A-Z Bellydance is a combined effort with live music, mentors and many inspirations! Keti Sharif created the methodology with great inspiration from her teacher & mentor of over 25 years, Mahmoud Reda & the respected artist, Farida Fahmy.
Meet the team and learn more about the inner workings & inspirations behind A-Z Bellydance.
- Keti Sharif (creator, dancer) - Sam Nascimento (percussionist, music) - Mentors - Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda - Egyptian Musicians - A-Z Bellydancers & stage team
A-Z Bellydance Creator & Teacher, Keti Sharif
A-Z Bellydance creator, Keti Sharif hosted the Sphinx Festival, Egypt & Musical heart of Egypt events for 20 years. The Australian-born dance teacher, choreographer, film-maker & author of ‘Bellydance’ 2004, resided in Egypt for 20 years, performing in Cairo & abroad with Arabic musicians, and trained Egyptian dance troupes. Specialising in Zaffah weddings, Egyptian folk dances and 'Baladi' and Raqs Sharqi styles, Keti’s audiences have included Omar Sharif, Jermaine Jackson, the King & Queen of Malaysia, the Malaysian Prime Minister, HRH the Prince of Pahang, Prince Ahmed Ibrahim & the Princess of Morocco. Keti holds a BA in Middle Eastern Art History with research on Arabic Dance, Music & Culture, Sufi Astrology & Ancient Egyptian mythology. Inspired by bellydance as a holistic, integrative art, she has 10 Certifications in various Fitness and Wellbeing practices, and adds a new training field to her list every year.
Live Percussion & Arabic music is a feature of the A-Z Bellydance courses. Together with percussionist Sam Nascimento, Keti runs the new ‘Blue Lotus Room’ arts space in Perth, where they teach drum-dance classes. Sam has released a CD called ’40 Arabic Rhythms’ & his great drumming features in many A-Z Bellydance Lessons, plus live music.
Sam was the first DJ to introduce World music to the club circuit in Melbourne, with a strong reputation in the area of Latin music, opening many special nights for leading international grammy-award winning latin artists. He also introduced Arabic music and continues to teach and enjoy both Latin music (Cuban and more) and plays with Sufi bands whenever he visits Egypt, where he records. You can visit Sam's Drum Gallery at www.arabicdrumming.com
Honouring Mahmoud Reda & Farida Fahmy
Keti honours the Egyptian roots of A-Z Bellydance, and wishes to acknowledge her mentors - Farida Fahmy & the late Mahmoud Reda, who inspired the development of A-Z. Keti archives Farida's valuable artistic legacy, & maintains her official website. Farida has had much valuable input into this course, including the Reda drills.
“Keti understands the essence of Egyptian movement, the temperament of the Egyptian people & the subtlety of Arabic dance.” ~ Farida Fahmy
Live Arabic music is a feature of the A-Z Bellydance courses. There are over 60 musicians involved in the creation of A-Z Bellydance music from percussionists to master Opera house classical musicians, to traditional Saiidi musicians. Baladi artists, soulful Cairean singers, Zaar, folkloric musicians and more feature in the music used and especially recorded for the A-Z Courses. Sam & Keti pay the musicians directly, there are no middle men digging into artist's fees, to respect the artist and keep live music being generated in Egypt, at grass-roots level.
Thanks to original A-Z course writer & Tribal dancer, Jilyan Andersen, for valuable input for the Nawara Tribal style - she came forth with the idea that A-Z Original already has perfect cues for Tribal styling! Shahira Mehrez's collection of traditional Egyptian costumes inspired an ethnic costume range that reflects the Desert dances of the Egyptian Sinai & Coastal areas.
Blair Parkinson created stunning Ancient Egyptian props for the Pharaonic Lotus Series, and Virginia Masri, respected fashion designer & friend, designed Pharaonic costumes with class & style. Thanks to Lotus dancers Caroline, Katia, Jilyan, Katherine & Virginia for many rehearsals & time spent on refining the dances.
Keti's Vision - Inclusive Bellydance with a Focus on Wellbeing
A-Z Bellydance embraces Arabic dance as a deeply healing art. A-Z Bellydance blends Cultural Artistry with Somatics & Wellbeing. Keti’s professional development includes vast studies & Certifications:
* QiFit Instructor Training in progress
* Pilates Mat Work Training, Australia
* Body-Mind Centering, USA
* Bartenieff Training, USA
* Jin Shin Jyutsu Meridien Therapy
* Perinatal Fitness AFAA
* Australian Institute of Fitness AIF
* The Dancer’s Body, USA * Dr Martha Eddy (UNCG Dance Dept)
