Ep 134. Khadijah: Movements Mean Nothing Without Their Cultural Context

Khadijah is one of the most sought after instructors, performers and choreographers of Middle Eastern Dance and Folklore! Her upbringing in an artistic family prompted her to pursue studies in music and movement in various Arabic dance styles and beyond. She has been featured in BellyDance Magazine (California), BellyDance TV (California), Al Seha TV (Cairo), Univision (Colorado), The Denver Post (Colorado), TV appearances with HBO and more! Her unique and energetic style in combination with great athleticism and grace is deeply rooted in tradition, and it has made her amazing signature style popular worldwide. Khadijah currently resides in Denver, Colorado. She is a popular performer locally in many 5 star establishments such as Mataam Fez Moroccan restaurant, Phoenician Kabob Lebanese restaurant, Sahara’s, Lannie’s ClockTower , Palais Casablanca and more. Rahel is the choreographer and artistic director of bellydance troupe The Helwa Dancers, and she herself has danced with former bellydance troupe Banat Dallah directed by Narmaya, and Ninawa Eastern Magic Folkloric Dance Company run by internationally renowned dancers Moh Abu Ras and Moh Al Ratta. Her film credits include the star role in the award winning short film “Imago” by Drea Morin, as well a featured performance in an episode of the popular TV series “Hellcats”. Rahel was a featured performer in the high profile event Illuminate Yaletown in 2011, and had the privilege of having her choreography selected for the 2012 “Shimmy Mob”, the world’s largest bellydance flash mob featuring thousands of dancers all over the globe. She has choreographed solo performances for the talent portion of Miss Canada, Miss Hong Kong and Miss China International competitions, as well as Salome’s “Dance of the 7 Veils” in a 2013 production of the play by Oscar Wilde.