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"I enjoyed my first
night of class in a very unexpected way...it is a dance that seems to transform.
My whole concept of beauty changed as I watched women feel beautiful because of the new and graceful way you were teaching
us to dance. It was very profound for me. "-A.Y. , Co student 3/05
"I have learned so much from you, not just in physical movement but in presence and spirit."-student
2007 ................. "Dancing with the body, mind and soul."
Rafi'ah is commited to drawing out the best in her students. Her extensive experience in Bellydancing
as well as meditative movement and various other dance forms, gives her a creative edge and sensitivity to the complexities
of body/mind connection. With a broad menu of teaching methods to choose from, she is able to tune into what each individual or
class needs so that all take away something of value.
She emphasizes the importance of all parts of the dance
being done with precision, grace, and awareness, no matter how simple or complex. Her classes help to develop this
over time as well as bring forth a dancer's appreciation of their own beauty and femininity, personal style and expression.
Rafi'ah
believes passionately in the power of performing arts and the transformative capacities of Bellydance and meditative
movement. She hopes that what she conveys to her students and audiences is inspirational, educational and in some way healing
in their everyday lives.
 I have performed for thousands when they
found me exotic, the vogue, daring, but I have danced, at any given time, for about ten people… They were the
ones that left the theater forever different from the way they were when they came in. All of my long, long life, I
have danced for those ten…
-Ruth St. Denis ............... Rafi'ahs Background
includes: Over
25 yrs. of experience as professional performing artist and instructor of Oriental Dance, Equally experienced and
competent dancing to live or recorded music, traditional
or fusion and in a variety of venues including ethnic restaurants, night clubs, private parties, fairs, festivals,
staged theatre shows and concerts. Rafi'ah has danced since childhood
which gives her a rich background of dance studies to draw from in her performances and teaching such as Classical
Ballet, Modern Dance (Martha Graham technique), tap, ballroom, and jazz ... plus a range of meditative movement,
healing arts and spiritual practices some of which are: 8 years of Sufi practices
which included breath work, chanting, whirling, percussion and drumming, dance and meditative movement for self growth Continuum Movement
( micro-movements, energetics of movement, healing and meditative movement), Contemplative studies of Ancient
Sanskrit Scriptures and Vedanta Jin Shin Jhitsu (a healing art using touch and energy balancing in depth personal/inner exploration
through somatic psychology, various types of meditation and awareness practices alot of trial and error leading
to the discovery of what does and does not work
Throughout
the years, Rafi'ahs artistry has graced the stages of national and regional venues, restaurants and night
clubs including : Taverna Terzakes, Sahara Night Club, Sorentos Night Club, Ali
Babas, Mataam Fez (in Boulder &
Colorado Springs), Greektown
Cafe', Mercury Cafe, Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant ...just to name a few... as
well as stage/theatre shows, festivals, fairs, concerts, parties and events.
.......................... "Thank you for being
my teacher. I don't think I've ever told you how much belly dancing is improving my relationship with my body
and myself. I love it and am very grateful for it."-L.K. (Co dance student)
You are doing incredible work helping girls with body image issues. I love it and
commend you. -Jil (publisher of Enlightened Woman Magazine)
" A
perceptive teacher, your holistic way of teaching allows everyone to learn."...Co student .......................
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