“Elegance combined with effortless musicality, authenticity, technique and real passion are hallmarks of Sharifa’s dance, choreography and teaching style.”

Once upon a time, in a far-away desert town, someone played Arabic music for a dancer….

Sharifa met Middle Eastern dance in college and they've been inseparable ever since.

Arabic music captured her heart and its physical expression, Oriental dance, became her passion.  Since then, she has danced for audiences, grand and intimate, on three continents, several large islands, a variety of venues, and some weird places on a breathless journey of music, culture, joy and laughter. 

Acclaimed for her authentic and engaging performances, Sharifa’s study, performance, and teaching of Middle Eastern dance has been her passion for almost three decades.  While she is best known for her Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, Sharifa began her career in Classic American, Lebanese, and Turkish styles.  Her repertoire also includes regional North African and Middle Eastern folkloric dances. 

Sharifa’s experiences, knowledge, and love of the dance extend without reserve to her students and their own dance journeys.  She has no “trade secrets”! Described as a dynamic “teacher’s teacher”, Sharifa is committed to a strong foundation in Middle Eastern dance basics, Oriental technique, and providing all levels -hobbyist to professional – the opportunity to pursue their dance in a focused, yet noncompetitive environment.  Her focus on technique, musicality and student progress together with the ability to break down and communicate in a variety of learning styles provide a solid foundation for any bellydance style.  Her own study is never-ending as she travels regularly to study with the finest dancers/master instructors in the field. 

Sharifa has been called upon by NPR radio, cable TV, museums, equestrian associations, dance groups, civic clubs, and universities.  She is an award-winning dance artist, workshop/seminar instructor, creative choreographer, an innovative producer, artistic director, public speaker and historian.  Since settling in North Carolina, Sharifa has entertained the Triangle Lebanese Festival; been twice invited to perform for NC Dance Alliance Annual Showcases and directed her Qarisma Dance Co. in performance at the inaugural Charlotte Dance Festival – the first and only Oriental dancer participating in both.  Sharifa shares the Middle Eastern and North African dance world, beyond its traditional audiences, through dance and educational programs presented at schools, universities, service organizations, corporations, museums and more.  And yes, Sharifa is RenFaire experienced.

Sharifa's academic education includes post-graduate studies in history, political science and European languages.  Ongoing projects include research into Oriental dance communities past and present, Oriental dance instruction history and soon… online classes. 

Languages:  English, Spanish / Español, French / Francais, German / Deutsch.