Shareen El Safy

The Spirit of Egyptian Dance

Oriental Dance Retreat

“Summer at Shambhala—Dancing From the Inside Out”

August 10-16, 2008

Sunset Nightclub, Cairo, 1990

"Has Shareen tapped into the spirit of Egyptian dance? The answer is an unequivocal yes! As a guide she is powerfully gentle and firmly grounded, with the ability to lead her students to a place where the dance can be found. Once there, she is also able to help us reacquaint ourselves with what we've known has always existed. What comes forth is a joyous and deeply satisfying celebration of this form at its best."               B.T., San Francisco

“I am amazed at people like Shareen El Safy who dance ‘without accent’—what an amazing accomplishment, to absorb the dance so completely and in the heart and body, right from the source!”  Andrea Deagon, Ph.D., UNC-W

“Summer at Shambhala—Dancing From the Inside Out”

Shareen’s 7th Oriental Dance Retreat will be held August 10-16, 2008. This year’s retreat, “Summer at Shambhala—Dancing From the Inside Out,” will delve into powerful, authentic movement embedded with intrinsic emotional meaning as seen in raks sharqi, the solo dance of Cairo. In the revitalizing, renewing space of Shambhala Ranch, participants will explore our mutual passion for the dance by strengthening performance skills and developing individual expression that brings out our unique inner language. Mornings begin with warm-ups, technique, steps and combinations in all areas of Egyptian dance including turns and sequences, oriental, taqsim, beledi, drum solo, and shimmy movements, perimeter patterns, and finale steps and poses. Afternoons will be spent on creative performance exercises, in-class personal coaching, and improvisational skills that encourage mastery in the dance, support confidence and expand emotional accessibility. Evenings include discussions and presentations about dance-related topics, and video-DVD viewings with Shareen’s commentary and movement analysis of Egypt’s dance luminaries, past and present.

Shareen El Safy performing at El Leil Nightclub, Cairo, 1989

Some U.S. and International Retreat Participants Respond

“This was such a peak experience!”

“The Retreat put me together with other dancers from other countries and cultures, exposing me to their view and style of the dance, which is very enriching”

“Very rewarding! Life changing!”

“For twenty six years, my dance style was pretty much the same. I feel like I’m learning a whole new art form!”

“I came home relaxed and energized, with a deeper understanding of my body; the music and dance fit more precisely.”

“Shareen has inspired me to rethink how and why I dance, infusing it with new meaning.”

“Thank you for the alchemy that happens at Shambhala. It works its way through the whole year.”

Shambhala Ranch

Dance Retreat and Workshop Center

The pulse of life permeates the 140 acres of beautiful rolling hills, located on a magical site of ancient Indian trails and spiritual rituals. It is a private, creative and natural environment, with panoramic views, redwood forest, swimming pond, and private beach on a river, hot tub, and organic gardens. The tastefully decorated, luxurious ranch house with comfortable bedrooms has a large mirrored dance studio with a sprung wood floor, large redwood decks, and music throughout. It is located two hours north of San Francisco between Ukiah and the coastal town of Mendocino near the famous Orr Hot Springs. (www.shambhalaranch.com)

"The name Shambhala comes from a Tibetan Buddhist teaching that there is some magic in everything and it's up to the individual to discover it. Shambhala Ranch's magic lies not so much in its obvious natural gifts, but in the way it can help you find yours." J.B. Dance Retreat and Workshop Center visitor

Directions to Shambhala: 101 North from San Francisco to the last exit in Ukiah, "North State Street." Turn right onto N. State St. Take the first left onto "Orr Springs Road." 19 miles to Shambhala (6.5 miles past Orr Hot Springs). Look for an open valley with a large redwood lodge on the hillside to your right, and a white mailbox ("21200" with animal paintings). Shambhala’s office phone is 707-937-3341. Guest phone in the lodge is 707-937-3515. The Santa Rosa Airport is scheduled to reopen this May, with flights available from San Francisco airport to Santa Rosa, and other direct flights from some airports. Check with your travel agent. Call Shareen 805-962-9639 to coordinate transportation from Santa Rosa, Mendocino or San Francisco, if needed.

Education and Inspiration

The Retreat offers an intimate six-day opportunity for students, teachers and professional dancers to study with Shareen El Safy, incorporating her unique Oriental dance method that is grounded in Egyptian dance vocabulary and top-of-the-line technique. Her comprehensive approach encourages each student to excel on an individual basis, and benefits all levels—from the budding novice to the most accomplished of dancers.

