THE ASSAFS

Morwenna Assaf is the Dance Director for both the Studio and CEDAR Productions. She has been a Middle Eastern (Belly Dancer) dancer, instructor and choreographer for over 25 years. She studied in New York City with the late Ibrahim Farrah (her mentor and friend), the foremost proponent of the dance in the world.
Even with all the years with "Bobby", Morwenna also studied with with other masters of the dance. Although she draws from these other sources, she specializes in teaching the Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah method, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern folkloric and Danse Orientale (Belly Dancing). Most of the dancers in New England, Kauai, HI and Southern CA namely San Diego County have been trained or influenced by Morwenna and her impact on the dance community has been invaluable. Morwenna also teaches a Gypsy style she calls Gypsy/Zambra which is a blend of Rom & Zambra-Mora. But her forte and that of the dance company is the Eastern Arabic (The Levant) countries, namely, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Palestine. Morwenna is a member of IDEA, APPHERD, CAPHERD and the National Association for Teacher Certification in Middle Eastern Dance -  NATCMED.
 
She was inducted into the American Middle Eastern Hall of Fame in New York City in 1994 for her contributions, choreography and research in this art form. She was nominated Best Instructor 2001 by Zaghareet. She has written several books to further the studies of those interested in Middle Eastern Dance Studies. She has been on the staff of several dance magazines throughout the country. She has taught dance workshops for CAPHERD  for the past 10 years in both Palm Springs and Riverside, CA.

Walid Assaf is the Music Director for both the Studio and CEDAR. He was known as the leading Arabic drummer of New England and is an artist marked by a very vibrant and energetic style. He  shares his skill as an instructor and performer of Arabic percussion. Walid  taught percussion through Scheherazade Studios in New England for nearly 20 years but also here in Southern CA for the past 6 years He is also a remarkable Debke dancer who brings his talent and knowledge directly form Lebanon. He has performed with the STARS of the dance world on both coasts and in between. He has performed throughout the world with master musicians and singers from the Middle East.

Walid teaches all styles of Arabic percussion including derbecki, tar, table and tambourine. Not only does Walid play several percussion instruments very masterfully, but he is a very qualified DJ and singer. He can provide a sound system for any function.

Assistant Instructors of Arabic Dance at ADA
 Nayla, Irina and Zahara
Teachers in training:  Suma Bibi

For teachers in other dance forms see below.
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OTHER INSTRUCTORS at ART/DANCE ACADEMY

Anne Dietzman - Anne her awesome journey in the love for their culture in  HI where she performs and competes like so many greats. Anne teaches from the heart. She shares her heart and soul the beautiful culture of the Polynesian people. She passes on what was shared with her to her students. 

Christy Johnson - Extremely well known in the area and a very versatile teacher for all ages and levels shares her expertise in ballroom at a totally professional level for all who attend. She says "I teach people not just dance".

Home To CEDAR PRODUCTIONS, 
Arabi Danse Academie ---The Art/Dance Oasis Boutique

1850 Hacienda Drive #17, Vista CA 92081
(760) 757-4470  Fax: (760) 433-2276
www.danceranddrummer.com