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Rayhana
began studying Middle Eastern dancing at the age of 19 at
Serena Studios in New York City. Her love for Middle Eastern
dance grew as she explored the variations and depths of this
ancient art form. She continued to study under the tutelage
of Serena. She continued her dance repertoire and education
with other fine dancers such as Ibrahim Farrah, (who referred
to her as the "Queen of the Undulations"), Elena
Lentini, Shoshana, Samara and presently with the amazing Jehan
Kamal.
Rayhana's dramatic and sensual style culminates the influences
of all those she has had the honor to study under. Being true
to the feminine and spiritual essence of Middle Eastern dance
has always been very important to her. She interprets the
subtleties and drama of Middle Eastern music choosing to mix
different styles such as Arabic, Turkish, Gypsy with a Latin
flair blending old and new world styles.
Rayhana has had the honor to be a member of Serena's Dance
Theater Company, Shoshana's Dance Theater Company, Morocco
& the Casbah Experience, United World Artists, Egyptian
American folkloric Group, along with Troupe Fantazaya, the
Benat Nessma Dance Company, and Jehan's Goddessdance. Rayhana
has danced at such prestigious establishments as Lincoln Center's
Damrosch Park, Brooklyn College, Queens Theater in the Park,
Hawaiian Jazz Blowout, United Nations Theater, Caesar's in
Atlantic City, Ibis Supper Club.
She has also entertained celebrities such as the late Gregory
Hines here in New York as well as Fox 5 celebrities at Warner
Brothers Studios in California. She was also the opening act
for Alabina in New York, Rapper JC Jockey and Barbara Eden
at the Waldorf Astoria.
Rayhana also appeared abroad at LeCarboneria in Sevilla, Spain.
Rayhana shares her love of dance as an instructor at the Djoniba
Drum and Dance Center in Manhattan, and the Temple of Jehan
in Queens, and she also teaches privately. This past year,
she had the honor of instructing the beautiful and most gracious
Ms. Susan Sarandon.
She
opens the world of Middle Eastern dance to her students by
exploring the technique of isolation and grace as she prepares
them to perform to live music at her monthly shows at the
Lafayette Grill. Her patience and caring demeanor allow her
students to learn at an individual pace. For more information
in dance instruction and performances you can call Rayhana
at (718) 497- 2125.
Rayhana
is available for bookings for many different occasions, such
as stage performances, weddings, engagement parties, baby
showers, sweet sixteen parties, birthday parties and the very
popular Bachlorette parties in which a lesson is included
in the festivities
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