I. Professional Experience

    A. Shadia is the only nationally certified Middle Eastern dance teacher in Oklahoma. Shadia is vice president as well as a founding board member of the National Association for Teacher Certification of Middle Eastern Dance (NATCMED).

    B. Shadia has been a professional dancer continuously since 1979. She not only performed full time in nightclubs and restaurants throughout the southern California (Hollywood, Orange, Riverside Counties) area for over 13 years before relocating to Tulsa, she is also the only instructor with this professional experience currently teaching in Oklahoma.

    C. Shadia studied for years with several master teachers during her time in California, not just one. Shadia continues to study with master teachers and is also a workshop sponsor -- thus assuring her students continuing education and training with quality teachers. She sponsors two workshops a year, often featuring instructors with international reputations. Shadia was the first to sponsor Rania and Ansuya -- two dancers who went on to become members of the Belly Dance Superstars.

    Locally, Shadia has by far the most expertise in the ancient forms of dance, for example Egyptian. However, she also stays on top of all the most recent developments in the dance community. If you want to be on the cutting edge, you need to learn with Shadia.

    All the other instructors in town have studied with Shadia at some point…a fact which speaks for itself.

II. Outstanding facilities

    A. The studio is a comfortable 3200 square feet in size.

    B. The studio is equipped with the same custom built floating floor used by the Tulsa Ballet.

    C. Mirrors start at floor level so students may see themselves as well as the teacher.

    D. All the props a student might want are available for sale right at the studio, including finger cymbals, hip wraps, and veils. Shadia can also get you great deals on canes, swords, and Sharif Wear.

III. Excellent learning environment

    A. All classes are taught by Shadia and professional dance company members.

    B. Shadia utilizes a basic format of Egyptian/Arabic style to ensure the students learn at their own pace. Students are evaluated on a regular basis so as to continue their training at their level of proficiency.

    C. Shadia's dancers continue to stay at the forefront of the local entertainment world. They continuously learn new techniques and skills. Moreover, they have several chances to perform throughout the year. Many students also travel to perform at workshops throughout the region.

    D. Students enjoy a friendly, relaxed environment; many come to think of it as something of a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life.

IV. Award-winning dance companies

    A. The Purple Roses of Cairo Middle Eastern Dance and Theatre Company is the only group of Middle Eastern dancers to be featured at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, and has performed there every year since 2001 to critical acclaim.

    B. In August of 2006, the Purple Roses of Cairo dance company took first place in the medium-sized troupe category at a national Middle Eastern Dance troupe competition in Austin, Texas. The lead judge for the competition was Egyptian dance pioneer Mahmoud Reda.

    C. In addition to the Purple Roses and the Tribal Roses, Shadia's newer students may qualify to join the Nawar Tribe, a third dance company which also performs at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Oktoberfest, Mayfest, and several other venues throughout the year.

THE SHADIA DAHLAL DANCE CONSERVATORY IS SIMPLY THE BEST!