Shining is a respected performer and instructor internationally recognized for her research and reconstructions of early Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance) and the candelabra - balancing dance named “Raqs al-Shamadan”.
Committed to providing interesting and educational performances and seminars in Egyptian Oriental Dance, her teaching as well as performances have a strong emphasis on the historical and cultural aspects of Raqs Sharqi as elements which contribute an important
depth and creativity in this special art form.
Titles Include:
“1st place Props” (Candelabra Dance)
2016 La Danse Oriental Competition
“Professional Grand Champion”
2015 Belly Dance Off (live music competition)
“1st place Alternative Music Professional”
2009 Belly Dancer USA Competition
About Shining
CV Highlights
Education Summery
Shining is a 2019 graduate of dance ethnologist Sahra Kent’s “Journey Through Egypt” program; 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 alumni of “ANAR DANA International Dance Theater” year-long dance intensive programs by dance ethnologist Helene Erikson; a long time mentee under Aisha Azar (2011-2016) in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and pursuant of numerous workshops in Raqs Sharqi, American Oriental, Tribal Fusion and other non-MENAT dance and music forms from teachers all over the globe, among them: Khyriyya Mazin, Dandash, Joana Saahira, Amel Tafsout, Leila Haddad, Ahmed Awdouny, Hany Morgan, Henna and David, Zulaika, Shira, Zoe Jakes, and Rachel Brice.
Journey Through Egypt 2015-2019
April 2019 | Sahra Kent's "Journey Through Egypt" 3 & 4, Egypt
August 2016 | Sahra Kent's "Journey Through Egypt" 2, Seattle, WA
April 2015 | Sahra Kent's "Journey Through Egypt" 1, Seattle, WA
ANAR DANA International Dance Theater 2014-2016
October 2015 - June 2016
Helene Erikson's "ANAR DANA International Dance Theater", Seattle, WA
Folkloric Dances for the Stage:
Algeria: Kabyle Berbers
Saudi Arabia/Gulf Region: Women’s Traditional Dance
Romania: Roma Manea
Turkey: Eskisehir Spoon Dance
Pakistan: Sindhi Balochi Wedding Celebration
Iran: Qajar/Classical Persian
Dances of the Armenian Diaspora
November 2014 - June 2015
Helene Erikson's "ANAR DANA International Dance Theater", Seattle, WA
Folkloric Dances for the Stage:
Algeria: Chaoui Berbers
Azerbijan: Azeri Canopy Dance
Croatia: Slavonske Kralijice
Egypt: 1800’s Ghawazee
Gilan, Iran: Rice Harvest Dance
Turkey: Karadeniz Horon
Turkmenistan: Turkmen Dance
A'isha Azar 2011-2016
2011 - 2016 | Student of A'isha Azar | Spokane, WA
Raqs Sharqi (Egyptian Belly Dance):
Technique, Musicality, Reliable Researching, Professionalism and Teaching Methods
Folkloric Dances:
Beladi (Traditional Cairo style urban dance)
Shaabi (Modern urban dance)
Ghawazee (Upper Egyptian entertainer’s dance)
Samri (Traditional Kuwaiti dance)
Khaleegi (Modern Gulf region dance)
Palestinian Debke (Agricultural stage dance)
Portland Community College 2007-2010
Associate of General Studies
Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Special Focus Classes:
Modern Dance, Ballet, Flamenco, Choreography, Yoga, Nia, Weight Training
Teaching Experience
November 2016 - Present | Online Instructor via Skype & Zoom
International Personalized Coaching
August 2019 | A Comparison of Awalim & Raqs Sharqi | Spokane, WA
3hr Co-taught Workshop
8hr Workshop
August 2019 | Intro to Awalim Dance | Bellingham, WA
5hr Workshop
August 2019 | Intro to Raqs el-Shamadan | Gig Harbor, WA
May 2019 | Awalim & Shamadan Intensive | Guangzhou, China
4 Day Workshop (20hrs)
February 2018 | Awalim Movement | Spokane, WA
2hr Workshop, Spokane Belly Fest
2hr Workshop, Hasani's Hafla
November 2017 | Creative Variations: The Theory of Visual Interest | Tacoma, WA
2015 - 2017 | Intro to Egyptian Raqs Sharqi | Seattle Metro Area, WA
1hr & 2hr Weekly Classes, Multiple locations
April 2015 | Intro to Musicality: Moving to the Music | Tacoma, WA
2hr Workshop, University of Puget Sound
1hr Weekly Co-taught Classes
2013 | Intro to Egyptian Raqs Sharqi | Spokane, WA
Performance Highlights
September 2019 | Teacher's Day Celebration| Guangzhou, China
Featured Entertainment (Raqs el-Shamadan)
Lectro-Demo (Awalim & Raqs el-Shamadan)
August 2019 | Seattle Arab Festival | Seattle, WA
February 2018 | Spokane Belly Fest | Spokane, WA
Workshop Instructor & Featured Peformer (Awalim Dance w/ Live Music)
January 2018 | Club Naked Winery | Hood River, OR
Belly Dancer for Medieval Themed Banquet
April 2017 | H.O.T. House Show | Seattle, WA
Belly Dancer for Live Music Event
July 2016 | Oregon Country Faire | Eugene, OR
Belly Dancer for Outdoor Live Music Event
Recurring Performances
Weekly House Dancer | April 2017- June 2017
Persepolis Club, Tacoma, WA
Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine, Seattle, WA
Featured Dancer | 2014-2017
Featured Dancer | 2014-2016
Mediterranean Gyro Grill, Federal Way, WA
Weekly House Dancer | December 2012 - June 2013
Red Lantern Lounge, Spokane, WA
Red Dragon Restaurant, Spokane, WA
Weekly House Dancer | June 2012 - April 2013
Weekly House Dancer | May 2011 - March 2012
West Wing Restaurant, Spokane, WA
Member of
Karavans Dance Troupe | 2015-2017
Presented dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Arabian Gulf and Central Asia for private events and cultural festivals.
Presented dances of the Middle East and Arabian Gulf in multi-cultural dance/music productions for corporate events and arts festivals.
Intermuse Productions | 2015-2017
Baharat!! Dance Company | 2011-2014
Presented traditional, modern and fusion dances from Middle East, North Africa, Arabian Gulf and Central Asia for private events, art festivals and annually self-produced shows.
Mandala Dance Company | 2008-2009
Presented Neo-Tribal Fusion Belly Dance for events along the west coast including public festivals, variety shows and studio showcases.