Vashti's Middle Eastern Dance

Vashti became interested in Middle Eastern dance in Saskatchewan in 1979, took several years of instruction with
regular classes, and performed often for various special events, recitals and shows. Moving to Alberta in 1984 she
continued performing, learning through classes and workshops, and in 1998 completed an instructor's course in
Calgary.
Vashti has attended workshops instructed by Beata and Horatio Cifuentes of Germany, Anemone Ruder of
Edmonton, Jamilee Abir of Calgary, Denise Enan of Ottawa, Hadia of Montreal, Aldiya of Edmonton, Louchia of
Los Angeles, and Joanna of Grande Prairie. She started teaching in 1998 in Grande Cache, Alberta, and continued
classes in Hinton, Alberta with relocation there in 2002. As well as regular classes in Hinton, weekly classes are
held in Edson. Teaching experience includes one to two-day workshops and brief workshops for women's
conferences.
Vashti's performance experience is extensive, having performed in Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Calgary, Grande
Prairie, Hinton, Grande Cache, Whitecourt, and many other towns in Alberta; on stage, in restaurants, at weddings
and outdoor events. She is proficient in the use of zills (finger cymbals), sword, cane, candles, veil and Shamadan
(candelabra) and though the style she teaches is primarily the more modern form of Middle Eastern Dance known
as "Orientale", or "Raqs Sharqi", she can also perform and instruct some folkloric styles.