“Shareen is a great communicator, verbally and through movement, and as such her classes are challenging and inspiring.” Amar, teacher and performer

“Shareen’s ability to analyze movement is multi-level, working with the physical and energetic aspects to get to the heart of the technique.” Ranya, teacher and performer

 “Integrating Shareen’s technique leads to a deepening of the dance. It becomes more profound. Shareen is a dancer’s dancer, and her workshop a very rewarding challenge.” Myra, teacher and performer

Evening Recital

On Friday night, our last night of the retreat, there will be a studio concert with participants performing their solo pieces for the group. Shareen will also dance her latest choreographies. Bring your costumes and music on CD, and enjoy an evening celebrating individual artistry and mutual camaraderie!

Relax, Rejuvenate, & Invigorate

Free your creative spirit in a gentle, intimate and supportive environment. Hike in the old growth redwood forest and golden meadows with panoramic views; meditate by the pristine river, an ancient gathering place for Native American Indians; sun yourself on the deck, take a cool dip in the pond or soak your cares away in the hot tub—all on site at Shambhala Ranch. Optional activities include an afternoon walk on the beach or shopping in the quaint coastal town of Mendocino; relaxing in the famous Orr Hot Springs; or hiking to the world’s tallest redwood tree. Following the retreat on Saturday evening, August 16, the group and guests will re-convene in San Francisco for dinner with live music and open floor dancing at a Middle Eastern nightclub. Optional overnight stay at the SF Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel, a convenient walk to Ghirardelli Square or a cable car ride to Chinatown.

Nourishment

Nearby orchards supply a variety of fresh fruits. Organic herbs and vegetables are grown locally. Patio tables with market umbrellas provide casual outdoor dining. A professional chef prepares our delicious meals with special attention to individual tastes. Vegetarian, free-range poultry and local fish entrees are accompanied by wholesome grains, healthy salads and vegetables, and tasty desserts. Breakfast includes cereals, fruit, juices, yogurt, breads or bagels, coffee, teas, etc. Chilled water, teas, coffee, fruits and snacks will be available throughout the day. Participants are asked to bring their own beer and wine.

Sleeping Accommodations

Bedrooms are light and airy with up to six comfortable beds in each room. Dancers may request their roommate preference. Bed linens, pillows, comforters, and towels provided.

Oriental Dance Retreat

Daily Schedule

Check in Sunday, August 10, 2 pm., dinner 6:00-7:00 pm

Orientation 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
7:30-9:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am-12: 30 pm Morning class
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
2-4 pm Afternoon class
6:00-7:00 pm Dinner
7:30-9:30 pm Special presentations & activities.

Wednesday afternoon in Mendocino (lunch on our own)

Thursday evening at Orr Hot Springs after presentations

Friday evening Studio Concert
Check out Saturday, August 16, 11 am

*Optional Saturday evening Middle Eastern dinner show in San Francisco *Optional overnight stay at the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf

Oriental Dance Retreat with Shareen El Safy

“Summer at Shambhala—Dancing From the Inside Out”

August 10-16, 2008

Registration Form

Name___________________________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________zip__________

Phone__________________Cell phone__________________Fax___________________

Email__________________________________________________________________

Dance name______________________________________dance level_______________

Roommate preference______________________________________________________

Early sign-up all-inclusive fee $925 on or before May 15^th All-inclusive fee $995 after May 15^th. A non-refundable deposit of $225 holds your reservation. Remaining balance of $770 due on or before July 10, 2007. No cancellations after July 10^th. Further enrollment accepted only as space allows. Group limited to twenty dancers. All levels welcome.
Personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards accepted. In U.S.Dollars only.

Payment enclosed:    $_____________________________________________________

Please charge $_________ to my credit card: Card #____________________________

Exp. date________Signature________________________________________________

Food Questionnaire

Name________________________________________Phone______________________

Please circle your meal preference:            Poultry & Fish                 Vegetarian only          

If you have food sensitivities, the chef would like to consult with you. Describe:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Send completed form to:

Or go to www.shareenelsafy.com to register online, or phone or fax your registration to 805-962-9639.                            

