Recent Tour Pictures

- Kahreen & Kira were included in the "Matriarchs of Bellydance" article in the January/February 2011 issue of Jareeda Magazine. - Kahreen & Kira were featured on the Sept/Oct 2009 issue of Zaghareet Magazine - Winners of Zaghareet Magazine's 2003-2004 Lifetime Achievement Award and - Mecda's 2000 Lifetime Achievement Award! - Kismet Dancers of Miami - Troupe Oasis 2002 Champions! - Kismet Dancers of Miami were featured on Spring 2006 cover of Jareeda Magazine!

Dahlena taught combinations and technique with her own unique style to various types of music during our wonderful reunion event. During Saturday's workshop, she taught slow and sensual movements reminiscent of the 60's Turkish style and she taught combinations to Egyptian and Turkish music. After lunch, Dahlena she discussed her legacy conducted a question and answer session. On Sunday, she taught combinations to modern and classical Egyptian, where and incorporated shimmies and earthy hip movements. On both days she covered the proper phrasing and use of music. The combinations that were taught could be used for opening numbers as well as more earthy songs (shaabi and beledi), so that the dancer was taught how to change their mood with the music. This event was so well received and attended (90 people attended the party and both days of workshops) that Dahlena was asked to return back to Miami. During the weekend of Sept. 12-13, 2020, Dahlena will be returning to Miami again! A special thank you to all who helped make this event so memorable: the Kismettes, Jonnina, Lamis, Ghazala, Sherrezah, Indira, the Spirit of the Gypsy Tribe Dancers/Ken Ives, Jacqui, Liudmilla, Akasha, Levana Amar, Leela, and Dahlena.

Angelika Nemeth has journeyed through the paths and roads of Oriental Dance, and has studied with many notables of Middle Eastern Dance in Egypt and the United States for the past two decades. What an incredible weekend this has been! Angelika Nemeth is a wonderful artist and teacher who puts much thought in the material teaches and how she teaches each movement. This weekend, some lucky South Florida dancers were able to take two days of master classes with an instructor who combined techniques from Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, and Raquia Hassan during Saturday's seminar when she taught a saidi/cane choreography. On Sunday, Angelika's explanation of the origin of Egyptian rhythms was very informative, and she taught improvisational skills within beledi progression during Sunday's workshop. After 33 years of sponsoring many years of seminars and artists of different styles, I can truly say that this has been one of the best seminars. We are already planning to bring Angelika back in the future! Saturday's show had a great line up, and I would like to thank the following performers who shared their talents and love for this great art form: Rising Phoenix Dancers, the Desert Flowers, Lamis, Akasha, Ghazala, Jonina, Rane, Kira, The Kismet Dancers-Kismettes, Wendy Fong & Daniel, and Angelika Nemeth (Ca). Sponsoring artists to teach seminars is a great way to give back to the dance community. I am getting ready to welcome Dahlena in Sept., and Artemis Mourat in April, 2020. Thank you again to all who have supported this special event! Angelika will be returning to Miami! For more information on Angelika Nemeth, please visit her website at www.angelikanemeth.com

Shoshanna returns to Miami Shoshanna is a delightful and eclectic young artist that dancers of all levels can learn from. The South Florida Dance Community explored a exciting variety of rhythms, veilwork, choreography and more! The art of AIR…. Allowed the dancers the chance to enhance the drama and expressive potential of their dancing through use of long veils (four yards!). Seminar participants explored transitions, techniques and troubleshooting to that enabled them to become fluid and effortless with their veilwork. Trough the art of FIRE, and the song “December” from Issam Houshan’s new Hard Raqs Café album, seminar participants worked with a fast and fiery 7/8 rhythm. This workshop covered strong technique drilling, and exploring the different types of 7/8 rhythms one might find in Middle Eastern and Balkan music. Combinations were taught that fit the energetic song. The art of EARTH allowed the seminar participant to connect to the earthy pulse of the 10/8 samai rhythm where combinations, technique and improvisation were taught. Through the art of WATER, a sparkling, flowing choreography to a 6/8 song “Cask of Alban” by Tim Rayborn was taught. The choreography blended influences from Egyptian and Persian dance. Either performed in whole or enjoyed in combinations, this piece challenged and inspired dancers of all levels, with special attention on three types of swirling turns, incredible rippling arm and hand work and a bit of fancy footwork! Shoshanna and her daughter Amira, were such a hit, that we look forward to sponsoring them again! For more information on Shoshanna, please check out www.shoshannaland.com. To see Shoshanna perform, please check out Shoshanna's Performance

