Academy of Egyptian Dance

I have been studying with Sahar Sami for three plus years and the journey she’s taken me on is unforgettable. Not only has she taught me the basic technique of dance, but she emphasizes on learning the culture to fully understand the dance. She focuses on feeling the music and dancing with your soul instead of just robotically stepping through the moves of a choreography. This has shaped me to be the dancer I am today and I am very grateful.
Sahar is not only a great instructor, but she is also a caring teacher. She provides various performance opportunities for us to learn and grow. She has also created a wonderful social network of dances where we support, encourage and motivate each other to be the best dancer, and more importantly — the best person person, that we can be. I’ve really enjoyed my time with Sahar and wouldn’t trade the experience she’s provided me for anything else!

My introduction to oriental dance started a little over four years ago, at first as a recreational hobby, something new and exciting, as well as a form of low impact exercise that my doctor approved alongside yoga as activities that I could participate in that would not aggravate an existing ankle problem which I eventually had to have surgery for. Three months after my rehab was done and the doctor gave me the green light, I thought of signing up for belly dance classes again. This time, I was fortunate enough to have chosen Sahar from a list of teachers in the SAMEDA newsletter, and three years later this June, I’m proud to say that I consider oriental dance an art form and not just some hobby. I give Sahar full credit for helping me appreciate and understand the beauty and history of this ancient dance form. She is a dancer you’d want to emulate, passionate yet refined in her moves, her technique impeccably Egyptian style. As an instructor, she has established her unique LEVEL system of advancing students based on specific skill sets as provided in a class syllabus. Following this format has enabled so many of her students, some with or without dance background, to progressively get better at a steady pace based on each individual’s strength and ability. Sahar keeps the classes fun each quarter with new and exciting choreographies. There is a camaraderie and sisterhood among all the students, and that is greatly due to how Sahar treats us all with respect and equality. I am proud to have Sahar Sami as a teacher, mentor and friend.”
She’s the best!!!