“Raks” (pronounced rocks) is the Arabic word for dance. “Raks Sharqi” literally means “dance of the east” or “dance of the orient” and refers to what North Americans recognize or know as belly dance. “Raks Bobbie” means “Bobbie’s Dance.”
Based in Victoria, BC, Canada, Bobbie is passionate about Middle Eastern Belly Dance and has been studying this beautiful and expressive art form for 21 years. Under the tutelage of her first teacher she began performing as a soloist and troupe member, choreographing and teaching. She then studied and danced for two years with Nath Keo, an internationally celebrated artist and dancer. In 2008 she formed Bashirah Middle Eastern Dance Company and opened Bashirah Middle Eastern Dance Studio in September 2009. She currently studies online with Sadie Marquardt, Amanda Rose, Ranya Renée and Aziza.
Bobbie has taken workshops and classes with Aziza, Magdy El Leisy, Yasmina Ramzy, Jalilah, Tamalyn Dallal, Tamra-henna, Jim Boz, Angelika Nemeth, Hadia, Bellydance Superstars Ansuya, Samantha Emanuel and Bozenka, Aubre Hill, Dance Diva Paola Blanton, Mira Betz, Sadie, Shimmy Queen Ranya Renee, Amanda Rose, the legendary Morocco, Vanessa of Cairo, Shahrzad and Egyptian greats like Tito & Aida Nour.
As a producer, Bobbie has had the pleasure of hosting weekend workshop events with Mohamed Shahin, Layla Amir, Tamalyn Dallal, Mercedes Nieto, Cory Zamora, Hadia, Nada El Masriya and Ranya Renée, presenting annual student recitals and producing or co-producing casual events and formal theatre shows.
Bobbie & Belly Dance
Photo: Laura Scotten
Raks Bobbie
Professional Belly Dance Performance & Instruction Victoria, BC, Canada
Photo: Laura Scotten
Photo: Sebastián Carmano
Photo: John Gardner