... is the owner/artistic director Ancient Moves Dance Company and Studios in Brantford, Ontario. After moving to this region in 2002, she has been teaching full-time, offering varying levels of classes in Middle Eastern dance to groups of fun-seeking, wonderful women.
As a dance artist, Karima presents a multitude of dance stylings which are derived from different regions of the Middle East; including classical Oriental Dance (with or
without zills), assaya, sword, shamadan, folkloric, dancing with a live band and more. Her most recent adventures have taken North American veil dancing to a new level with what is currently termed as "Voi" and is intensely engaged in movement studies which go beyond dance.
As an established Journalist, Karima's interest in this art form began on a recreational level in 1993 with a school specifically for Middle Eastern Dance (Freddy's Dance Academy); where she became completely immersed and captivated with the art and its culture for the next 10 years. During that time, she became a main teacher and performer for the Arabian Sahara Dance Co and the Al Khaima Dinner Theatre.
Karima continues to learn within and outside this art form, which she believes is the "spice of life". She is greatly influenced by the teachings of Jihan Farouk, learning Egyptian dance as well as Arabic rhythms (playing the hand drum); as well as American Tribal Style with Valizan. She has also attended and organized a great deal of workshops/intensive certificate courses as both a dancer and professional fitness instructor; in addition to her own research pursuits to expand understanding of the dance, its culture and "movement" on all natural levels.
Her artistry has given her the honor of performing or conducting workshops for a number of functions as a soloist and with her Troupe (Ancient Moves Dance Company, Bahlam Raks), including: Tillsonburg's Festival of Music, Brantford's International Villages, Delhi's Harvestfest and Natural Living Festival. In addition to gala events such as: Kids Can Fly Gala (Troy), Mish Mash Belly Bash (Guelph), WOW Fun Seminars (Paris), Cancer Awareness (Brantford and Caledonia), Hipnosis Gala (Burlington), as well as other elaborate functions, family celebrations, festivals or cultural theme restaurants throughout the years. She has also participated with broadcast and print media for the goal of promoting this dance as an art form.
Karima has gained a number of accolades for her moving performances and classes but is particularly fond of the people who have shared winning moments with her. From the lovely bride and groom, left happy at their wedding reception ... to sharing glances of excitement with her dance partners and students as they feel the roots of the dance from within. A celebration of life... a love of the art to share.
Karima and the Ancient Moves studio are official, active members of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists and Dance Ontario and maintain responsibilities in terms of liability and SOCAN tarriffs.
See SCHEDULE for details.
... are dual 550 square foot facilities located on a beautiful & welcoming commercial/residential property, just off the main hyway 403 at 198 Paris Road, Brantford.
In fact, after years of teaching out of different venues, Karima has found them to be the perfect size for studying this art form. Not too big (as students learn to take small steps, which is standard for the dance) and not too small in terms of spacial awareness. The results have produced good dance habits in students overall !! Plus, class sizes are limited to 4 - 8 participants... the way belly dance was always meant to be!
Both studios are fully equipped with full sound systems. Studio A (top left): is beautifully decorated in a Middle Eastern theme to enhand the dance experience. It is warm with ambient lighting, full mirrors and an allergen free dance floor, + bathroom facilities.
Studio B (bottom left): is shared with different genres of artists. It has some Middle Eastern elements as well as other influences which lend to its artistic feel. This studio serves as an excellent rehearsal space for groups or for independant use. It is also used for private lessons if Studio A has been booked.
Office: is located in the main house so students never have to be reminded of the "business" aspects of dance. While they are here, one aim is to help everyone escape from life's demands through dance movement and music, even if it is only for a short while. There will never be a desk between students and their dance teacher.
Valizan (American Tribal Style (ATS)) 2007 to present.
Faith Dances (chair dance & bollywood) 2009 to present
Beccy and Kelly (Zumba) 2011 to present
Jihan Farouk, (drumming, movement and folkloric dance) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Katie Black (Yoga) 2011
Cassandra Fox (Caribbean fusion) 2011
Julie Sumerta (vinyasa yoga) 2009 to 2011
Fran Welsh (salsa) 2009, 2010 & 2011
Gerri Lambert (zumba) 2009
Amber (hip hop) 2009
Audra Simmons (modern fundamentals) from the Dark Side Studio in Toronto, 2009
Rhaehana Dances (stage presence in dance) 2007
Tahira Badre (veil) 2005
Eddy Manneh (Anatomy & Psychology of Belly Dance) from Freddy's Dance Academy in Toronto, 2002 & 2004
