Nashwa

Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt Nashwa attended Cairo University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. Her lifelong love of dance led her, at the age of 14, to commence studying dance with Mahmoud Reda, internationally renowned 'ambassador of dance' at his Cairo Academy. For ten years, she studied folkloric dance forms from the Gulf, Sinai, Alexandria and Red Sea regions, providing her with a solid foundation before beginning her performing and teaching career.

In 1988, Nashwa moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she continued to teach this ancient yet contemporary art form to a growing following, as she performed internationally. In 1993, Nashwa founded the Isis Dance Troupe.

In 1999, Nashwa relocated to California, where she continued performing and teaching Middle Eastern dance. She taught at the historical Lobero Theater and for Santa Barbara City College as well as group and private classes. She collaborated with Dr. Scott Marcus, Professor of Ethnomusicology at UC Santa Barbara, and members of his UCSB Middle East Ensemble. In 2005, Nashwa moved to Berea, Kentucky. She teaches and choreographs for dancers in the region, workshops nation wide, and internationally. Nashwa completed her Master of Science at Eastern Kentucky University in Wellness and Fitness from the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. She is a faculty member of EKU and Berea College.

Al-Raqs al-Sharqi (Middle Eastern Dance) is an incredible synthesis of motion and rhythm, culture and history, fitness and healing, tradition and spirituality - issues that are of concern to so many of us today.

Melaya Leff Workshop

Take a journey to explore the treasures of the "Bride of the Mediterranean", that is, Alexandria. Nashwa will lead us to discover the subtleties of this flirtatious and enticing style of dance.
We will focus on the use and the maneuver of the Melaya, facial expressions and gestures, music selection, lyrics, and costuming. The workshop will also include the historical background of the art and time for Q & A.
A Melaya is made of Jersey or satin charmeuse fabric and it is about 3.5 yards long. The fabric should cover from shoulder to the floor and if you spread your arms, you should have 12" on each side. The traditional Melayas are black and usually the dresses under the Melaya are colorful or bright colors.
(Note from CMD: Please do not try to use a regular dance veil for this class. If you do not already have a Melaya, we recommend that you buy a length of suitable fabric as described above. According to Nashwa, "if dancers use a regular veil, they will not have the same experience as dancing with a Melaya which would defeat the purpose.")