Hiba, as an Arab-Canadian, had always had an interest in the unusual and exotic Middle Eastern Arts, particularly what is commonly referred to as "Belly Dance."

Her curiousity compelled her to learn more about this interesting art form and she soon fell in love with the beautifully haunting music, glittering costumes, and enthralling movements.

When she was fifteen, she began studying with top-professional and principal dancer of Arabesque Dance Company, Kara Culp-Wenman.

Hiba continued to take regular classes and private lessons with Kara along with some of North America's best Middle Eastern Artists.  Her curriculum vitae includes, Yasmina Ramzy, artistic director of Arabesque Dance Company, Mayada and Roula Said of the Toronto Belly Dance Collective, Samara, Phaedra, and Jajouka 

Hiba learned unusually quickly and within one year's time was teaching Middle Eastern Dance regularly at Kara's school, Ankhara School of Middle Eastern Dance as well as The University of Guelph.

In January 2002, Hiba founded Hibatellah School of Middle Eastern Dance, which started with one Middle Eastern Dance class per week with an average of four people. The school is now known as Rakasseh Studio: School of Cultural Dance Arts, and offers seven to ten Middle Eastern Dance classes per week with an average of 10 students in each class.

In December, 2002, Hiba opened the Rakasseh Studio Boutique, offering all of the needs of the dancer from fully beaded costumes, to belly dance inspired baby tees.

Recently, Hiba produced a video, taught workshops and has performed all over Ontario (including at Yasmina Ramzy's Arabesque Academy), and started a new dance company called Halawa Middle Eastern Dance Company.  She is currently organizing Ontario's first Middle Eastern Dance Festival called RaksFest. 

Hibatellah will continue her studies, always being a diligent student of the incredible art of "Raks Sharki."

1.  What particular styles of Middle Eastern dance (ME) have you studied?
 Saiidi, raks sharki, Khaleegy, Assaya, Shamadan, Ghawazee, Azerbaijani 

2.  What is Azerbaijani?
Azerbaijani is a dance form that comes from Azerbaijan in Iran.  It is very similar to persian dancing but has a little bit more fire and pantomime in it.  It is very high energy and is stunning to watch.

3.  Who were your teachers for the ME styles?
Kara Culp-Wenman, Yasmina Ramzy, Mayada, Hadia, Samara, Phaedra, Jajouka

4.  What ME dancers were most inspiring for you?
Amani, Kara Culp Wenman, Yasmina Ramzy 

Although I never saw Amani perform live, she was one of the first dancers I ever saw (live or on video).   I was inspired by the draw she has on you even through the television screen.  She has such a connection with her audience and I found that that draw elevated the scale of her dancing ten times.

Yasmina has an inherent sweetness and is probably the most technically adept dancer that I've seen (other than Kara).  I took the passion, technique, and love of dance from Kara and then added the amazing refinement and professionalism that Yasmina offered me.  Because of Yasmina, I became a true professional.  She showed me that you can still be a wonderful and beautiful person even if you are a "professional."

From these three dancers, I acquired a passion for the dance, music and culture, a means to connect to my audience, and a professional outlook.

6.  Do you regularly perform at particular places?  If so, where?
 Staged Events

RaksFest!  Ontario's first Middle Eastern Dance Festival held August 5-8th, 2004 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.  It will include over 20 hours of dance and music instruction and 2 spectacular performances featuring Yasmina Ramzy, Jalilah, Dr. George Sawa and Suleiman Warwar.  More information can be found at http://www.raksfest.com.