Ahmed Hussien Ahmed Hussien was recognized by The Higher Institute of Ballet in Cairo, Egypt and accepted his enrollment into their elite academy at eight years of age. He studied both academics and dance for nine years, 12 hours a day; included in his rigorous training were formal instruction and mentorship in Classical rigorous training were formal instruction and mentorship in Classical Oriental and Folkloric Dances of Egypt by Egyptian Dance Masters, and Russian Ballet by experts affiliated with the prestigious ballet companies of Russia. By the age of 17, Ahmed had toured internationally with the Cairo National Ballet under the direction of Dr. Abdel Moneim Kamel, and had graduated from The Higher Institute of Ballet with the highest degree of honors. He came to the US and expanded his dance education into ballroom dance, while working for Madame Darvish of New York. Soon thereafter, Ahmed was presented with countless opportunities including touring with the Near East Dance Group, performing several times at Lincoln Center and choreographing “Oh, Brother” for a Broadway production. He has since been sponsored in many workshop intensives and been on judging panels for competitions worldwide. The 2016 workshops covered combinations and Beledi and Oriental Waltz and Oriental Tango (reminiscent of the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s), and Oriental dance. It is an honor to be able to sponsor such an amazing artist! The 2017 workshops covered an introduction to his technique, Beledi and Shaabi and Romantic Oriental. The 2018 workshops covered Drum Solo, Cane, & Folkloric Dance.

Angelika Nemeth has journeyed through the paths and roads of Oriental Dance, and has studied with many notables of Middle Eastern Dance in Egypt and the United States for the past two decades. She teaches workshops and lectures and has performed in Canada, England, Germany, Japan and throughout the USA. Since 1987 she has been producing critically acclaimed World Dance concerts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California.Throughout the 1980's and 90's, she performed in all the top Middle Eastern restaurant/night clubs in the Los Angeles area, and has graced the magazine covers of Jareeda and Habibi and on Jalaledin's Volume III album cover. She has also appeared on numerous dance videos like Raja Zahr's Dancing Live to Raja or her own, Angelika and Ensemble Live in Concert. Angelika will be returning to Miami! For more information on Angelika Nemeth, please visit her website at www.angelikanemeth.com

The South Florida Dance Community had the rare and wonderful opportunity to study with internationally acclaimed artist Ahmed Hussien during Sept., 2016. Ahmed Hussien is undeniably an iconic figure and a source of inspiration for dancers and teachers alike in the world of Classic Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric Dance. Ahmed’s masterful and dynamic teaching method is the result of his absolute dedication to dance combined with his comprehensive experience in the area of performance and choreography. Ahmed is the ONLY Egyptian Dance Master to have Ballet, Belly Dance, Ballroom, and Broadway experience in his repertoire. Ahmed Hussien was recognized by The Higher Institute of Ballet in Cairo, Egypt and accepted his enrollment into their elite academy at eight years of age. He studied both academics and dance for nine years, 12 hours a day; included in his rigorous training were formal instruction and mentorship in Classical rigorous training were formal instruction and mentorship in Classical Oriental and Folkloric Dances of Egypt by Egyptian Dance Masters, and Russian Ballet by experts affiliated with the prestigious ballet companies of Russia. By the age of 17, Ahmed had toured internationally with the Cairo National Ballet under the direction of Dr. Abdel Moneim Kamel, and had graduated from The Higher Institute of Ballet with the highest degree of honors. He came to the US and expanded his dance education into ballroom dance, while working for Madame Darvish of New York. Soon thereafter, Ahmed was presented with countless opportunities including touring with the Near East Dance Group, performing several times at Lincoln Center and choreographing “Oh, Brother” for a Broadway production. He has since been sponsored in many workshop intensives and been on judging panels for competitions worldwide. Due to an overwhelming demand, Ahmed will be returning to Miami Sept. 15-17, 2017.

