THE PURPLE ROSES OF CAIRO

Afsana
I started dancing at the Shadia Dahlal Studio in February 2005. I had no background in dance and I had no idea what to expect or if I would be any good at dancing. I came to class to get out of the house, meet people, make new friends and get some exercise. Little did I know what my journey would be and how belly dance would change my life forever. Always wanting to learn and absorb as much as I can about many different cultures and dance styles I will forever be a student of dance. The bond between others that enjoy this hobby as much as I do... it's just amazing. I have meet the most interesting people and continue to grow and learn from them every day. Afsana Dahlal

---

Amaryllis
Amaryllis came to Shadia's studio in July of 2008. Always in love with the art of dancing, she found bellydance as she was drumming with a group of women during a festival. It was at that moment she fell in love completely with this magickal and ancient art. At the tender age of 39 and with the total love and support of her husband, she was finally able to pursue her love of bellydance. With the support and instruction and guidance of Shadia her dream of becoming not only a bellydancer, but a "Purple Rose of Cairo" and "Tribal Rose" became a reality. With love for this amazing art, desire and a lot of hard work we can do anything we want to do.

---

Ambriael
Ambriael has been studying with Shadia since 2005, she has performed at many events every year in both group and solo performances. She first learned Egyptian style dance and has grown to love all forms of Arabic dance.

---

Bahira
In January of 2010, Bahira decided to take a beginner's bellydance class on a whim with a friend. With no prior dance training, the class was supposed to be for fun and fitness, but instead became her new obsession! After studying with Mahsati, Sunya, and Shadia herself, Bahira was surprised at Oktoberfest 2010 with an invitation to join the Purple Roses. In one short year, she has had the honor of studying with Mahmoud Reda and Tasha Banat, as well as dancing in Mayfest, Oktoberfest, and becoming a regular dancer at the Star Avenue Hookah Lounge. Bahira also studies Tribal Fusion and Burlesque at the studio and is looking forward to learning new techiniques and styles in the future.

---

Ghazala
Ghazala has been with the Belly Dance Academy of Tulsa since January of 2009. She went to her first workshop with Maleeha after just three weeks of classes and when the show was over that evening, knew that someday she wanted to be on that stage. Ghazala became a member of the Nawar Student Tribe in January of 2010 and a member of the Purple Roses of Cairo in April of 2011. She loves performing and encourages this beautiful art form for everyone. She has had the pleasure of studying with Tasha Banat and Mia Sha'uri, as well as Shadia and the excellent instructors at the studio. Ghazala also studies Tribal Fusion and Burlesque and is looking forward to continuing these fun and exciting classes.

---

Jennifer
Biographical information pending.

---

Karimah
Karimah has been with the Belly Dance Academy of Tulsa for 3 years, and became a Purple Rose in 2008. At Oktoberfest, 2009 she became a Tribal Rose. She’s made great friends, and every day has been a blast!

---

Karisa
Karisa began belly dancing at Shadia’s studio in Nov of 2005. She started out at the studio shy, quiet, and unsure of herself,and has now transformed into a confident woman and performer. Performing has become one of her greatest joys in life and she attributes her success to her wonderful teachers and fellow dancers. She is a member of both the Purple Roses and Tribal Roses and has performed at SS ’09, SS ’10, Mayfest, Oktoberfest, Talking Drum Restaurant, and Star Avenue Hookah Lounge. She plans to continue studying dance through out her life and to perform any chance she gets. “ Dance has transformed me as a person, it has bridged the gap between my soul and the world around me, when I’m dancing I can feel no sorrow, loss, anxiety, or fear. It’s an on top of the world feeling. To dance is to be free and unattainable, like an eagle flying in a valley under a warm sunset. Sacred, tranquil, and forever.

---

Mahsati
Mahsati Dahlal joined the Belly Dance Academy of Tulsa in 2002 in order to study with Shadia Dahlal. It didn't take long to realize that the world of belly dance was where she wanted to be, she was home. Mahsati joined the Nawar student troupe in 2003 and participated in her first Summer Stage performance that same year. In January of 2004 she joined the Purple Roses of Cairo and that same year became one of the founding members of the Tribal Roses tribal fusion troupe. As a member of both troupes she has had the honor of placing 2nd in the Choreography Project competition in Austin with the Tribal Roses and 1st place the following year with the Purple Roses of Cairo. Wow what a ride!! Mahsati has had the pleasure to study with Mishaal, Meera, Z-Helene, Mahmoud Reda, Aziza Nawal, Hadia, Nourhan Sharif, Zoe Jakes, Sharon Kihara, Rachel Brice (the Goddess), and Suhaila Salimpour (the Queen of us all). "Belly dance WILL change your life!"

---

Mariangel
Biographical information pending.

---

Marisa
Marisa is the daughter of Shadia Dahlal. She has been dancing most of her life and performing since the age of 12. Currently, she is a member of the Purple Roses of Cairo and has performed at various local venues and events, including restaurants, fundraisers for civic organizations, and private parties. She also had the lead role in Tulsa Folkloric Dance Theatre's 2009 production of "Cafe Aman: The American Dream" at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. She has studied with many dancers, including Fahtiem, Maleeha, and Yousry Sharif. Marisa has 3 dance goals that she has yet to achieve: study with Argentinean belly dancer Asmahan, perform a duet with her mother, and become a dance teacher.

---

Perizad
Performing most of her life in theater, improv groups, and in bands, Perizad began studying with Shadia Dahlal in the spring of 2009. Although a tomboy at heart, the art of belly dance appealed to Perizad's femininity, and ignited within her a passion for middle eastern dance. Perizad's hard work and dedication started to pay off in spring 2010 when she was inducted into the Purple Roses of Cairo. She looks forward to many more years of the joys of belly dance.

---

---

Sofia
Although she grew up Greek dancing at festivals and social functions, Sofia never had formal dance instruction prior to joining the BELLY DANCE ACADEMY OF TULSA in late 2003. She simply loves to dance....and the studio has given her instruction, discipline, and an outlet for her passion. Sofia has performed as both a troupe member and soloist in SummerStage for several years, as well as other studio events.

---

Sue
As a little girl, Sue always wanted to learn to dance, but never had the opportunity to take lessons. So as an adult, when she read an advertisement for belly dance lessons, she wanted to make up for lost time. Her first opportunity to dance on-stage was Oktoberfest. Although she was nervous, she figured if she could dance in public, she could do anything. She was inducted into the Purple Roses in 2009.

---

Xuemei
Upon joining the BELLY DANCE ACADEMY OF TULSA in 2005, Xuemei didn’t realize what a fascinating and enthralling new world belly dance was going to open up for her. Since then, she explored her hidden potential and found the balance between life and career. While pursuing personal improvement through practice and performance, she is experiencing an enriched life dancing has to offer. Being honored to join the Purple Roses of Cairo, she is also a founding member of China Roses, performing Chinese folk dances at SummerStage, Oktoberfest and various culture events.

---

THE TRIBAL ROSES

Afsana	Amaryllis	Karimah	Karisa
Mahsati	Sofia	Amber

---

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN:

Nadira		Paola	Arania	Samira
Kalena		Tahia	Sunya	Sahana
Farideh		Yasmeen	Larissa

---