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Yasmine & the Magic Hips Dancers
(click here for video clips)
Yasmine & The Magic Hips Dancers are a professional award nominated Mid-East
Dance troupe based out of Charlotte, NC under the
direction of belly dance superstar, Yasmine, nominated in Zaghareet’s
2003 Golden Belly Awards as Best Kept Secret, as Instructor
of the year in 2005 and featured on the cover of Zaghareet Magazine's May/June 2007 issue.
As one of the Southeast's most popular performers
at restaurants, festivals, special events and gala shows, Magic Hips have been nominated
for Troupe of the Year in Zaghareet’s 2005, 2006 & 2008 Golden Belly
Awards.
.
The Magic Hips Dancers, Yasmine's highest level of performance troupe members along with Yasmine's Student Troupe, The Beledi Beat Dancers, perform together as The Jewels of the Caravan each year at The Carolina Renaissance Festival and have been awarded as one of the Best Dance Troupes of 2007 & 2009 by the Annual Renaissance Festival Awards
You will see Yasmine & members of Magic Hips performing at various private engagements & special occasions such as wedding receptions, birthdays, theme parties, festivals and gala show events. You can also see members of Magic Hips and Beledi Beat performing together at local festivals and charitable events as Mid-East Magic Dance Ensemble.
Head Instructor, Troupe Director, Choreographer, Dance Artist & Workshop Instructor
Yasmine, who has an extensive background in ballet, tap, jazz, & Middle Eastern dance, is the studio owner of Mid-East Dance by Yasmine. Yasmine spent much of 2004 touring with the Bellydance Superstars performing in major cities around the United States as well as Barcelona, Spain and after touring teamed up with Master Tabla Player Issam Houshan, Carmine Guida & most recently Souhail Kasper in offering Drum & Dance workshops. Yasmine is well recognized for her dynamic and precise movements, which she carefully extends to her students - grooming them for their own spectacular performances. As well as being a sought after instructor due to her personable and fun teaching approach, Yasmine's distinct performance style is often referred to as "Cutting Edge Cabaret." Featured on the cover of the May/June 2007 issue of Zaghareet, Yasmine also appeared as a featured artist for Dr. Samy Farag's 2008 CD Release Gala Show in Texas at the Palace Theater. Yasmine hosts several events in the Charlotte area & is currently teaching seminars throughout the U.S.
(Yasmine photo by Carl F. Sermon)
Magic Hips Dancer
Aliscia' began bellydancing under Yasmine’s instruction in 2003 and joined Magic Hips in 2007. Aliscia' views bellydancing as a powerful, sensual dance in the most feminine form. Aliscia' developed a love for dance at a very early age, studying and performing the traditional Western styles of ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. Missing the element of dance in her life, she decided she would try bellydancing, fell in love with all aspects of the dance, and hasn’t looked back. In addition to her dancing and love for music, she enjoys performing for and sharing the pure joy and energy of bellydancing with her audiences. She feels that dancing is a way of letting go and finding oneself at the same time. Aliscia' has focused mainly on Raks Sharki but also enjoys exploring American Tribal Style.
Alimah
Magic Hips Dancer
Alimah stumbled upon Mid-East Dance by Yasmine after relocating to North Carolina in 2005. Dance has always been part of her life, and she was excited to explore a new dance form in her new hometown. By 2006 she was hooked, attending multiple classes with multiple instructors every week. A self-proclaimed "workshop junkie," Alimah has supplemented her local training with dozens of workshops, classes, and intensives with master instructors. She has been particularly inspired by Ava Fleming, Suhaila Salimpour, Cassandra, and Saida. In addition to her belly dance training, Alimah has a lifetime of jazz and tap training under her hip belt. She enjoys performing as a soloist and as part of a troupe, and was a member of the Beledi Beat Dancers in 2008. Alimah joined Magic Hips in November of 2009.
Huriyyah
Magic Hips Dancer
Huriyyah began belly dancing in 2002 and is the youngest member of Magic Hips.
