Basma's Biography
Blessed with an energetic spirit and inviting presence, Basma has been dancing for most of her life. As a child, she studied ballet, tap and jazz dance before shifting to various forms of underground dance during her teen years. While pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies, Basma discovered a love for teaching and performing as well as a fervor for improving women's lives through female empowerment. Combining these passions brought her to the world of Middle Eastern dance. Basma studied with some of the best instructors in her area and built upon this training by studying with international bellydance stars such as Amar Gamal, Ansuya, Aziza of Montreal, Jill Parker, Mira Betz, Petite Jamilla, Ruby Beh, Sadie and Sedona. Most recently, Basma completed a weeklong dance intensive with international superstar Aziza of Montreal in Asheville, NC. Middle Eastern dance is a rare art form that is not only mesmerizingly beautiful to watch; it also has the power to heal and nourish a woman's mind, body and soul. Basma invites you to experience the splendor of Middle Eastern dance!
Belly Dance Styles:
American Cabaret, Egyptian Raks Sharki, Lebanese cabaret, Turkish Oriental, Egyptian Folk dances: Saidi, Baladi, Lebanese Dabke, Khaleegy (Arabian Gulf Folkloric).
Special Abilities:
Finger cymbals, veil, double veil, floor work, cane/stick dancing, drum solo, Isis Wings
Selection of Past Performances:
September 2013 - Birmingham International Street Fair, Birmingham, AL
September 2013 - Essence of Belly Dance 3 Gala, Atlanta, GA
June 2013 - Thursday Night Family Night, Birmingham, AL
May 2013 - Pop-Up Project: Avondale, Birmingham, AL
January 2013 - Salamander Festival, Homewood, AL
November 2012 - Casbah Cabaret 3: Zivah Saphirah Conquers the World, Birmingham, AL
September 2012 - Essence of Belly Dance 2 Gala, Atlanta, GA
March 2012 - Bellydance Superstars Club Bellydance, Birmingham, AL
February 2012 - Vashti's Banquet, Birmingham, AL
December 2011 - Aveda Institute Holiday Fashion and Beauty Show, Hoover, AL
September 2011 - Homewood Senior Center, Homewood, AL
August 2011 - Danberry at Inverness Retirement Community, Birmingham, AL
August 2011 - Birmingham Arts and Music Festival
April 2009, April 2010, May 2011, April 2012, April 2013 - Magic City Art Connection, Birmingham, AL
May 2010, April 2011 - Vestavia Hills International Food and Cultural Festival
January 2011 - UAB International Bazaar
October 2010 - Sedona Workshop Gala Show
September 2010 - ArtWalk 2010 Parade
September 2010 - BurningHam in Oak Mountain Park
May 2010 - Casbah Cabaret II with Zivah Saphirah
April 2010 - Helm Workshop Gala hosted by Devyani
January 2010 - Ansuya Workshop Evening Gala - Atlanta, GA
November 2009 - South East Belly Dance Queen Competition with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
June 2009 - Save the Ta-Ta's Benefit Show in Huntsville, AL
March 2009 - Tuscaloosa Culture Fest with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
February 2009 - Mediterranean Nights at the Episcopal Place with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
April 2008 - NBC13 Health & Wellness Festival - Bellydance Class Demo with Zivah Saphirah Goddess Squad
Belly Dance Styles:
American Cabaret, Egyptian Raks Sharki, Lebanese cabaret, Turkish Oriental, Egyptian Folk dances: Saidi, Baladi, Lebanese Dabke, Khaleegy (Arabian Gulf Folkloric).
Special Abilities:
Finger cymbals, veil, double veil, floor work, cane/stick dancing, drum solo, Isis Wings
Selection of Past Performances:
September 2013 - Birmingham International Street Fair, Birmingham, AL
September 2013 - Essence of Belly Dance 3 Gala, Atlanta, GA
June 2013 - Thursday Night Family Night, Birmingham, AL
May 2013 - Pop-Up Project: Avondale, Birmingham, AL
January 2013 - Salamander Festival, Homewood, AL
November 2012 - Casbah Cabaret 3: Zivah Saphirah Conquers the World, Birmingham, AL
September 2012 - Essence of Belly Dance 2 Gala, Atlanta, GA
March 2012 - Bellydance Superstars Club Bellydance, Birmingham, AL
February 2012 - Vashti's Banquet, Birmingham, AL
December 2011 - Aveda Institute Holiday Fashion and Beauty Show, Hoover, AL
September 2011 - Homewood Senior Center, Homewood, AL
August 2011 - Danberry at Inverness Retirement Community, Birmingham, AL
August 2011 - Birmingham Arts and Music Festival
April 2009, April 2010, May 2011, April 2012, April 2013 - Magic City Art Connection, Birmingham, AL
May 2010, April 2011 - Vestavia Hills International Food and Cultural Festival
January 2011 - UAB International Bazaar
October 2010 - Sedona Workshop Gala Show
September 2010 - ArtWalk 2010 Parade
September 2010 - BurningHam in Oak Mountain Park
May 2010 - Casbah Cabaret II with Zivah Saphirah
April 2010 - Helm Workshop Gala hosted by Devyani
January 2010 - Ansuya Workshop Evening Gala - Atlanta, GA
November 2009 - South East Belly Dance Queen Competition with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
June 2009 - Save the Ta-Ta's Benefit Show in Huntsville, AL
March 2009 - Tuscaloosa Culture Fest with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
February 2009 - Mediterranean Nights at the Episcopal Place with Irene Rimer's Belly Dance Jewels
April 2008 - NBC13 Health & Wellness Festival - Bellydance Class Demo with Zivah Saphirah Goddess Squad
