Pro Course Testimonials
“Yasmina managed to create a very unique course which has no analogue in other countries to my knowledge. I found the course extremely informative and inspiring and it gave me a good push to proceed with my career as a professional Bellydancer.”
– Lena Yavorska, London, U.K.
“PRO COURSE ROCKS!!!!!!! Best experience ever! You’ll take information to assimilate for years and years to come. Don’t hesitate, TAKE IT!!!”
- Maryfer Cardenas, Mexico
“Inspired, exhausted, Arabesque Pro Course really filled in the gaps and rounded out my experience of the dance.”
- Kali Zahira, Aukland, New Zealand
“Unrivalled! Yasmina and her staff of instructors are a wealth of knowledge… the most supportive, giving and open learning environment I have experienced. I highly recommend this course for the serious advanced dancer”
— Chellcy Reitsma, Chicago, U.S.A.
“I couldn’t find a course such as this anywhere in Europe. It was much more than I expected. The quality of information, the precision of what “professional” means and the authenticity of Yasmina’s style made me feel and think in a completely different way about Bellydancing. I am very proud to have the opportunity to take YRA Pro Course.
- Ana Chora, Portugal
“Truly memorable, thought-provoking and life-changing experience…there are some moments that will forever mark you and I just lived one of them in The Pro Course. I feel challenged and supported at the same time. Thank you Yasmina Ramzy for everything that you are and everything you stand for.”
- Angelica Jordan, Montreal
“Therapeutic, inspirational and motivational… Ready to cast my light. Learned from Yasmina, the other teachers and fellow Pro Course dance artists as well".”
- Amity Alize, Vermont
“Something wonderful!!! At one point I really thought about moving to Toronto… very intense, challenging and fun! I think Yasmina has a very special talent; being a wonderful dancer, gathering the most talented dancers and teachers, the best musicians. Yasmina is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had because she analyses so well and because she is so open hearted and willing to give everything in dance and not holding anything back. I think what is done here to take oriental music, arts and dance to a higher level should be happening everywhere around the world- THANK YOU SO MUCH!”
- Dina, Vienna, Austria
“Impactful… brings us to break out of our comfort zone in a non-judgemental way”
- Mylene Cayer (Zahira), Sainte-Foy, Quebec
“I started dancing because I loved dancing, but without knowing anything about Arab culture and music. So it helps me a lot to know more about bellydance and now I’m more into bellydance. I’m so glad I could have this course.”
- Marina Maruna, Tokyo, Japan
“The Pro Course was an amazing opportunity to find new, focused direction as an artist. I feel renewed energy and commitment to the art of bellydance. Yasmina gave fully of herself to provide us with so many excellent and transformative experiences.”
- Anika, Rochester, NY
“Important for every dance artist. Rediscover your passion… elated, joyful, free.”
- Leanna Belladance, Hamilton
“I strongly recommend Pro Course to all oriental dance artists or dancers from other dance forms who want to immerse into it. My biggest take-away is a clearly defined artistic vision and the acceptance of wher I am in my journey, without filtering ideas during creation process.”
- Claudya Khalida, Montreal
“I have learned so much about myself and wo I want to be as a dance artist. An incredible opportunity to grow and take your dancing to the next lever. A very enriching experience. Yasmina, I have so much gratitude to have you as a teacher".”
- Caley Morris, Toronto
“Yasmina, you are such a unique and amazing teacher because you always give exactly the advice I need. All the progress I made over the years is because of something you said. The Pro Course has given me the tools and knowledge I need to start the process and head in the right directions.”
- Charlotte Lin, Toronto
“The Pro Course got me to grow in ways I did not expect. It put me on the path of an artist. And in addition to giving me valuable info on the history, dynamics, and education of Arab dance and music, it put me in an environment full of other artists, conducive to gaining new perspectives.”
- Anastassia Lachina
“Once I said I will never be able to express my emotions in dance. But the Pro Course opened me and changed me the way I didn’t even expect. What I learned can never really be expressed in words. The Pro Course made me grow as a dance artist alongside 5 more different spirits! It’s a whole other level!.”
-Vanessa Sun
“Thought-provoking, much to consider. Gave me direction where to go with my pracrice into the future. Total respect for Yasmina Ramzy.”
- Alia Thabit, New York
“It has been an incredible 2 week journey. I have learned so much about dance, history, people, movement, purpose, commitment, dedication, passion…love. I have learned there is space for everyone in art. During these 2 weeks, so many ideas and things came up that I look forward to going home and working on.”
— Loaya Quesada, Puerto Rico
“Feel so fortunate…once in a lifetime experience…a challenge to really re-look at myself as a dancer and what I thought I knew and finding new ways to be a dancer…really grew as a professional.”
– Kelvia, Puerto Rico/Conneticut, U.S.A.
