Shema

Originally from England, Shema has studied and performed Bellydance since 2001. After running her own Bellydance school in the United Kingdom for 2 years, she moved to Toronto in 2008 to develop her performance career and was honoured to be accepted as a Dance Artist into the Arabesque Dance Company; as an instructor in the Academy; and as a violinist in the Arabesque Orchestra. Shema is a passionate performer who connects with her audience and is always striving to expand her repertoire as an artist. This has led her to study with many inspirational dancers including Yasmina Ramzy, Amel Tafsout, Aliya Burch, Ozgen Ozgec and talented artists in Morocco, Canada and the UK. She also has a passion for Moroccan culture and specialises in the Sha’abi (street dance) from Tangier as well as Tanjaoua Henna Designs. Many other forms of movement inspire her and Shema has enjoyed studying Yoga, Salsa, Samba, Cajun, English Country dance and Cuban Rumba and is also currently studying Circus Contortionism and Trapeze in Toronto.

E-mail:shema@tangerina.org

Web site:www.tangerina.org

Articles on Gilded Serpent by or about Shema

4-16-10 Belly Dance and Feminism: Different Issues, Different Perspectives Introduction to IBCC Panel on Bellydance and Feminism
Feminism embraces more than one point of view, and feminist perspectives lead to many different decisions and courses of action. Feminism is a tool for thinking – for understanding and putting a name to issues you may be wrestling with in your own dance life, and for seeing belly dance in the light of broader economic, social and political realities.

5-5-09 One Hip in Each Camp, My Experience of Working in Both the Arabesque Dance Company and the Arabesque Orchestra by Shema/EmmaLucy Cole
My dancing is fuelled by my understanding of the music and now, my playing is influenced by the emotions I experience when I dance. It is a cyclical experience which has been boosted by this incredible opportunity to work with some of the most talented Arabic musicians on the scene.