Princess Farhana for the Gilded Serpent

photo by Don Spiro

The Gilded Serpent presents
Princess Farhana

Princess Farhana is an internationally acclaimed dance star who has appeared in Egypt,France, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Mexico and Canada, as well as all over the United Kingdom and across the USA. For the past seventeen years she has also written extensively on Oriental Dance, for both dance and mainstream publications. Named “Favorite Cabaret Dancer 2006” by Zaghareet Magazine, she has performed live at concerts with Arabic superstars Amr Diab, Hakim, Natacha Atlas, and Alabina, as well as at private events for celebrities and dignitaries such as former First Lady Hilary Clinton, The Saudi Arabian Royal family, and The Rolling Stones, among many others.

Currently, The Princess travels internationally performing and teaching belly dance and burlesque workshops. She is also the principal dancer in comedian Margaret Cho’s touring burlesque variety show, The Sensuous Woman. Princess Farhana has been featured in numerous motion pictures, videos, and television shows; and in documentary films both dancing and as an interview subject, and is the subject of award-winning director Steve Balderson’s feature film, “Underbelly”, with theatrical release scheduled for Spring 2008.

The princess has produced a number of dance events, as well as eight instruction / performance DVD’s. Her warmth, enthusiasm and adventurous spirit - on and off stage- captivates audiences and students alike.

Coming performances, workshops and recent projects:
Princess Farhana will be teaching fan dancing workshops in Los Angeles on April 5, 2008 at Dance Garden and at Tribal Fest 8, Sebastopol, Ca. on Thursday, May 16, 2008

For more information, visit
www.princessfarhana.com,

Articles about or by Princess Farhana on Gilded Serpent:
4-7-08 When the Hip Hits the Fan by Princess Farhana
Though fan dancing is not considered traditional in raqs sharqi, due to the increasing popularity of fusion, many Oriental dancers are exploring fusing the many styles of fan dancing and Belly dance with stunning results. When used onstage, fans are FAN-ciful, conveying various emotions to an audience, as well as being a spectacular visual treat. They can be dramatic and stately, or coy and flirtatious and are always a crowd pleaser!

9-8-05 Belly Dance, Burlesque and Beyond: Confessions of a Post Modern Showgirl by Princess Farhana (Pleasant Gehman)
“BUT WAIT!!!” I can hear you screaming, “ BURLESQUE IS STRIPPING!”

7-26-05 Review of Princess Farhana's Bellydance & Balance: The Art of Sword and Shamadan by Eugenia Chao
This may not be the most professional-looking bellydance video you ever bought, but it definitely serves its instructional purpose -- perhaps more so than many high-budget productions.