At the time, she earned her status as a teacher for the schools, as well as becoming a senior troupe member and featured soloist for the Arabian Sahara Dance Company (1994 to 2004). Her fondest performances include Al Khaima Dining Theatre, Toronto and Brampton’s multicultural events/festivals, the Canadian National Exhibition, Tourism Canada, as well as many elaborate functions and broadcasts in Canada and the United States (to name a few).
As the surprising feature of this dance is the infinite learning potential, Karima still enjoys attending the occasional workshop and studying privately with other extraordinary artists.
She currently spends most of her time sharing out of her studios in Brantford, Ontario, both on a professional and more recreational level. Out of her most established student dancers, Karima generated a student dance group and, most recently, a professional dance troupe, the Bahlam Raks Ensemble (link here for more information).Together, the dancers perform a wide repertoire of dances and solos with a mandate to authentically preserve and present this most beautiful, ancient art form.
As another extension to the dance, Karima is the creator of her own product line of silk veils and accessories, which are specifically made for dancing and enjoyed by dancers all over the world. She has most recently included VOI (veil poi) to her product line which are often accompanied by free instruction on how to get started (in keeping with the instruction generously given to Karima by Brantford's DOUG THE GREAT).
Whether participating for fun, fitness or performance purposes, Karima intends to responsibly share the performing art,
Middle Eastern Dance.
As the oldest dance in the world, she believes it is more than a dance. It is an expression
of life; a physical means of communicating the tapestry
of human living.
Participants will be encouraged to connect to this LIFE dance and benefit from the deeply-rooted feminine culture of
"La Danse Orientale".
As such, it is our collective birth-right to participate and enjoy its true image.
Regardless of physique, age or ethnic background, we are all uniquely equipped to do this dance. Each movement compliments the natural function of the feminine body, connects us to our core being and reminds us we are all beautiful, sensual and artistic.
Why "Ancient Moves?" Whether directly or indirectly, most of what we see today is a version of our past, particulary as it applies art. As the oldest dance in the world, Middle Eastern dance has certainly evolved from it's social roots into a highly skilled performing art. It also maintains its more casual form in social or fitness settings. My hope is (as we connect with this ancient dance) we will always be aware of its original form and its intention as a way to celebrate life and share among its people openly.
