Home | About | Contact | Workshops | Performances | Instruction
Ala Nar | Photo Gallery | On DVD | Tours | Links | Promotional
Promotional Photos | Bio | Articles | Quotes/Testimonials
Workshop Topics & Verbiage | Teaching/Performing Contracts | Curriculum Vitae
High resolution photos for promotional use; by permission ONLY! Click on photo and save...
All photos by Mohammed Joudi, Copyright ©2007.
Astryd Farah deMichele splits her time between Egypt and the United States, performing and teaching Egyptian Oriental dance professionally. For a decade she has spent time living, studying and traveling throughout the Middle East; touring not only Egypt, but also Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco and Turkey. Performing in Cairo, Egypt, she has been showcased at the JW Marriott 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. When in the United States, Astryd Farah is adjunct faculty for The University of Oregon, instructing Middle Eastern dance with an emphasis on Egyptian styling, and travels nationally instructing workshops and giving performances. 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, Mona el Saied, Aida Nour and Shalaby, amongst many others -- developing her dance technique as well as her understanding of the music she loves. Astryd Farah passes on her knowledge by teaching precise, defined technique as the vehicle to express the emotional aspects of the music - her warmth and clarity in teaching has inspired hundreds of students. When she's not busy "bringing Cairo to you", she "brings you to Cairo", by hosting personalized tours for dancers desiring to travel to and study in Egypt. For more information about Astryd Farah, upcoming events, performances and Egypt tours, visit her website at www.DanceAstryd.com.
Article reviewing one of Astryd Farah's San Francisco workshops, by Betsey Flood:
http://www.gildedserpent.com/art39/BetsyAstryd.htm.
"Astryd Farah embodies the intensity and passion of the Great Egyptian Art." ~ Karim Nagi, TurboTabla.
From a recent review of a performance in Atlanta, GA:
"A real surprise was the drop dead gorgeous Astryd Farah of Cairo, Egypt and Eugene, Oregon. This reviewer has admired her performances on Raqia Hassan’s videos, and to meet her in person was a real treat. Astryd spends 6 mos. of the year in Egypt, and the remainder of the time in Oregon. She is flat out excellent! She embodies the kitsch and the stellar technique of Egyptian dancers all rolled into one. Beautifully costumed, she endeared herself to the audience with her cheeky moves that were oh so very Egyptian and not seen very often in American dancers who try to emulate that styling. Her years of performing in Egypt in club and private party settings are more than obvious. Let’s hope she returns to Atlanta to give us a seminar, soon!"
~ Diane Adams, Company Mezza, Atlanta, GA
“Astryd Farah deMichele's choreography and delivery is hot off the Egyptian press, imbued with the very heartbeat of the culture, flawless timing and musical interpretation. She FEELS the music. While Astryd Farah’s workshops are strongly based in technique and great attention to detail, her personality is warm and easy, generous. She is a ‘don't miss’ experience!" ~ Myra Krien, Performer, Choreographer/Director Pomegranate Studios, Santa Fe, NM
"Astryd Farah is a spellbinding dancer with impeccable Egyptian style. Her presence on stage slows time down and brings all attention to the present moment." ~ Helene Eriksen, dancer & dance ethnologist
Current movement from the stars of the Egyptian stage, as well as from the choreographers behind the scenes -- today and min zaman (from the past). Astryd presents modern and classic Egyptian Oriental dance technique in her poignant style, easily absorbed and thoroughly broken down.
Combinations, Drills and Oriental technique including shimmies and layers kitir!
Hot combos and technique work using Cairo's top pop of 2007! Get into the Cairo groove with fun combos, gestures and the "why to" of modern Oriental technique.
Hot Egyptian POP Choreography ~ "Fakerny": Sassy & sexy! Utilizing steps direct from Cairo, Astryd presents an original choreography to one of the latest pop songs of Cairo's Arabic hit radio. She combines graceful moves and steps with saucy gestures to highlight the meaning of this hot pop song,
which musically retains a lovely oriental feel.
Sassy Saidi Pop
Fun, heavy duty saidi and shaabi pop choreography with assaya (cane). Don't miss this one...another original in Astryd's oh-so-Egyptian style with that happy, sassy, grin-filled zealous-ness!
Saidi Dance/Raks al Assaya
Astryd Farah presents technique and choreography based on her most recent folkloric studies in Cairo with the stellar Reda Troupe choreographer, Shalaby. Fun, sassy and sweet. Please bring your cane or stick, or Astryd will provide one to lend during the workshop. A traditional dance of Egypt, originally executed by the men, we will explore techniques and combinations as well as become more familiar with the music and style.
Workshop Instructor Contract (Microsoft WORD format ~ click here and save)
Performance Contract (Microsoft WORD format ~ click here and save)
Performance Detail Sheet: Weddings, Parties, etc. (Microsoft WORD format ~ click here and save)
Click this link for online CV (Microsoft WORD format)
Copyright ©2005-2008, Astryd Farah deMichele.
Site created by Kelly McClellan.