Her dance background began at an early age with tap, jazz, ballet, and pointe
where she won 1st place solos in competition for
ballet and pointe. Huriyyah prefers belly dance to any other
form of dance because of the limitless number of styles
and moves and is proud to be one of the original members since 2004 of The Magic Hips Dancers under
her sister’s direction. Huriyyah performs regularly as a soloist at several area restaurants and special engagements and also specializes in Bollywood performances for themed events. "I wish to thank you very much for sending Huriyyah to perform at my husbands 50th birthday party...I was very impressed with Huriyyah's skills in the art of Belly Dance. Everyone was in awe of the beauty, grace & elegance of Huriyyah's talents..."- G.McGinnes (Kings Mountain, NC)
Kamilah
Magic Hips Dancer
Kamilah began taking classes with Yasmine in 2005 and her passion for the dance soared as she realized that belly dancing was more than just a hobby. As her love for performance grew, she became a member of Yasmine's Beledi Beat dance troupe and in November 2009, Kamilah joined Magic Hips which she considers a dream come true. Kamilah performs regularly as a soloist at several area restaurants and special engagements and continues her studies by attending workshops with internationally known instructors to further develop her own style. Kamilah has focused mainly on American Cabaret & Modern Egyptian Styles but also enjoys exploring American Tribal Style. Kamilah is inspired by so many in this art form which include Bozenka, Sadie, Saida & feels blessed to have Yasmine as a mentor.
Magic Hips Dancer
Nalani discovered bellydance in October of 2003, when she began taking classes under the direction of Yasmine. She quickly found a deep passion for the art form, and credits it as one of her favorite forms of dance, as it has allowed her a creative outlet and form of expression she has not found many places. In addition to her bellydance training, Nalani spent 10 years studying & performing competitively in tap, jazz, and lyrical dance. She is proud to have been one of the original members of Beledi Beat in 2005, and has performed as a soloist in many local restaurants. She joined Magic Hips in January of 2007, and considers it one of the greatest dance honors she has experienced thus far.
Shayda
Magic Hips Dancer, Owner of The Belly Dance Shop
Shayda has been studying bellydance since 2002, inspired to learn after living in Turkey. She has been fortunate to study with both extraordinary teachers, Zarifa and Yasmine of Charlotte, NC. Her instructors have taught her fluidity, grace and technique. Most of all, they have shown her how to bring her personality forth through dance and is why Shayda is known for her charisma, energy and smile while performing. Due to the immense support of her instructors, she began her own business, The Belly Dance Shop, which has prospered and is now a large supporter of the belly dance community. Shayda has danced as a soloist, a member of the Hadadah Dancers, The Jewels of the Caravan, the Beledi Beat Dancers & joined Magic Hips in 2007. As a soloist, Shayda won the title of Rising Star at the 4th Annual "Personal Best " Middle Eastern Dance Competition in Columbus, Ohio.
The Beledi Beat Dancers
Yasmine's Student Performance Troupe
The Beledi Beat Dancers showcase some of Yasmine's students within her school of Mid-East Dance. These dancers auditioned to be a part of this special group and perform at various gala shows, charitable events, Assisted Living Centers and Festivals throughout the year to educate the community about the art of belly dance and it's history as well as the beauty and power that all women hold in their hips!
"On behalf of the Zodiac Club, I thank you for a marvelous performance presented by Beledi Beat. You should be justly proud of your efforts to educate the public in the art of belly dancing. It is truly art in motion.We are honored that you were willing to bring your cultural performance to our group. The members of your group are talented and skilled. We appreciate your sharing that gift with Zodiac. Each of the performers had a facial expression that said that they enjoyed performing and sharing their talent." -P. Grant
Farasha
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Farasha began bellydance classes with Yasmine in 2004 after watching The Jewels of the Caravan perform at The Carolina Renaissance Festival. Their performance inspired her to begin her own journey in dance. She has been a member of Yasmine's student troupe, The Beledi Beat Dancers, since 2007. Her favorite style of dance is raks al assaya (dancing with a cane) mixed with a little of the men's tahteeb style and also enjoys the gitano style of arabic/spanish fusion. She also enjoys playing the tabla.
Isolde
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Isolde enjoys the camraderie of dancing in a student troupe as she pursues her own path in dance. She is inspired by Bozenka, Cassandra, Yasmine and The Bellydance Superstars and continues her studies with Yasmine as well as master instructors to continually learn more about this beautiful art form. Isolde considers becoming a member of The Beledi Beat Dancers in 2008 to be one of the greatest dance accomplishments she has experienced thus far.
