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About
"Astryd Farah embodies the intensity and passion of the Great Egyptian Art."
(~ Karim Nagi, TurboTabla).
Astryd Farah deMichele splits her time living between Egypt and the United States, performing and teaching Oriental dance professionally. In Cairo she has been showcased at the JW Mariott and Sheraton Royal Gardens Hotels, as well as in weddings and parties, and in past years she's worked at other locations in both Cairo and Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. She lives part-time in one of Cairo's inviting neighborhood's on the island of Zamalek, and organizes groups of dancers to come enjoy Egypt with her (visit www.BellydanceTours.com) for info. Astryd Farah travels internationally instructing workshops and giving performances, and in the US she keeps a homebase and dance school in Eugene, Oregon.
Astryd Farah's powerful technique and stunning interpretation of Arabic music delights audiences East to West -- her extended time the Middle East having integrated into her body a profound understanding of this beautiful art form. She is one of the featured dancers in top Egyptian choreographer Raqia Hassan's technique videos (volumes 7 & 9); Raqia is one of Astryd Farah's main instructors of the dance form. She has also had the pleasure of studying under Mahmoud Reda, Diana Tarkhan, Randa Kamel, Faten Salama, Mona el Saied, Aida Nour, Shalaby, Mervat Mongui, and Medhat Fahmy, amongst many others -- developing her dance technique as well as her understanding of the music she loves. She has toured throughout Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco and Turkey for additional dance study and cultural research, as well as having pursued cross training in classical dance and yoga in India.
When in the United States, Astryd Farah deMichele is adjunct faculty for The University of Oregon, instructing Middle Eastern dance with an emphasis on Egyptian styling. In addition, she holds independent classes for the Astryd Farah deMichele School of Middle Eastern dance, instructing all levels of dancers --from beginners to professionals. She teaches precise, defined technique as the vehicle to express the emotional aspects of the music, and her warmth and clarity in teaching has inspired hundreds of students. Astryd Farah infuses her classes and workshops with more than just the mechanics of the dance: she draws on her wealth of cultural knowledge to bring the movements to life.
Astryd Farah’s love of music inspired her to help form the ensemble Ala Nar in 1999 – a collaboration of stellar musicians bringing classical and dance compositions of Arabic and Turkish origin to the western states. She is the principle dancer for the ensemble, as well as co-artistic director.
Combining her first-hand cultural experience with her skill and enthusiasm for the art form, Astryd Farah performs and instructs Oriental dance from a passionate perspective. Her dance is timeless and earthy, elegant and joyous; she translates the intricacies of Arabic music impeccably, sharing her genuine love for the dance with every step.
Join Astryd's fanclub "FansOfAstryd" on TRIBE at http://tribes.tribe.net/danceastryd
Copyright ©2005-2008, Astryd Farah deMichele.
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