“Motivated to want to fully grasp the dance and to fully give my soul to become a better dancer and artist…touched and inspired by so many teachers and other students during the Pro Course, never want it to stop.”
– Sharleen Rivero, Toronto, Ontario
“Filled in all the holes and gaps encompassing beyond the dance, including culture, artistry and the entire professionalism. The group was so diverse but became very cohesive.”
– Hala Jamal, Canmore, Alberta
“Feel inspired and motivated. Before I came to Pro course, I knew something was missing in my dance. Now I know what it is and I now have the tools to work on it.”
– Neyka (Sahra) Ramos, Conneticut
“The Pro Course gave me a wealth of information that will last a lifetime. Yasmina has such an impressive knowledge of this art form and was so open in sharing with us. She provided us with a memorable, challenging yet positive working environment. Personally, I feel I have evolved from taking this course and have been left with a more refined sense of direction when it comes to maximizing my potential as a Middle Eastern dancer.”
– Serena Kerbes, Alberta, Canada
“You cannot imagine how much I enjoyed and valued the Pro Course!!! The pro course was such an eye opener to show me how much more I need to know about belly dancing. It touched on so many important issues that everyone should know about! It would have been very difficult to go even more in depth and keep everyone’s focus since not everyone is looking to learn the exact same aspects of belly dance. My favourite part was Sashar and Walter’s workshops. Reason being, I never thought about stage presence. It plays such a big role and I never realized that if I want, I can take a course just on that! This course has taught me that to be fully rounded as a dancer I need to also learn things besides dance! My other favourite part was the incredibly ‘safe’ and supportive and positive environment which allowed me to feel free of judgment and to help me explore the possibilities of movement and myself. I’m not sure if Yasmina is aware of this but everything I have learned I will also incorporate in my classroom as a day school teacher. The pro course did more than help me grow as a dancer. It has changed me as a person and I’m eternally grateful for it!”
– Eva Hu, Toronto, Ontario
“I really appreciate all the quality of the Pro Course. It was informative and academic. Most of the teachers told us ‘choreography is not bellydance’ and asked us ‘why we dance?’ – which made me think about it seriously as it was easy to fall into the trap to stick to choreography and copying it. Especially our improvisation sessions were practical lessons. I also appreciate the different angles for belly dance such as stage presence classes with Persian Dance & Actor Training, and Ballet Class. I also enjoyed creating my own choreography and performing in front of other members. Feedback from them is always informative even they are not talking about me. I liked to try something it might be stupid but I could show and could get feedback – which is a safe zone to learn. I also enjoy 10 classed from variety of instructors. My expression (face, body movement) is not shy anymore. Japan’s society is a ‘shy’ society and people tend to avoid doing something extreme, especially in front of others, which sometimes prevents creativity. I feel comfortable that I am a person who expresses something to others. – I know it is something I will have to improve more. I have a confidence for the improvised performance now because of my practice with live music in Toronto. I pay more attention to translate music to movement than before.”
– Tamami Shirai, Japan
“The 2007 pro course changed my bellydance vision! I’m so happy – I’ve learned so much! I loved everything. I think I really enjoyed learning more about the Egyptian culture the best. The videos and all the things we share, I really enjoy the class with Sashar Zarif, and all the knowledge that Yasmina gave us. I think the live band performance was a great experience because a lot of us have never dance in front of an audience with live band, and it was fun ! = ) .The feedback after we dance. I wish it could have been longer!”
– Ivanka Espinosa, Panama
“This Pro Course opened my eyes, my ears and my body to dancing. I learned a lot from Yasmina, the other instructors and fellow dancers. The knowledge and inspiration I got from this will keep me busy improving myself for a while.”
-Judith Nursalim, Toronto, Ontario
“A highlight of my time studying at Pro Course was the experiential quality of the lessons. Each day brought new experiences, new ideas and took me to a deeper understanding of my art form. As a dance artist, my understanding and appreciation of the music and roots of the dance form have been magnified. As a performer my presence has expanded and transformed. As a dance teacher my knowledge has grown and will be passed down to others. The course was intensive and complete immersion for two weeks heightened the experience. It is the kind of course that could be experienced at various times during ones dance career and would take on new meaning each time. I would recommend this course for any serious, advanced dancer to take their art to a higher level.”
– Kristin Panylyk, Edmonton, Alberta
“The pro course helped me immensely in my confidence as a belly dancer and understanding in belly dancing. If it was not for this full two week experience I would not have got the boost I needed to go back to my home town and be a better teacher and performer. The pro course gave me the opportunity to dance and learn about working with live Egyptian musicians; something I would have never experienced where I am from. Learning from the musicians has given me a much better understanding of how Middle Eastern music works, and how to feel belly dance music. The course also gave the chance to work with other dance/ improv instructors which helped put connections between belly dance, modern dance, and emotions together. This has improved my dance posture and passion. I am so grateful for this course!”
– Lindsay Cottin, Regina, Saskatchewan