About
What others have said…
“Asharah is a one-of-a-kind exquisite performer. She oozes yumminess and explodes with strength and passion. Her technique is flawless and dynamic, but most of all Asharah has that ineffable quality that draws you in to watch and be led wherever she may take you. “
- Elizabeth Strong, www.strongdancer.com
“Asharah is exceptionally professional.”
- Samira Tu’Ala, Organizer, The Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival
“Asharah is an enormously talented artist!”
- Artemis Mourat MA, MSW
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Asharah’s (Updated) Statement of Purpose:
I pride myself on the fact that I have “made it”, so to speak, on my own, and through the generosity of friends and contacts who saw something in me and my art worth promoting.
I have struggled to be myself, my own dancer, blazing my own path without schmoozing, kissing anyone’s ass, or trying to copy anyone else’s style or look. I never compromised my art to be more well-known. I have never once sold out. I have not adhered to one particular style or genre of belly dance, and I have always followed my own intuition.
I believe that I am doing this the hard way. I am not a member of a famous dance troupe. I don’t have a gimmick. I choose music that moves me tremendously but often annoys the crap out of other people. I have not tried to rub shoulders with famous dancers just to be noticed. I am not a squeaky wheel. I have damaged my body, fighting exhaustion and rehabilitating from injuries. I have cracked my emotional calm over and over again, facing the darkest parts of my psyche, my frustrations, my expectations, and most of all my fear. I haven’t expected opportunities to be handed to me. I do not expect favors. I am unflinchingly alone in my artistic journey, and I am fiercely proud of it.
I have chosen to perfect my technique quietly, to focus on training and conditioning, to build on my artistic convictions, and to be me at all costs.
When I decided to pay less attention to the opportunities that others had, and more attention to my own progress as an artist, that’s when the opportunities started knocking at my door. WorldDanceNewYork asked me to produce a DVD. Marta Vizueta recommended me to teach at DC’s largest non-profit dance studio, Joy of Motion, and they hired me. Saphira asked me to join the faculty at her studio, Saffron Dance in Arlington, Virginia, which after only two years of business has already won “Best New Business” and “Best Place to Work Out” awards for the city of Arlington. Festival promoters around the world have asked me to teach, to perform, and to be a part of their events. And a few years before that, several of my fellow dancers suggested me to WorldDanceNewYork to appear on the first Gothic Bellydance DVD.
I never asked for any of it. But I am so thankful for every producer, dancer, artist, and friend who has offered me a gig, a teaching position, a performance slot, a positive DVD review, a fan e-mail, or a compliment. I have discovered that true gratitude goes a long way, and that, at least in the dance world, karma happens. And I believe that the dancers who stay true to themselves, and who stay humble throughout their careers are the ones who ultimately succeed.
Being true to yourself isn’t easy. It’s perhaps the hardest thing an artist can do. But the rewards are worth the struggle.
This is my statement of purpose… to remain true to my convictions, to never compromise my art to make myself more appealing or popular, to continue to grow and learn and seek knowledge from my mentors and colleagues both in and out of the dance world, and to be an example for dancers who are seeking their own artistic path.
If you had to, right this moment, right your own statement of purpose, on what would you focus?
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The Boring Version:
Asharah is internationally renowned for her strong technique, dramatic fusion of tribal and cabaret belly dance, tough but compassionate teaching style, and her dedication to raising professional and artistic standards in belly dance. She has taught throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia; her 2008 instructional DVD, Modern Tribal Bellydance with Asharah, is considered one of the best instructional belly dance DVDs on the market for belly dancers of all styles and levels. She holds a B.A. from Princeton University in Near Eastern Studies, a Level 2 certification in the Suhaila Salimpour belly dance format, and a Level 1 certification in the Jamila Salimpour belly dance format. She is fiercely dedicated to educating dancers about the history and culture of the Middle East, as well as fostering creativity and individuality in each dancer. After living on the East Coast for 12 years, she now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read her blog on dance, art, integrity, and business at www.bdpaladin.com, and learn more about her upcoming events at www.asharah.com.
