Photo by Mike Bambi |
Biography
Shadiya's alluring grace and charismatic artistry capture the essence of authentic Middle Eastern Dance, transporting audiences to the sights and sounds of the mystical Orient. Dedicated to the instruction, presentation and promotion of authentic Egyptian-style and North African dance, Shadiya is skilled in a variety of styles such as Saidi Folk dancing from Southern Egypt; the Ghawazee dance of the Banat Maazin from Luxor, Egypt; the ancient tribal dance of Algeria's Ouled Nail, as well as the contemporary cabaret solos of modern Cairo.
For eight years Shadiya was the principal dancer for the Near Eastern Dance Company of California, founded in 1982 by Alexandria of Berkeley, California. In Egypt, Alexandria studied Ghawazee dance with Karia Maazin of the Banat Maazin tribe of Luxor. The Banat Maazin sisters are the most renowned of the famous Ghawazee dancers, the professional "gypsy" dancers of Egypt. Today, Alexandria's Ghawazee has become the most authentic representation of folkloric Ghawazee outside of Egypt, winning her The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance - Ethnic Dancer of the Year Award 2000.
Photo by Walter Rasmussen |
In 1999 Shadiya moved to Hawaii. In 2001 she began teaching and performing, establishing her first perfomance troupe, The Near Eastern Dance Company of Hawaii, under the guidance and direction of Alexandria. In 2002 she founded Taj Productions to further educate and promote Middle Eastern Dance through cultural events and activities. Taj Productions has sponsored many exciting events such as Bellydance Bonanza at Anna Banana's (2002), Pyramid's Dinner Shows (2003, 2004), workshops with Alexandria (2002, 2003), Amira Jamal (2004), Shoshanna (2005) and drummer Tobias Roberson (2005) as well as the annual Habibi Hawaii Bellydance Festival and Celebration and International Women's Day festivities. In 2009 she was a guest performer and instructor at the Habibi Osaka festival in Japan.
Shadiya has also served as the 2004 and 2010 president of the Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawaii (MEDAH), a non-profit organization established to educate, entertain, and promote awareness and appreciation for the art of Arabic dance.
Shadiya, guest performer and instructor at Habibi Osaka.
As the director of the Habibi Hawaii Ensemble, Shadiya continues to captivate Honolulu audiences. They have been featured at the Hawaii 50th State Fair, the Mayor's Annual Cultural and Craft Fair, the Haleiwa Arts Festival and the Honolulu Festival.
Shadiya and her troupe have also supported the local community by participating in events sponsored by organizations such as Special Olympics, Girl Scouts, Free Vietnam Organization, Salvation Army, Unity Church and schools throughout the island.
In addition to public appearances and troupe performances, Shadiya dances weekly at the Pyramid Restaurant in Honolulu. The Honolulu Star Bulletin and Midweek Magazine have also featured Shadiya in articles and interviews on the subject of Middle Eastern Dance.
Whether teaching, performing or sponsoring events, Shadiya is committed to providing a positive and entertaining experience through energized dance that reflects her passion for the art. Through education, instruction and performance, Shadiya hopes to preserve this important dance and culture, and to pass the knowledge to future generations of dancers.
The Habibi Hawaii Ensemble featuring members of all ages and diverse ethnicities
performing in the Honolulu Festival at the Honolulu Convention Center.
Habibi Hawaii Ensemble performs a Saidi/Ghawazee folk dance at Ala Moana Center Stage
Shadiya and her company, Taj Productions, proudly sponsored 2008 & 2009 International Women's Day festivities which featured diverse performers from around the world.
 
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