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 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.