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Iconic bellydance artist, performer and instructor Dahlena and her beautiful daughter Angela came to Miami to teach an inspirational workshop in Miami and perform in a wonderful evening show. Dahlena's BELLY DANCE teaching methods, professional performances, and artistic attitude toward Middle Eastern dancing have been widely acknowledged from coast to coast during the past thirty years. Her early ballet training in Portland, Oregon resulted in engagements that took her to Boston and New York where she met the Middle Eastern dancers, Princess Yasmina from Algeria and the Jamal Twins from Egypt. She was attracted by the slow, sinuous, and beautiful movements and by the mood-setting music. Although she is an American, her unusual ability to perform the Middle Eastern dance earned her a reputation in many cities - including Las Vegas where she was asked to choreograph a show. She had to break down the movements to teach them to other dancers. In 1975, Dahlena authored the instruction book THE ART OF BELLY DANCING. She has also produced recordings and numerous videos. Dahlenab> was one of the preeminent pioneers of nationwide workshops. She dazzles amateur and professional dancers alike with her mastery of modern MIDDLE EASTERN dance styles based on the solid foundations of the past. Egypt's Raqia Hassan said, "She is fantastic. If beginners could see Dahlena dancing, then they would understand Arabic dance." (taken from Habibi) Vol 17 # 4 12/1999. Not only is she is one of the featured dancers on the "Legends of Belly Dance DVD", but was chosen to grace the cover of that DVD as well. To learn more about Dahlena or to see her perform, check out her website at www.dahlena.com or to see her perform, please check out Video Clips from Dahlena's website. Angelina has been performing the art of Middle Eastern Belly Dance in Chicago and various venues throughout the United States, running the gamut from stage shows to corporate & cultural events, bachelorette parties, nightclubs to weddings. She was chosen out of three separate audition calls for the role of principle dancer in The Lyric Opera's 2002-2003 season's production of Thais starring Renee Fleming. Trained by her mother, Dahlena, Angelina has been teaching Belly Dancing for 12 years. She has taught Cabaret, Folkloric and Spanish Fusion, particularly in the Dahlena Method, since 2001, and leads a small dance troupe who performs traditional, folkloric and Modern Belly Dancing in the Chicago area. Angelina will teach to modern pop and some traveling combinations. With emphasis on hip shimmies, accents and undulations plus arm movement!! We are equally excited to sponsor Angelina in Miami once again. To learn more about Angelina or to see her perform, check out her website at www.angelinabellydancer.com or to see her perform, please check out Video Clips from Angelina's website.

Artemis Mourat returns to Miami Inernationally acclaimed performer, instructor and historian Artemis Mourat returned to Miami to teach an exciting workshop and perform in evening show. Artemis has an amazing ability to break down cymbal patterns and explain musical rhythms, so her information is vital to dancers of all levels. The information that she provided was simply invaluable. She also performed in the evening show and we are planning to bring her back to Miami. Thank you Artemis for sharing so much wonderful knowledge. To check out her website for more information, please check out www.serpentine.org

Shoshanna returns to Miami Shoshanna is a delightful and eclectic young artist that dancers of all levels can learn from. Saturday's workshop covered the "art of the fan" and "delightful dancing". Slice through the air, melt in upon yourself, and become a moving work of art in Shoshanna's slippery, flowing, organic approach to the fan was a great lesson in how to further one's technique with veils. Seminar participants worked with fans. Delightful dancing covering travelling moves, lovely arms, seamless layering, fancy footwork and sparkling technique was also covered in this workshop delving into all of the "good stuff" that dancers of all styles enjoy. This class pulled together training from any style into 3-4 fabulous combinations to add new dimensions to everyone's dancing, dancers of all levels benefitted. Sunday's workshop, "ten of veils" weaved delicious long veil technique into a new lyrical Samai choreography to the treasured song Lama Bada. During the afternoon workshop, musicality, improvisation skills and choreographic instincts were taught to give participants new ideas for their Creativity Toolbox! Dance, move, create, and find new depths to your explorations of music and your own interpretations of dance in this very interactive, powerful workshop. For more information on Shoshanna, please check out www.shoshannaland.com. To see Shoshanna perform, please check out Shoshanna's Performance

Wonderful Weekend of Dance featuring Dahlena (Az)! A true bellydance icon, Dahlena taught combinations to soulful music, and old style earthy hips, as well as presentation skills, entrance walks and Spanish fusion. Known for her powerful and unique style, Dahlena taught material for dancers of all levels. We look forward to bringing her back to South Florida again! Special thanks to Wendy for emceeing show and to all of the performers who helped make this show so special; Kismettes, Lamis, Akasha Bint AL Waha, Lorena, Sambra, Akasha and West Palm Beach Jewels of the Nile, Rane, Ghazala, Tarifa Salem, Gatekeepers and Leela.

