The Art of Belly Dancing is as ancient as time... Shahravar began studying and performing Middle-Eastern Dance styles with Zahirah in 1991. Understudying Education technique, Dance styles, Rhythm and Music. Leading her to teach on her own in 1993. She's a founding and current member of  Desert Orchid dance Company since 1994. Shahravar created the Shah Sitara Collaborative developing it into a Perfoming Level group of advanced students. And opened her Urban Ghawazii Belly Dance studio in 2009. "The Image Eternal Oh, lovers of the dance, and you who worship music, and living forms of sculpture or the painter's skill in art, Cease with me an instant from your labors in the studio, in theater or in concert hall, and let us listen for an interval to the Eternal Music, and inwardly behold the perfect image. and then let us begin to move to the silent drum beats Of the Perfect Dance."- Ruth St. Denis Shahravar is an inspirational, articulate and highly educated instructor. She has enchanted audiences and mentored students throughout the States. She has been performing and teaching at festivals, seminars and productions throughout her career. With a mastery of stage props her workshops in Sayef-sword, veils, Assaya-cane and Zills-finger cymbals are motivational and enlightening. "This Star Shahravar crafts dances that speak to everyone." She has traveled and studied with legendary masters of this dance for over 16years to hone and perfect the true essence of Oriental Dance, continually expanding her knowledge and repitoir made visible with soulfull, inspired performances. Widely admired as a true creative force, often drawing on her early years of Punk and New Wave music appreciation to ad a dynamic fusion to performing Modern Belly Dance. With such innovative interpretations through Middle Eastern music Shahravar is a highly sought after artist.  Shahravar has created a Unique style of her own, infusing Middle-Eastern dance with Indian, Thai and her own artistic interpretations. Diversifying one of the most Ancient performing Arts without losing the integrity of the Art.  Such dynamic movement and charismatic performance leaves the audience awe struck." "My dance Background follows Classical Cabaret, Tribal and Folkloric paths. Studying the rich cultural history as well as technique. I am well trained and researched in Flamenco, Zahmbra, Turkish and "Gypsy"(Proper term is Rom or Roma), American Tribal, Saudi Folk, Khallegy, Tunisian, Egyptian Cabaret and Lebanese Debke Line dances."

Click Here to view Shahravar's full Resume. Click Here to download Shahravar's full Resume.

TECHNIQUE DETAIL Rhythms Drumming-Doumbek,Tar frame drum Veil-Performance and the meanings beneath, also Veil History Zills-Finger cymbals-zagat Rhythms and Combinations Khallegy-Saudi Gulf region dance performed with ornate thobe dresses Fans-Oriental, Flamenco and Fusion styling "Raks Al Assaya"-Cane dance styled from traditional Taktib Basket-Various styling and Jug-dances for Tunisian Skirt-Traditional Spanish, American "Gypsy",Turkish Rom "Raks al Sayef" Sword, Scimitar, Ghurka, Sabre, Dagger "Often I am asked about my teachers, It's been an honor to work with so many talented Instructors Here are the performers that have had a significant impact on my Performance Style Via workshop or Class sessions" ALEXANDRA KING-AZIZ-AMAYA-ELENA LENTINI-DELILAH-CASSANDRA-KATIA-SUZANNA DEL VECCHIO-JOSE GRECO-FAT CHANCE BELLYDANCE(CAROLENA NERICCHIO-JILL PARKER-RINA RALL)-ANEENA-BERT BALLADINE-SAHRA-RHEA-DAHLAL-DALIA CARELLA-FATEN ALI MUNGER-KATHRYN FERGUSON-SONYA-YASMINA-HADIYA-MARGO ABDO ODELL-MEZMERA-CYNDI LOADER-SE SE-SAQRA-JUDEEN-TINA SARGENT-ANSUYA-SUMRA-RACHEL BRICE-KAMI LIDDLE-SUHALIA SALIMPOUR- ZAHIRAH(Chore Instructor) Percussion/Drums- ARMONDO MAUFUFO-MICHAEL BEACH-BRETT "ANGUS" "Historical Research into rich Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cultures brought me to learn this dance that I am still awe inspired by after ninteen years. Impressed by the beauty and elegance of movement the touching stories and of course those glorious costumes"- Shahravar Music is the basis of the dance arts. It is Key to understanding the musical culture of a people. As a dancer you are also a musician and it is imperative to a good performance that the dancer knows the rhythms that comprise Middle eastern music. I have enjoyed working with many live bands over the years. KAIRO BY NIGHT TRANSARABIAN SOUND BROTHERS OF THE BALADI FISTFULL UNCLE MAUFUFO AND SULEYMAN EL COYOTE PALME RE JAWHARA "FISTFULL OF JEWELS" ELEPHANTE VOODOO BOX DESERT WIND TAREK AND RAJAB MIRAGE-ED KERGOZIAN MARK BELL(OF HELM) KARA NOMADICA SHAHRAVAR CELEBRATED ELEVEN YEARS WITH DESERT ORCHID IN 2006!!! Desert Orchid Dance Company Currently the only Middle-Eastern dance company in the Utah artists ethnic bank of performers. Also working with the University of Utah's Middle East outreach program. Working together to help educate others about the Culture and Dances of the Eastern world. The desert Orchid Dance Company was a featured group for the "I A M E D" International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. "Rockin the casbah" video. You can order it via the link below. Link to IAMED Contact Zahirah to book the Desert Orchid Dance Co. (801) 733-6371 Salt Lake City, Utah