Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel Middle Eastern Dancers are a local Winnipeg group of Middle Eastern belly dancers who are focused on performing authentic rhythms and dance from the Middle East.

Over the years the members have changed but their love of the music and dance form remains constant. They have performed at many cultural events, concerts, socials, weddings and restaurants.

Some of these include:

• Wolseley Street Festival
• Canada Day - Osborne Street Festival
• Corydon - Festival of Wine and Roses
• The Forks - Pan Am Games Celebration and Athlete's Village
• University of Manitoba - Multicultural Week
• St. Norbert Festival
• World of Rhythms - West End Cultural Centre
• Arabic Association of Winnipeg
• Middle Eastern Cruise on The River Rouge
• Eastern Dance Community of Manitoba (EDCOM)
• Winnipeg Fringe Festival Outdoor Stage Market Square

Members include: Zahlia, (Zaah-lee-ah) Apsara, (Ap-sara) Kashira, (Cash-eer-a) Savanna (Sav-ann-ah), Qadira (Kwa-dear-a) , Shacara (Shak-cara), Phoebe (Phee-Bee) and Rae – anon (Ray-anne –on)

Directors: Jasmine (Yas-mine) and Rayamah (Ray-am-ah)

Rayamah has been studying Belly Dance for 5 years but has an extensive background of over 15 years teaching and performing Ballroom Dance. Her natural grace and timing come through in the Middle Eastern Style.

Jasmine has been professionally performing and instructing in the art of Middle Eastern Dance for the last 18 years. In 1988 she co-founded the Abu Simbel Middle Eastern Dance School and formed the Abu Simbel Middle Eastern Dance Troupe.