Successful 28th Annual Bellydance Weekend featuring Fahtiem Fahtiem is a true dancer's dancer. She is well known for her creativity, stage presence, and strong technique. Both workshops contained a wealth of information, and the show was well attended, with members of the general audience inquiring to order the show video. Fahtiem is truly one of our favorite artists of all time.

Shoshanna returns to Miami Shoshanna is a delightful and eclectic young artist that dancers of all levels can learn from. Her expertise with veils is evident and she taught a class which allowed dancers to work with their silk veils, plus 4 yard veils. She will be returning to Miami again.

Successful 27th Annual Bellydance Weekend featuring Aszmara Aszmara is a Dancer's Dancer and she has taught dancers from all parts of the world. Her musicality and theatrics are incredible to see as a performer, and she has an amazing ability to teach students how to connect with their own emotions to produce a better performance. One of the most difficult concepts to teach is the ability to connect with one's emotions so that the performer will produce a more powerful performance, and will connect better to the audience. The workshop was attended by professional dancers and students of all levels, each participant learning alot from her class. The workshop setting is more intimate and therefore provides a wonderful opportunity for dancers to learn; a mirrored room with a wooden floor, plus smaller groups provide wonderful learning opportunities. Many thanks to all of the performers, Kismet Dancers of Miami/Kismettes, Diana Spring, Akasha, Palm Beach Jewels of the Nile, Rising Phoenix Dancers, Pari, Sophia, Lamis and Wendy Fong for lovely performances. Kahreen and I are still getting phone calls from people who attended the show and workshops, complimenting us on the quality of the event. Also, thanks to the students and dance teachers who came to the Friday night stage dynamics and presentation workshop. This was one of the most enjoyable workshops that I have taught, I especially enjoyed working with the different rhythms and demonstrating how the dynamics can change with the different styles of music. Kahreen and I thank all of the dancers, students, and vendors who make this possible each and every year by supporting our events. We were also pleased that the Kismet Dance Foundation was able to sponsor a student and give them the opportunity to study with Aszmara. We have received many requests to bring Aszmara back to Miami, and we will be bringing her back again. It has always been our goal to promote this dance and present it as a true artform, and so we plan to continue in these endeavors.

Artemis Mourat returns to Miami Inernationally acclaimed performer, instructor and historian Artemis Mourat returned to Miami to teach an exciting workshop and perform in evening show. Once again, the seminar participants gained a wealth of information. A smaller class size in the mirrored room and wooden floor contribute to the quality of the workshop, as participants have individualized attention and a good floor and the ability to see how they are doing the material that is being taught. Artemis has an amazing ability to break down cymbal patterns and explain musical rhythms, so her information is vital to daners of all levels. She also performed in the evening show and received a standing ovation. We are planning to bring her back to Miami. Thank you Artemis for sharing so much wonderful knowledge.

Successful 26th Annual Bellydance Weekend featuring Mesmera Internationally acclaimed instructor/performer/artist Mesmera returned to Miami and once again taught two wonderful workshops and starred in a well-attended show. Mesmera taught her signature approach to finger cymbals, plus taught her signature Raqs Gitana style. Her cabaret and gypsy performances in our evening show were spectacular - she is a Dancer's Dancer. Special thanks to Pari & the Roses of Persia, Lamis, Rising Phoenix Dancers, Diana Spring, Akasha & the Palm Beach Jewels of the Nile, the Step Sisters, Wendy & Dwight for supporting this event and performing so wonderfully in the evening show. Special thanks to Mesmera for doing such an awesome job!

