About Noor

Noor is an inspired performer, enthusiastic instructor and devoted student of the art of Middle Eastern dance. Known for her musicality, supple technique and radiant smile, Noor's greatest joy is to share her love of Middle Eastern music and dance with her audience.

Noor began her dance training as a child, beginning with ballet, jazz and tap. As an adult she discovered raks sharqi, also known as oriental dance or bellydance. Upon taking her first class she was immediately enchanted and moved by the music; the lush Arabic melodies, complex rhythms and dazzling big band orchestration captured her heart.

From that experience onwards Noor focused all her energy on learning how to move to this music in the tradition of raks sharqi. She continues to develop her ear, technique, movement vocabulary and knowledge of the dance and its cultural roots to best interpret the music and communicate with her audience.

Since 2001 Noor has been fortunate to study with many master instructors including Mesmera, Zahra Zuhair, Fahtiem, Sahra Saeeda, Angelika Nemeth, Tamra-Henna, Jillina, Momo Kadous, Tamalyn Dallal, Maleeha and Hadia. While living in Los Angeles Noor performed as a member of acclaimed dancer/choreographer Zahra Zuhair's company, Eshta, from 2003-2005. Working intensively with Zahra has had the greatest impact on her dance style.

In October 2005 Noor traveled to Egypt visiting Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. During this time she had the opportunity to learn more about the culture from which raks sharqi comes and to study with dancer Diana Tarkhan and renowned choreographer Raqia Hassan.

Shortly after her visit to Egypt Noor moved to Seattle where she currently performs as a soloist at a variety of venues, teaches classes, and continues to develop her craft. Noor recently joined Seattle's bellydance company Fleurs D'Egypte and performed with them in IAMED's 'My Big Fat Bellydance Show' in Los Angeles.