Oriana of Fanoos Magazine sat down with Vanessa to discuss troupes, choreography and how to direct without losing your mind.
Jawaahir Dance Company is dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern dance as a living art form at its highest artistic level, to bringing the rich folkloric heritage of the Middle East to the theater stage, and to providing education about the dance in its authentic form for dance students and the general public. In carrying out our mission, we strive to make our work culturally, financially, and physically accessible to the public.
For more information and to donate to Jawaahir Dance Academy visit Jawaahir
Registration is LIVE! Unfortunately, this will be an in-person event only. The workshops will not be recorded and this will not be offered online. Sign up HERE Click HERE To Donate Directly to Jawaahir
About Vanessa:
Vanessa is an international performer, instructor, and award-winning choreographer.
A native Texan, she received her BFA in ballet from Texas Christian University, and then went on to live in New York City for eight years, where she continued her studies in dance, acting and musical theater. She was fortunate enough to further her dance education at the Paul Taylor Winter Intensive, Ballet Austin Summer intensive, and the Broadway Theatre Project— where she was able to train with Broadway stars Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon and Gregory Hines.
In 2008, Vanessa moved to Egypt, where she became the first and only American woman to own and operate a production company. She and her dance company provided a variety of entertainment in the five star hotels in Sharm El Sheikh—a tourist resort destination.
In 2015, Vanessa relocated to Cairo full-time to continue her solo career in classic Egyptian dance and folklore dance. There, she held a 30 month contract at the Sofitel El Gezirah where she and her musicians performed weekly.
Many dance enthusiasts from around the world would attend Vanessa‘s shows, and invite her to teach and perform in their countries for their dance schools, festivals and events.
While in Cairo, Vanessa performed as a soloist, as well as acting in plays and theater productions.
She has performed for the Egyptian Minister of Culture, the King of Baharain, and numerous officials and diplomats.
Throughout the years, Vanessa has been invited to choreograph, teach and perform at various schools, studios, conventions, events and festivals during her visits back to the USA and Internationally— Including Egypt, Kuwait, Emirates, Estonia, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Portugal, Chile , Mexico, Japan, Canada and England.
She is thrilled to be back home in the USA, and honored to be Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company.
To contact and follow Vanessa:
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Email Vanessa directly at vanessaraqs@gmail.com with the Subject line "Private Coaching" and tell her Fanoos sent you!!
P.S. Vanessa totally made Oriana cry!