Biography:

Yasmina Ramzy has been performing, teaching and choreographing Middle Eastern dance since 1981. She has toured extensively throughout Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Greece, England, Mexico, the United States and Canada, often performing for royalty and heads of state.

She began her training at the National Ballet School of Canada, focusing her efforts on ballet, classical guitar, ancient Egyptian studies and Tibetan Buddhism. Upon being introduced to Middle Eastern dance and music, she became enchanted by the beauty of the movement and music, and began immediately to explore her newfound passion.

Middle Eastern dance soon began to take up most of Yasmina's time, and when a Lebanese singer invited her to the Middle East as his support act, she readily accepted. With her mother as chaperone, Yasmina explored the land by which she was fascinated. She throughly absorbed the music and culture, studying with leading artists such as Mohamed Khalil, director of the National Folklore Troupe of Egypt, and Ida Nour.

Upon returning home, she engaged her first students and founded Arabesque Academy. Arabesque Academy was established with the aim of advancing the understanding of the origins of the dance form popularly known as bellydance. Yasmina emphasized the expression of pure femininity and subtle nuances that Arabs feel in their music. She reminds her students and audiences that this art form came from a time and place of matriarchy where sensuality and birthing movements were considered to be holy, and the essence of life.

Performance:

Director of Arabesque Dance Company and Orchestra - 20 dancers and 8 musicians tours internationally.