Shareen El Safy, Cologne, Germany, 2001

About Shareen El Safy

Early Studies and the Egyptian Connection

Shareen began her studies with Diane Webber and Jamila Salimpour in 1967, and later Ibrahim Farrah and Feiruz Aram. Since 1972, she has enjoyed the teaching process. She acquired a renewed interest in both performance and instruction during many extended stays in Egypt, beginning in 1985. She has lived and studied in Egypt, performing raks al sharqi in Cairo at Parisianna, opening for Lucy; El Leil, the largest nightclub in the Middle East; the five-star Sunset Nightclub, opening for Sohair Zeki; and Siag Pyramids Hotel. Observing Egyptian dancers, especially Nagwa Fouad and Sohair Zeki, for literally hundreds of performances, has provided Shareen with a unique perspective on current Egyptian movement. She has also benefited from both group class and private study with Mohammed Khalil, Mahmoud Reda, Nagwa Fouad, Mona el Said, Dina, Ibrahim Akef, Hala El Safy (who gave Shareen her name), Raqia Hassan, Nadia Hamdi, Dandesh, Amani, Randa, Tito and the Benat Maazin of Luxor. Acknowledging Egypt as the current source of raks al sharqi, she has conducted her Dance/Study Tours to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria, studying with the top performers and choreographers to the stars. 

Teaching and Performing Worldwide

Shareen has toured extensively, performing and conducting seminars in sixty major cities on five continents throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim including Cairo, Egypt; Northern Israel; Tokyo, Japan; Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, Australia; Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; Turku, Finland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Holland; London, South Hampton, Hinckley, and Norwich, England; Edinburgh and Inverness, Scotland; Hamburg, Cologne, Karlsruhe, Nurnberg, Bremerhaven, Darmstadt, Hannover, Berlin, Frankfurt, Weisbaden, and Munich, Germany; and Rome, Italy. Canadian cities include Vancouver, B.C.; Toronto, Ontario; and Edmonton, Alberta. In the U.S., she has taught and performed in New York City, Seattle, Spokane, Eugene, Las Vegas, Reno, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Denver, Austin, Dallas, Huntsville, Little Rock, Milwaukee, Hartford, Indianapolis, Springfield and St. Louis, New Orleans, Honolulu, Anchorage, Miami Shores and Miami. She has also taught throughout her native California in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Long Beach, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Mendocino, Sacramento, San Jose, Fresno, Visalia, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

 Awards and Recognition

Shareen has been honored with the South Australian Parliament Cultural Enrichment Medal (1998). Awards include IBDC Master Instructor (2007); IAMED Promoter of the Year (2001); Giza Academy Instructional Video (2000); IAMED Choreography (1999); Zagareet Magazine Teacher of the Year (1998); Bellydancer of the Universe Recognition for Contributions (1995); and others. Shareen was invited to present a workshop and performance of Egyptian Dance at the ICHPER-SD World Conference in Cairo in 2000; and Ahalan Wa Sahlan in Cairo, 2001.

Author, Publisher and Producer

Shareen was editor/publisher of Habibi Magazine from 1992-2002, and editor-in-chief in 2003. She has authored articles about leading dance and music personalities, and notable contributors to the field. She has sponsored seminars featuring outstanding dance artists, and produced numerous instructional videos. Shareen co-produced the 1997 and 2001 International Conferences on Middle Eastern Dance at Orange Coast College. She holds a BFA from UCSB, and has pursued graduate studies in Depth Psychology.

What the Experts Say

“Feeling is very important. One in one hundred dancers have the feeling, and you have it. And you listen very well to the music; you understand the music...I am astonished by your dancing! You are American, but dance Arabic.”             Nagwa Fouad, Cairo, Egypt

             “I have seen many dancers from the U.S. and Europe, but you are the only one who does this dance well, perfectly. It makes me very, very happy.”            Sohair Zeki, Cairo, Egypt

             “Shareen has a good understanding of Oriental dance.  She hears and interprets the music well, and her movements are flexible and smooth.”            Mona El Said, Cairo, Egypt

             “Because Shareen lived and worked in Cairo, she has a good feeling, exactly like an Egyptian, and Egyptian style, not like an American."          Raqia Hassan, Cairo Egypt

             “I was extremely impressed with your solos, and proud that you have absorbed that of the Egyptian style that looks real and natural on you — the purity and essence of the Egyptian soul.”              Ibrahim Farrah, New York, NY

             “Shareen has a talent for accurately interpreting Middle Eastern dance movement and intelligently transmitting the information to others.”              Aisha Ali, Los Angeles, CA

             “If you want to get the pure Egyptian style, the authentic feel for the music, and precise detail, and at the same time great heartfelt warmth, you should come and see Shareen, the master teacher from the U.S.A.”                Beata Cifuentes, Berlin, Germany

               "Shareen has a rare ability to distill and transmit both the soul and mechanics of the Egyptian style...She will show you the absolutely latest moves from the nightclub scene."               Feirus Aram, Long Beach, CA and Cairo, Egypt