Dahlena This fall, we were proud to have the opportunity to sponsor internationally acclaimed bellydance icon Dahlena in workshop and show. This was a very special workshop for us because Dahlena was the first artist that we sponsored in 1987, and we are celebrating our 25th year of sponsoring shows and workshops. Covering Turkish and Arabic combinations and techniques was a wonderful education for all of the dancers who participated in the workshop, and plans are being made to bring her back to Miami again in 2012. Thank you once again to the dancers and students who supported the workshop and to the incredible performers that were in our evening show. The show was a well-attended event.

Fahtiem Workshops and show featuring Fahtiem were a wonderful success. Thank you all who supported and helped make this such a special event! Thank you to all of our wonderful performers that contributed their talents toward making this show the best ever. There are already requests for Fahtiem to come back!

Gamila Asfour Kahreen and Kira were very proud to be able to sponsor the legendary Gamila Asfour in workshop during the weekend of Sept. 24-26, 2010. One of their very first instructors, Gamila is the epitome of grace and elegance in Egyptian dance. We are looking forward to bringing her back to South Florida again. The wealth of information that she possesses and the beauty of her style will benefit dancers of all levels. Check out Miami Herald article that was written regarding their last event which featured Gamila Asfour! Gamila Asfour

Successful 24th Annual Bellydance Weekend featuring Mesmera Internationally acclaimed instructor/performer/artist Mesmera returned to Miami and once again taught two wonderful workshops and starred in a well-attended show. Mesmera taught her signature approach to finger cymbals, plus taught combinations with veil and taksim movements, plus choreography. On Sunday, she taught more taksim mmovements, and gypsy fusion which included combinations with shawl and full skirts. Her cabaret performance in our evening show was spectacular - she is a Dancer's Dancer. Special thanks to Pari & the Roses of Persia, Salomeh and the Arabian Nights Dancers, Akasha & the Palm Beach Jewels of the Nile, the Step Sisters, Wendy & Dwight for supporting this event and performing so wonderfully in the evening show. Special thanks to Mesmera for doing such an awesome job - she is planning to return to Miami in April 2012!

Sensual Taksim, beautiful and expressive Hands and Arms. This workshop was fun and a great workout for us, as we had a great group of dancers who worked and were eager to get as much information as possible. Despite the bad weather, we had two great dancers drive from Melbourne to attend the workshop! The workshop covered proper posture, stretching techniques as well as taksim, hand and arm movements, plus combinations. Thank you again, Ameera, Akasha and West Palm Beach bellydance meetup group for sponsoring these workshops and for all that you contribute to the bellydance community! For more information on West Palm Beach meetup or to become a member, please click here: Palm Beach Meetup Website

Shimmy, layering and rhythms workshop! The shimmy, layering and drum workshop was a great success. Thank you to Akasha and Ameera and Palm Beach Meetup for organizing this event. Thank you to Ken for his wonderful contributions to the workshop and thank you to all of the dancers who supported this event. More events will be organized for 2010! For more information on Palm Beach Meetup, to become a member, or to read some of the reviews for the workshop, please click here: Palm Beach Meetup, comments & testimonials on workshop!

Dahlena This fall, we were proud to have the opportunity to sponsor internationally acclaimed bellydance icon Dahlena in workshop and show. This was a very special workshop for us because Dahlena was the first artist that we sponsored in 1987. Dancers from as far away as North Carolina attended the workshop. The material that she taught and her unbelievable artistry and stylization made her an instant favorite, and plans are being made to bring her back to Miami once again. Thank you once again to the dancers and students who supported the workshop and to the incredible performers that were in our evening show. There have been many positive comments about the workshop and show.

Spring 2009 This spring has been an exciting time for us as we had the honor of sponsoring internationally acclaimed Fahtiem (Ca). As always the participants were treated to a workshop that was incredibly informative with much individualized attention. Her performance in the gala show was electrifying and many people have requested that she return to Miami! Special thanks to all of the wonderful performers in this year's show - making it one of the best ever: Fahtiem, Gigi Fayed, Shawn Rae, Stacy O'neill, Akasha & the Dancers of the Nile, Rising Phoenix Dancers, Salomeh Azar, Myka, Dwight and Wendy Fong, and Kira & the Kismettes. As always, there were a wide range of performers and styles of dance making this show a theatrical success!! One week later, we proudly sponsored Gamila Asfour (Ca), one of the true pioneers of Egyptian style dance. Mentoring under Achmed Jarjour, her classical and earthy presentation of this dance make her a true inspiration to many of us, and a wonderful source of knowledge to newer dancers. She also will be returning to Miami!!! We thank them both for sharing their vast knowledge and talent with us!

