Safiya's Dance Journey
Safiya has had the privilege of dancing all her life. Starting with ballet at the age of 5, then studying jazz and tap into her late teens, she moved on to choreographing numbers for high school musicals in Ottawa. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Toxicology, and her Masters of Science in Immunology, Safiya stumbled into the world of Bellydance in 2001.
Under the tutelage of teacher Shadia, she became experienced in dancing at Middle Eastern weddings and at restaurants. She found the inclusive and flexible nature of Bellydance irresistible, and has learned much from local and international instructors (Jalilah, Natalie Lebel, Denise Enan, Jillina, Randa Kamel, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Bozenka, Hadia, Ruby Roy, Rachel Brice, Anasma and others) while team-teaching classes and performing in Ottawa with dance partners Hala and Anna.
Safiya's training in classical dance styles allows her to break down music and movement into easily understood components, focusing on fluidity, precision and grace, while keeping the elements of spontaneity and improvisation common to Middle Eastern dance. She believes that dance is not a discipline but a journey; a person's dance naturally evolves as they age, as their life experiences grow, and as they are exposed to new dance and new ideas. The adaptable nature of Bellydance is a perfect item to take along on this journey.
Safiya and her teaching partners study folkloric Middle Eastern dance, and also ways of fusing Bellydance with other styles, such as Classical Chinese Dance, poi, Classical Indian Dance and Theatrical Dance. Check out the Video page to see some examples of their dance.