ABOUT MOHAMED SHAHIN
He is an inspirational instructor, world-renowned performer, and challenging choreographer of Egyptian Oriental Dance (Raqs Sharqi) and Egyptian/ Middle Eastern Folkloric Dance. His powerful technique, magnetic personality, and masterful knowledge of all styles of Middle Eastern Dance has turned Mohamed Shahin into one of the most sought-after dance instructors and performers in the world today. A native of Cairo and originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Shahin discovered his passion for Egyptian Dance at the young age of fifteen. Throughout Shahin’s childhood, he was fascinated by all forms of dance. At 15, Shahin decided quite suddenly that he would dedicate himself to learning Egyptian Folkloric Dance. After many years of the intense study of various Middle Eastern styles of dance, Modern dance, and Ballet, Shahin developed a complex methodology of instruction that has made him a Master teacher beloved to his students worldwide. Shahin currently lives in New York City and has been touring internationally, full-time since 2004.

ABOUT RACHEL KAY BROOKMIRE
She is the founder and director of Sahara Dance. Since 2000, Rachel has taught belly dance to thousands of students throughout the Washington, DC area. She is also the creator of Sahara Dance Foundations, an intensive program for training belly dance teachers. Her teaching style emphasizes postural alignment, contextual awareness of Arabic music and culture and a celebration of femininity. Recognized for her detailed, structured teaching approach, Rachel’s classes focus on community, quality movement execution, musicality, playfulness and individual expression. As a student of mindfulness practices, she seeks to integrate relaxation, body awareness and the cultivation of joyfulness into her dance offerings. At this retreat, her classes will explore playful, heart-centered themes to develop grace and gentleness in your dance practice and deepen awareness through mindfulness and creativity.