Yousry Sharif in Miami Yousry Sharif's tenth annual workshop in Miami was very successful. Teaching two wonderful choreographies, his workshop was full of eager participants - many of whom study with him every year! As always his workshop was so successful - that he will be brought back to Miami! Mr. Sharif is a true master teacher who has produced many artists who are prominent on today's seminar circuit. He has a wonderful ability to take traditional dance styles and combine them with modern elements. Dancers from as far away as Puerto Rico attended this workshop. We would like to thank Virginia and her students, Francesca, and Madrina, and all of our students for their support!

Yearly Workshop Series A series of workshops were taught this year by Kahreen and Kira which covered the following styles of dance; saidi, sword/floorwork, hip articulation, taksim, slow sensual movements, and arm work. Our workshop that covered finger cymbals/dance combinations and rhythms was designed for dancers of all levels; combinations were taught to different bellydance rhythms: chiftitelli, baladi, karachi, and karslimar. Finger cymbals were incorporated with the combinations. Special attention was focused on accompanying the cymbals with the different movements and playing the cymbals as percussive instruments. Our last two workshops on folkloric dance and the shimmy choreography/finger cymbal workshops were well attended, and choreographies were taught in both workshops. We are now setting up ideas for 2008! Thank you to Aventura Arts Academy for hosting these events and making them possible, and thank you to Dancer's Dream for hosting us in a special sword workshop. Kahreen and Kira, as well as the Kismet Dance Foundation will continue their workshops after their special weekend event featuring Aszmara (NY), during the weekend of Sept. 7-9, 2007!

Margo Abdo O'dell was brought back to Miami due to popular demand. She is a wonderful dancer and teacher who has taught workshops and dancers all over the world. Her online newsletter contains a wealth of information, her intellect and sense of humor make her classes and articles very memorable. During this workshop, she taught both a veil piece and a dabke piece, providing notes on her choreography. And her performance sponosred by the Kismet Dance Foundation was unbelievable! Of Lebanese descent, her understanding and portrayal of the music are a beautiful thing to see. It reminded us of the church haflis that we would attend and perform at. Many thanks to the dancers who participated in our show and made the evening more special - Jihan Jamal, Kismettes, Ghazala, Tamara, Salomae, and Joan. We have already had requests for Margo to return. Most recently, her spring production, When we look received very strong reviews and is a wonderful example of this dance form taking its rightful place amongst the arts. To read review, please contact www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/10605. For more information on her workshops, articles or presentations, please contact www.Margo1.com

Aszmara is a Dancer's Dancer and she has taught dancers from all parts of the world. Her musicality and theatrics are incredible to see as a performer, and she has an amazing ability to teach students how to connect with their own emotions to produce a better performance. Many of these concepts can be very difficult to teach, but she is able to do this and very well. We have travelled to Orlando twice to study with her, and brought her to Miami once before. We were looking forward to her workshop, but this time the content of her workshop and what she taught surpassed even my greatest expectations! The workshop attracted many professional dancers and students of all levels, and each participant was able to learn something from her. Not only was her workshop well-attended, but the dinnershow was standing room only! Many thanks to all of the performers, Leela, Salomeh Azar, Salomae, Diana Spring, Akasha, Rising Phoenix Dancers, Pari, Patricia and Amina, Jihan Jamal, the Kismettes, and of course Aszmara. I would recommend that anyone who has a chance to study with Aszmara should definitely do it, and any one who has a chance to sponsor her in workshop, should do so, as you would never be disappointed. For more information, please contact www.aszmara.com Also, thanks to the students and dance teachers who came to the Friday night zil class, zils were played with the chiftitelli, ayoub, masmoudi, beledi, karachi, and karslimar rhythms. Basic patterns were taught, and then embelllished variations were broken down as well. This was one of the most enjoyable workshops that I have taught, and I look forward to doing more in the future.

