Zarifa's professional Oriental Dance teaching and performing career
spans 31 years of study with Cassandra, Hadia, Sahra Saeeda, Habiba, Kay
Campbell-Hardey, Zahra Zuhair, Jamilla Salimpour, Amaya, Morocco, Dalia
Carella, Raqia Hassan, Ibrahim "Bobby " Farrah, Ozel Turkbas, Amal
Tafsout, Bedia, Yousry Sharif, Artemis, and other world renowned instructors of
Middle Eastern Dance.
Zarifa is the director of the Hadadah Dancers and the Sarab Dancers in Charlotte, NC. The local professional dancers she has trained include Asim, Ha'Nah, Yasmine, Naima, and Nuria Jihan.
Performance experience includes
- a 3 ½ 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”
- numerous seminar performances
- restaurant and night club engagements
Credentials:
- Bachelor of Science Degree 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-Sharqi 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. What people are saying
- “Zarifa is an inspiring teacher, knowledgeable about Middle Eastern Dance and physical fitness. The dance promotes health and grace.” Stevie Cameron - IT Professional
- “There isn’t any part of my life on which belly dancing hasn’t had a positive impact.” Cici McDowell - Professional Dancer
- “The class definitely helped me make the transition to 50 with ease. I was motivated to begin walking 3-4 times a week, moderate my diet, and lost 20 lbs. The classes have been so much fun!” Rubye Wallace - RN, Public Health Nurse
- “Stimulating, relaxing, great for the “body confidence”. A fun and challenging class. Great instructor - knowledgeable, friendly, helpful.” Terry Hoover - President, Hoover Ink Communications
- “It’s a fun way to learn how to enjoy being a woman and expressing my femininity.” Patti Hale - Homemaker
- “Belly-dancing has been a blast! It's dance class for grown women. You don't have to be skinny to do it and it's wonderful exercise. It sure beats the heck out of aerobics! It's been a long time since I found such an interesting conversation piece. Both men and women are always intrigued. “ Debbie Gibbs - Public Relations Professional