Female

22

"Melissa began her formal dance training in Ballet with six years of study at the Canadian Conservatory of Dance in Toronto. Her love of dance has led her to explore various dance styles such as Folk, Latin, Modern and eventually classical Raks-Sharqi. Melissa began training in Middle Eastern dance at the age of 16 with instructor Raven Crow and is continuing to refine and master her technique at Arabesque Academy with instructors Yasmina Ramzy, Emese and Mary. She has also had the pleasure of studying with famous Egyptian dancers Momo Kadous, Tito, and Aida Nour. Her newest venture in Middle Eastern arts is learning to play the Dumbek (Arabic drum) with instructor Suleiman Warwar. Melissa started her apprenticeship with Arabesque Dance Company in 2005, and was proud to be a part of their most recent production, Asala."

-from the Arabesque Academy website: www.arabesquedance.ca