campbell is a Boston-based writer with a specialty in the
Middle East and Saudi Arabia. She also lectures on Middle East-related
subjects, studies and performs Arabic music, and is a director of the annual
Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. Kay learned the folk dances
and music of Saudi and Gulf women while living in Saudi Arabia. Since that
time, she has been teaching women's classes in 'Khaliji' dance, including at
Oasis Dance Camps in 1986, 1991, 1999, and 2007. Kay is an integral member
of the Oasis Morocco Staff. Her experience living in the Arab world and
language skills help to make every minute of our journey more pleasurable.
Find out more about Kay. |
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Na'imah is the Oasis web mistress and a professional Middle Eastern dancer
and teacher from Michigan. She has been coming to Oasis since 2001 and
credits Cassandra and the Oasis camps with the development of her dance
style, and with keeping her involvement in Middle Eastern dance passionate
and strong. She refers to Oasis campers as her "favorite family" and is
always grateful for the warm welcome and invaluable knowledge she finds at
camp.
Find out more about Na'imah. |
Guest Teachers From Previous Years |
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| 2007 | Kay Hardy Campbell - North and West, Sahra Saeeda - East, Amel Tafsout - New Zealand |
| 2006 | Sahra Saeeda - North, Cassandra - South, Meera and Sharon Moore - West |
| 2005 | Amel Tafsout |
| 2004 | Denise Enan, Canada |
| 2003 | Jillina - North, Dalia Carella - West, and Hadia - South |
| 2002 | Katia of Boston |
| 2001 | Helene Eriksen, Germany |
| 2000 | Amel Tafsout, London, England |
| 1999 | Kay Hardy Campbell, Boston |
| 1998 | Angelika Nemeth, L.A. area |
| 1997 | Artemis, DC area |
| 1996 | Zahra Zuhair, LA |
| 1995 | Habiba, Philadelphia |
| 1994 | Shaherazad, Arizona |
| 1993 | Conchi, Ohio |
| 1992 | Ruby Jazayre, Indiana |
| 1991 | Kay Hardy Campbell, Boston |
| 1990 | Zeina (Dee Birnbaum), Tenn. |
| 1989 | Habiba |
| 1988 | Laurel Victoria Gray, DC area |
| 1987 | Judy Nasser, MI |
| 1986 | Kay Hardy Campbell, Boston |
| 1985 | Raheja, Ohio |