Zarifa's professional Oriental Dance teaching and performance career spans more than 30 years.  She has studied with Cassandra of Minneapolis, MN, Raqia Hassan of Egypt, Ibrahim Farrah, Yousry Sharif, Amaya, Morocco, Ozel Turkbas, and many more of the best instructors in the world of Middle Eastern Dance.  Early training included classical ballet, tap and modern dance.  Performance experience includes a 3-1/2 month tour of Europe as a member of the George Williams College Folk Dancers, Minnesota and North Carolina Renaissance Fairs, the Mint Museum of Art opening of "Orientalism in America" and many numerous seminar, nightclub and restaurant engagements.
 

Zarifa's credentials include:

• ~Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education
   

• ~ACE (American Council on Exercise) certification Group Fitness Instructor
   

• ~Teaching experience includes Oriental Dance, Folkdance, high school Science, Health, Physical Education, Swimming and Synchronized Swimming.

Oriental Dance (Raks-as-Sharki in Arabic) is often called "belly dance" in the United States and other western countries.  Its movements are thousands of years old and based on traditional folk dance movements.  Oriental Dance is an anatomically correct form of dance, therefore, the enhancement of health and well-being is a real benefit.
 

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