Theatrical
Cabaret
Karolina was originally trained to perform and instruct in traditional styles of Middle Eastern Dance.
Also referred to as Raqs Sharqi or Oriental Dance, this ancient art form was first introduced to American
audiences in the World Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Since then it has been modified for large-scale,
stage production with influences from ballet and other western dance forms. It is here in the theatrical
context that Karolina found her choreographic niche and passion for belly dance performance. The quality
of theatrical style belly dance is to add to the base of strong belly dance technique engaging plots,
characters, story-telling, and a new, captivating depth and dynamic to the beauty of the dance.
From simply embodying a classic archetype, historical character, or even an abstract idea in solo
dance movement, to putting on a full-length theater show with a diverse cast of dancers, theatrical
belly dance takes the art to a new level. Often dramatic costumes and elaborate props will be used to
add to characters or ideas portrayed. Solid, consistent training in Arabic rhythms and dance technique
keep this art form rooted and consistent in dancers’ presentation. (NOTE: Raqs Sharqi is one form of
Middle Eastern dance; however, many modern performances continue to present a variety of other folk
dances, which maintain stylizations unique to specific regions.)
Karolina has over seven years of
training from teachers offering expert, first-hand
knowledge directly from "the source". From Egypt, she has studied with Sahra Saeeda,
Mohamed Kazafy, Mohamad El Hosseny, Aida Nour, and Karim Nagi; Ahmet and Suzy Tekbilek
from Turkey, Elizabeth Strong, Turkish-Roman ("Gypsy") authority, Dabke master Hassan
Harfouche, and Amel Tatsouf.
Among the popular names of belly dance she has trained with
are Aziza, Ansuya, Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour, Morocco, Bozenka,Tamalyn Dallal, Dalia
Carella, Angelika Nemeth, Kaeshi Chai, Ranya Renee, and her original dance mentor,
Shoshanna! She has also received formal training from world dance B.A. programs at
Humboldt State University, University of Massachusetts, Smith College, and San Francisco
State University. For a full list of training, see resume page.
For more information on these fabulous instructors, see links
Karolina is currently a member of Belly Dance Soul Fire,
, a multi-award winning theatrical dance company, based in Portland, Oregon. Belly Dance Soul Fire
is Belly Dancer of the Universe troupe champions 2009, Troupe of the Nation 2009, can be enjoyed as
a feature in Soul Fire Productions' "Belly Dance Power and Passion", and in their most recent DVD
appearance in Hollywood Music Center's "The Soul of Belly Dance". Belly Dance Soul Fire is also the
founders, producers, and feature dancers in theoriginal, full-length theatrical belly dance production
of “Dance N.O.W”. (also starring Unmata). This show is set to tour in the fall of 2012, and will
feature the two base companies alongside local troupes, in an extravagant, theatrical show.
Karolina has taught theatrical style belly dance in such acclaimed contexts as Cheeky Girls
Productions DVD “Final 6”, and Ranya Renee’s Theatrical Belly Dance Conference in NYC.
. Karolina was also a member of international superstar Suhaila Salimpour's Repertoire Ensemble
in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Shoshanna's Ya Habibi Dance Company in Northern California.
Karolina is the 2010 winner of the Ya Halla Y'all Peoples' Choice Fusion Category in Dallas, Za
Beth's Diva Rising Competition in Boston, and placed two years consecutively at the Belly Dancer
of the World competition in California. Karolina has danced with such acclaimed musicians as the
Georges Lammam Ensemble, Karim Nagi, Faisal Zedan, and Souhail Kaspar. She has been "house dancer"
at many restaurants and clubs such as Morroccan restaurants, El Monsour and Cossu in San Francisco,
CA, or Marrakech and the Greek Alexis in Portland, OR. She has also taught workshops in props,
choreography, and technique at a variety of other studios and schools. To see Karolina dance,
please see upcoming events. For a full listing of work in cabaret and fusion styles, see resume page.
Belly dance is a dynamic art with diverse styles perfect for a variety of celebrations, gatherings, or events.
It is bright and full of joy, but also brings the depth of an ancient wisdom in its movement. Not only is the
dance itself enthralling, but a variety of props can be added to any show to bring another level of drama and
fun to a performance. Karolina is trained to dance with sword, zills (finger cymbals), canes, veil, or fan veil.
Karolina's belly dance is versatile, and suitable for any type of event; her colorful costumes and dramatic lines
bring a wonderful addition to any staged or festival show, while her detailed muscular work, and engaging gestures
are perfect for a more intimate setting. Audiences at birthday parties, weddings, etc. will be guaranteed to be out
of their seats dancing, clapping, and guests of honor will go home with memories of a special evening of lively
music, and fun. All cabaret-style belly dance shows are performed to Middle Eastern music. For shows requiring
other music styles or aesthetics, please see Karolina Fusion Belly Dancer.
Note: Belly dancers do not do private shows. Belly dance performances are done by professional artists and shows are strictly suitable for family audiences.
Copyright © 2010 Karolina. All rights reserved.
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