WORLD-FAMOUS belly dancer Shahrzad and tabla-player Marshall Bodiker from Washington DC will be performing in Durban on 25 May.
This dynamic couple currently live, teach and perform in Cairo, Egypt, and are looking forward to their South African debut.
Shahrzad has been on the stage since she discovered her passion for performance at the age of 11. Since then, she has immersed herself in a variety of dance disciplines, including Modern Egyptian and folk styles from Egypt, Morocco and the Middle East. Her professional background leading international workshops and teaching classes began when she was 15, headlining shows with live bands at top venues in Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City.
Shahrzad relocated to Cairo two years ago, where she lives, teaches and performs, immersing herself in the Egyptian culture and dance. She travels around the world teaching and performing and is currently one of the most well-known and sought after belly dancers in the world.
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Joining Shahrzad in Durban is her partner, Marshall Bodiker, a professional percussionist specialising in Arabic, Turkish and North African musical traditions.
Marshall got his professional start in Washington DC by teaching and performing in conjunction with Sahara Dance Studio where he and Shahrzad met. He began playing music at an early age and soon found a passion in percussion. This would lead him through a deep pursuit of Middle Eastern, North African, and Turkish musical traditions as well as folklore. Since then, he has dedicated more than a decade to his craft with various Egyptian and international drummers, and enjoys sharing these musical traditions with his audience.
The Maya Company, together with the SADTA belly dance division are hosting Shahrzad and Marshall in Durban for a weekend of workshops and shows, including a “Hafla” or social event with performances on Friday 25 May at 6pm at the Victory Christian Academy in La Lucia. Tickets are R60 for the public at the door, and profits will be donated to HOLAH baby home.
The highlight of the weekend is the Egyptian Kaleidoscope show at the iZulu theatre, Sibaya on Saturday 26 May at 8pm, featuring Shahrzad, Marshall and top South African belly dancers. Tickets are R100 through Computicket.
Contact senta@mayadance.co.za.
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