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Biography

I have been dancing for more than seven years, instructed by two of St. Louis finest performers. Somra El Nubia of Oasis Beyond the Veil/Tribe Ayaka is and will always be my inspiration. (Tribal/Egyptian) Somra also introduced me to my new love, West African dance . Somra continues to give instruction, advise and encourages me to explore my own "voice" in dance. She is my foundation. I will be forever grateful. Marisel Salascruz found the Spanish Moor lurking within.(Flamenco) Aparna Kalyanaraman is currently giving instruction on Bharathanatyam and Bhangra. Salwa of Aalim Dance Academy (Egyptian/folkloric) introduced me to the Suhaila Salimpour Technique. Kandice Grossman of Moonbelly Dance Company,(Columbia, Missouri), also an instructor of the Salimpour Technique, expanded upon all that I thought I knew and released me into the world of emotive expression. Kandice, I love you!! Seriously....because of you I have found freedom of expression.

My focus is on tribal/tribal fusion. I love its earthiness, which resonates with my soul and the goddess that lies within. I travel extensively to attend as many tribal fusion workshops as possible, which has carried me across the country. I attend many weekend intensives (8 hours or more of instruction) annually. Whenever possible, I study with Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Ariellah, Amy Sigil and Carolena Nerricio. I have also had instruction with troupes such as Domba and Zafira and the wonderful Asharah, all are dynamic performers located outside of the West Coast. Folkloric and Egyptian workshops enhance my appreciation of this art form and encourages me to be well-rounded and better educated. The weekend spent with John Compton of Hahbi 'Ru (folkloric) ranks among one of the best workshops I've attended. Kami Liddle....OMG!!! Kami is a classy lady who oozes sensuality. I want a smidgen of what she has!! As to the elements I "fuse": ATS, Egyptian, folkloric, flamenco, North and West African, hip-hop, Bhangra and other dances of India. I have also incorporated fire dancing into my repetoire.

Instructional DVDs are great supplements, but there is no substitute for live instruction. I am constantly on the hunt for workshops. My thirst for knowledge will never be quenched. Consequently, I also host workshops in St. Louis. For information on upcoming events, please go to the Events tab on this page.

~Sakinah Ali