Shoshanna in Miami! Kahreen & Kira's 21st annual spring seminar was a well attended event that included two wonderful workshops taught by Shoshanna, a saidi class taught by Kira, and a sold out show. As always, Shoshanna's lyrical style as a performer and her well-organized approach toward teaching make her a wonderful choice as a featured seminar artist. This time, Shoshanna came back to Miami, with her new baby, Amira Jade and her delightful husband, Adam. She performed two wonderful routines in the show. We would like to thank all of our performers: Bambi - international performer, Jihan Jamal, Salomeh Azar,Halimeda, Troupe Salazar, the Kismettes & Kismet Dancers of Miami, Sharifa, Rising Phoenix Dancers, and Akasha. We would also like to thank all of our wonderful vendors, and all of the teachers and dancers who supported our event, especially Aventura Arts Academy, Marta Albrecht, and the Broward Meetup group.

Artemis Mourat in Miami 2006 ended on a wonderful note, with Artemis Mourat who taught a wonderful workshop on Turkish Oriental and Gypsy Rom dance. Workshop material covered combinations, zil patterns as well as showed video clips of Turkish Rom and Turkish Oriental dancers. Artemis has a wealth of knowledge and a passion to share her knowledge with all of her students, so the workshop participants left with a wealth of information. We hope to bring her back soon, as the information and the history that she possesses is vital to understanding this dance and shaping its future!

Kira has been invited to teach choreography to a wonderful group of students at Hallandale High school. We would like to thank Marilyn Santiago who made all of this possible.

Jasmin Jahal in Miami Jasmin Jahal taught and performed wonderfully in her Miami seminar and dinnershow. Influenced by Ibrahim Farrah, and Mahmoud Reda, Jasmin has a very clean and precise style. During her workshop on Saturday, she taught a beautiful and flowing Dance Oriental number. On Sunday, she taught a powerful and earthy drum solo. Her class covered many principles in technique, and was very challenging, but as always very informative. Many have asked when she will be returning.

Workshop Sword, Taksim, Floorwork August 27,2006 Kahreen & Kira taught a wonderfully informative workshop covering swordwork, taksim and floorwork. Kahreen is known for her expressive and fluid taksim and she covered the necessity of correct posture when performing. As expected anyone who did not lift and isolate their body during class would have trouble balancing the sword, so the students really had the chance to study their posture and incorporate the sword with the dancing. Kira is known for her dynamic floorwork which incorporates dramatic poses, splits, and flexibility. Not only did she demonstrate floorwork and taksim movements done in floorwork, but she also taught and demonstrated a number of travelling combinations, shimmies and body locks with the sword as well. She encouraged the students to practice with their swords, and if the sword falls "just pick it up and start over again". Plans are already underway to schedule another workshop at South Florida's newest and largest dance studio!

Kahreen & Bambi April 2006! Bambiwithlove.com

Milestone Event Our gala twentieth anniversay show was a wonderful success with a sold out audience! Special thanks to our wonderful friend - the extraordinarily talented Bambi, Gigi Fayed, Virginia, Step Sisters, Rising Phoenix Dancers, Troupe Salazar, and all of the performers who participated in this special milestone event. Angelika Nemth taught two wonderful choreographies during that workshop and Madrina taught steps and combinations in a special master class.

Both Kira and Naillah performed and taught demo classes at the newly opened Aventura Arts Academy Dance Studio and Boutique. They will be teaching weekly classes there!

Feb. 3-5, 2006 - A busy time for South Florida! The incomparable Yousry Sharif returned to Miami to teach an exciting three day master class. Known for his sophistication and musicality, the dancers were taught three complete choreographies, each one unique in their own way. The workshops were well-attended by professional dancers and the most serious students. We thank all of the professional dancers, teachers, and students who supported this event and made it possible. Yousry will be returning to South Florida again Feb. 9-11, 2007 to teach another intensive workshop!

The Kismet Dancers of Miami are always performing or working on special events, to check out their performance schedule or future events, please click on Performances or Upcoming Events.

Kismet Dancers of Miami during "the Rose" Naiila, Ramona, Kahreen, Kira, and Helena prepare to perform a riveting sword routine!

Sharifa, Kalila, Ramona, Rana Arella, and Angela performing a folkloric routine!