Testimonials

  • “…a Jungian wonder, studded with arresting archetypal imagery and symbolic power…intelligent and inventive choreography…seduces completely”

    Deidre Kelly, Toronto, ON.

    The Globe and Mail

  • “Her choreography proves that Bellydance is Art…always trying to do something good for Oriental dance all her life…I saw her show in Toronto, it was great, I was shocked since Canada is so far from Egypt but Yasmina took the teachings from Egypt to Canada.”

    Randa Kamel, Egypt

    Dance Artist

  • “Yasmina is one of a kind. A warm, loving, supportive and creative human and artist. She reaches people in ways that most cannot with her humility and grace. This serves her students, colleagues and audience in a way that escapes words. A brilliant creator with cultured artistry and honourable intentions.”

    Jeff Dimitriou, Toronto, ON.

    Choreographer, JDX Entertainment, Dimitriou Dance Co.

  • “Mahmoud Reda and Yasmina Ramzy have presented a counter-discourse that has had an impact on the global dance form’s reception … What makes Yasmina’s work distinctive is the sophistication of the choreography, in which the dances are an intricate visual revelation of the music … ability to choreograph this visual and aural integration is the result of her discovery of Tarab.”

    Barbara Sellers-Young, USA

    Author, Belly Dance, Pilgrimage and Identidy

  • “…an exciting choreographer, who understands the importance of theatrics in her presentations, gets better & better with each work…”

    Paula Citron

    Toronto Life

  • Yasmina is an artist who sets herself apart particularly in her brilliant and moving choreography. Her attention to detail encompasses movement’ adds colour, texture, evokes feelings and educates. In Oriental Dance, she is one of today’s most experienced and creative choreographers.

    Bozenka, Crete/USA

    Dance Artist

  • “Oh wow! Yasmina! It was a great pleasure to work with her! When she choreographed ‘Keef Trouhi’ by Issa Ghandour, I was so impressed with the richness and texture she created with all the layers of movements. It was beautifully interpreted music using a body of 8 dancers. She made intelligent and innovative use of the stage while creating a hypnotizing flow of patterns. I am so honored to have been a part of her inspirational work of art as it was presented by Miles Copelands Bellydance Superstars world touring company!”

    Sonia Ochoa, USA

    Dance Artist

  • “Yasmina is a force of energy, determination, integrity and passion. She pushes the envelope, but with grace and elegance. She’s the genuine article.”

    Peter M. Ryan, Canada

    Chair, Dance Ontario

  • “Yasmina is an intuitive and creative teacher. She sees each dancer’s strengths and weaknesses and uses multiple effective approaches to bringing out their best. She demands the most from her students while remaining patient and generous.”

    Rahel Claman, Vancouver

    Dance Artist

  • “Yasmina has created a powerful centre for Women to express their femininity using the ancient Art of Belly Dancing. She has a deep understanding of the history & technique of Belly Dancing.“

    Robert Desrosiers, Ontario

    Choreographer

  • “Brilliant, creative and forward thinking. Yasmina has the capacity to engage, empower and inspire everyone around her.”

    Jerry Pergolesi, Palm Springs

    Director, Contact Contemporary Music

  • “Truly memorable, thought-provoking and life-changing experience…although the course is finished, I think it is just the beginning….there are some moments that will forever mark you and I just lived one of them in this course. I feel challenged and supported at the same time. Thank you Yasmina Ramzy and Arabesque for everything that you are and everything you stand for.”

    Angelica Jordan, Montreal / LA

    Dance Artist

  • “No two differ from those who know her as a good artist with a keen sense of delivering her art to the viewer in a three way accompanied by the imagination needed by the viewer after the daily effort of normal work, yes she is a special dance choreographer.”

    Momo Kadous, Frankfurt, Germany

    Choreographer, Director, Dance Artist

  • This is the best experience ever because of Yasmina, and not just because all her knowledge but also because of her great “giving” heart! *****ALSO**** “YASMINA ROCKS!!!!!!! Best experience ever! You’ll take information to assimilate for years and years to come. Don’t hesitate, TAKE IT!!!”

    Maryfer Cardenas, Mexico

    Dance Artist

  • Most unique and beautiful choreography

    Nagua Fouad, Egypt

    Dance Artist

  • “At first, I was connected to the magic of this art in a superficial way. Then I got deeper into the spiritual awakening it can create, major thank you Yasmina Ramzy for all the widsom and knowladge that changed my dance life and my whole self as well. Your mentorship is precious sunlight.”

    Meyranie Rodriguez, Montreal, Quebec

    Dance Artist

  • “I couldn’t find a course such as this anywhere in Europe. It was 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 of having the opportunity to study with Yasmina.”

    Ana Chora (PhD), Portugal

    Dance Artist/Scholar

  • “…consummate professionalism…hypnotic to the eye and ear…well-appreciated by the audience for its artistry and passion…”

    Paula Citron

    Dance International

  • “Therapeutic, inspirational and motivating. Ready to cast my light. I learned many new things to go home and work on not just from Yasmina Ramzy but from my fellow dance artists as well.”

    Amity Alize, New Hampshire, USA

    Dance Artist

  • Yasmiina is a very creative dancer and choreographer, and is conversant in so many types of dances (oriental, folkloric, sacred, sufi, gulf, etc). Yasmina takes the music and choreographs not only solos but also group dancers and ends up with beautiful shows.

    Dr George Sawa, Canada

    Scholar, Musician

  • “I can always count on Yasmina Ramzy to bring high standards of quality to everything she presents, both artistic creations and event productions.”