Mahisti
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Mahisti is proud to be one of the original members of The Beledi Beat Dancers under
Yasmine's direction since 2005. Also known as our "Pirate Queen, " Mahisti is a published author of "Mad Kestrel .... a fast-paced pirate story that will transport you deep into a fantasy world of true high seas adventure..." Mahisti's gift in dance is allowing her own personality to shine through along with her energy and spirit of the dance. Mahisti enjoys Middle Easten Dance as it allows her yet another creative outlet for her own self expression. Mahisti enjoys cabaret, fusion styles of dance and Khaliji (Gulf Women's Folkloric dance).
Paradiis
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Paradiis has been dancing and performing under the direction of Yasmine and has been a Beledi Beat dance member since 2007. Paradiis was introduced to dance when she was a little girl. Tap, ballet, and jazz laid the foundation for Middle Eastern style and technique. For the past several years she has hit the ground shimmying and hasn’t looked back. Paradiis continues her studies as a student to further develop her style under the direction of Yasmine as well as attends workshops with master instructors. She also performs as a duet with other Beledi Beat member, Farasha. Her dance interests are in the disciplines of Golden Age Raks Sharqi, Folkloric, dancing with props, and Funky Fusion.
Amina
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Amina started dancing at Yasmine's studio in 2004 with her daughter as a way to have something fun the two of them coud do together. They both soon realized the positive impact it had on the both of them. They both began to love the skin they were born with and dancing with all body types, shapes and sizes. Belly dance opened up a whole new world for them to experience together. Amina started her dancing career at an early age with tap, ballet & jazz. She stayed with ballet until her 20s dancing with the CPCC student troupe. Amna joined Beledi Beat in 2009and is very excited aout continuing her journey in dance along side of her new troupe members.
"Cultivate your curves, they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided" - Mae West
Sanura
Beledi Beat Dance Member
Sanura has been dancing since the age of 5 with many years of ballet, tap and modern Jazz. Then later in life she found Bellydance which she just can't seem to get enough of due to her love for the dance and the Middle-Eastern arts and culture. As well as being a Beledi Beat Dance member since 2008, Sanura also owns her own Travel Agency (Asmara Travel) which is a great perk when traveling to Bellydance Events. Sanura's main focus is Raks Sharki and Modern Cabaret Style and she continually studies with Yasmine and master instructors from around the globe and also is a promoter of the Mid-East Atlantic Belly Dance Festival & Oriental Dance Events through Sanura Saida Productions.
Sarah
Lead Instructor ATS Jam, Tribal Fusion Assistant Instructor, Beledi Beat Dance Member
Sarah, a former gymnast, joined Beledi Beat in November 2009. She began dancing at Yasmine's Studio in September 2008 taking both Cabaret Style classes & American Tribal Style (ATS). She really fell into ATS and joined Moonsister Bellydance Company directed by Jenny Helms a few months later. Although she loves ATS and finds her roots in it, she enjoys exploring various styles of bellydance and feels that becoming a Beledi Beat dance member will only help her continue on her path thru dance to explore other styles & develop her own style. Sarah is also a founder of En-Trance Bellydance Tribal Dance Troupe. Besides being a dancer, Sarah is a Tattoo Artist.
Tanya
Beledi Beat Dance Member
While exploring bellydance as a form of exercise, Tanya realized her passion for the dance soon after and began instruction under Nadirah of Nadirah Dance Company. After 6 months of starting with Nadirah Dance Company, she gave her first troupe performance in July of 2005 while attending a workshop with Suhaila. The workshop was hosted in Charleston, SC and that was the first time Tanya saw Yasmine perform. In awe of Yasmine's performance, she decided one day she would study under Yasmine. Four years later in April, Tanya attended a workshop with Yasmine in Asheville NC and soon after joined Yasmine's studio. Within one month she began to improve technique and stage presence under the tutelage of Yasmine. Tanya enjoys Cabaret style while exploring the various stylization's of Ava, Juliana & Sonia. Tanya joined Beledi Beat in November 2009 and hopes to continue to learn and advance her technique along side of a talented group of ladies.
Secondhand Gypsy
Secondhand Gypsy are based out of Charlotte NC and their featured instrumentation includes tabla, oud, violin, & cumbus. Specializing in Turkish, Arabic and World Fusion, Secondhand Gypsy adds their own flare in playing traditional songs every bellydancer should know! Secondhand Gypsy has been seen playing for Haflas, Special Events and Festivals as well as playing for The Jewels of the Caravan at The Carolina Renaissance Festival.