    Shira, USA

  • “I consider Yasmina Ramzy to be the catalyst that took me from a recreational dancer to a professional. After taking this course, I moved from Halifax to Toronto with the intention if studying intensely at Arabesque Academy. Over my 5 years there my dancing completely changed, gaining an understanding of Egyptian folklore, music, culture, dance technique, and many other intricate details of bellydance. Her focus on the true art of bellydance – it’s connection to the music, feeling, and even spirituality of Egypt, deepened my appreciation and understanding of the art form in a way that no other instructor has been able to do. Yasmina has always encouraged a well-rounded dance education, generously bringing in other amazing artists such as Sashar Zarif, Robert Derosiers and Hany Morgan to share their insight with her students – which tells me that her commitment to this art form is entirely unselfish and comes from a place of deep love. I have brought Yasmina to Halifax twice to offer workshops to our local community, and the response has always been enthusiastic delight. I would not hesitate to recommend Yasmina to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the beautiful art of bellydance.

    Laura Selenzi, Halifax, NS

    Dance Artist

  • I have been lucky to witness to Yasmina develop choreography on many occasions. She finds music that suits those she is working with and then lets the music and the dancer(s) inspire her in her creation. Her extensive experience and study in Arabic music is evident as she finds its wonderful nuances and the movements that expresses both the music and emotion behind it. Its a wonderful challenge for the dancers and a moving experience for the audience. Truly a magical piece is created and you feel blessed to witness the process.

    Jennifer Drummond, Toronto, Ontario

    Dance Artist

  • Yasmina is obviously very knowledgeable and talented in Middle Eastern dance. Beyond that, she genuinely cares for the people she works with, the culture, and art. While it has been some time since I have been a student of hers, I still use the her lessons and remember the words of wisdom. Just the other day, I told my students that being nervous before a performance is okay, it means that it is important to them. If they ever stop getting nervous, then they know it’s time to stop performing because they are no longer emotionally engaged and wanting to do well.

    Aurora Ongaro, Edmonton, AB

    Dance Artist

  • “Yasmina has really created something wonderful in Toronto!!! At one point I really thought about moving to Toronto… was 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, Austria

    Dance Artist

  • You cannot imagine how much I enjoyed and valued this course with Yasmina!!! It 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. One of my favourite parts 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 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

    Dance Artist

  • “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, USA

    Dance Artist

  • “I was stunned when I saw Yasmina Ramzy’ s dance production. All outstanding. Everything finds embodiment in her story telling, colourful, magnificent show. Truly inspiring.”

    Ozgen Ozgec, England / Turkey

    Dance Artist

  • “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.

    Dance Artist

  • “I come out of this experience with a bubbling heart and a full head of concepts and ideas to work with and implement. Two weeks goes by fast.”

    Mylene Cayer (Zahira), Sainte-Foy, Quebec

    Dance Artist

  • “Feel inspired and motivated. Before I came took this 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 (Zahra) Ramos, USA

    Dance Artist

  • “This course 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

    Dance Artist

  • “Inspired, exhausted, this really filled in the gaps and rounded out my experience of the dance.”

    Kali Zahira, Aukland, New Zealand

    Dance Artist

  • “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.

    Dance Artist

  • Yasmina is a wonderful teacher and I hope you have the chance to learn from her.

    Rachel Brookmire, Washington DC

    Dance Artist

  • “The 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 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

    Dance Artist

  • “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 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

    Dance Artist

  • “Yasmina Ramzy managed to create a very unique course which has no analogue in other countries to my knowledge. The subjects which were tough in the course would unlikely be formally tough even in Egypt, The countru of belly dance. Personally, the course gave me a great sense of information about the Middle Eastern dance in general, culture and its music. Again, to my knowledge such subjects are not tough anywhere else. To sum up, I found the course extremely informative and inspiring and it gave me a good push to proceed with my career as a professional Bellydancer.”

    Amulara, U.K.

    Dance Artist

  • “Has helped me immensely in my confidence as a belly dancer and understanding in belly dancing. If it was not for this experience I would not have got the boost I needed to go back to my home town and be a better teacher and performer. It 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

    Dance Artist

  • “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

    Dance Artist

  • Arabesque Advanced Artistry: I was taking belly dance classes with Yasmina for a few months when I decided to take Advanced Artistry’s workshop. Lucky me. During four days of workshops with different artists with different styles of dance. The workshop shows the beautiful connection between soul and movement. We explored our body movements through a different dance style each day. Hip Hop, Ballet, Comtemporary dance, showing that every movement that comes from the heart makes the best piece of art.

    Revelations and Transformations: It was definitely a transformation in my life. After taking revelations and transformations course in 2017, I’ve changed as a dancer and as an artist. During a week, we dancers went through an enlightening journey. Emotional, artistic, powerful. Yasmina’s choice on the artists to teach couldn’t be better. Besides daily discussions on the art form, improvisation, technique and how to work our own style, we had a chance to work on the marketing aspect to teach and promote ourselves as artists. Revelations and Transformations has opened my mind in so many aspects and I’m so grateful for having taken this journey with beautiful souls and talented dancers!

    Immersion: “Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.” I’ve thought of Yasmina at the moment I’ve read this sentence, and it was exactly when I was taking Arabesque Immersion workshop. Besides techinique that goes from beginner to advanced, Yasmina touches in a super important part: the roots of this art form as well as its various styles. All levels students fall in love with rhythms and the history involved in a super cozy, friendly and free of judgment environment.

    Rivka Lopes (3), Winnipeg

    Dance Artist

  • “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

    Dance Artist

  • “I really appreciate all the quality of the 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. 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

    Dance Artist

  • “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, I never want it to stop.”

    Sharleen Rivero, Toronto, Ontario

    Dance Artist

  • “… will go down in history as having redeemed Bellydancing… scorching solo of virtuoso body isolations…”

    Rebecca Todd

    The Globe and Mal