Shifra Soria Tobiasch is a belly dancer specialist who focuses on old ethnic belly dance techniques and music comprehension.  She is known for her unique way of interpretating the older Middle Eastern styles of belly dance and folkloric dance and combining them with the new modern belly dance techniques.  Shifra created the Balata style and incorporates Balata in her instruction to assist students in discovering their own way of dance the way. 

Shifra has danced since childhood and acquired the ethnic techniques from her family in Israel, from people immigrating to Israel, and from time spent with other ethnic groups.  In addition, Shifra studied ballet.  Shifra’s experience working through the Israeli Police Academy provided her with the knowledge and experience needed to guide students through learning the art of belly dance. 

Shifra's first public performance occurred at a police party.  She was guided onto the stage to dance with live ochestra  without any preparation. Since then, she has continued to danced in public and in the same as the first time -- spontaneous; even when she prepares a choreographed a dance, her performance turns out be improvized and nothing like the prepared routine.

After her daughter was born, Shifra emigrated to Winnipeg, Canada.   When she attended her first local class, she went home and cried.  Her family asked her why she was so sad and she replied, "They dance on their toes like ballerinas and their hands are like snakes!"   This 'advanced' class helped her to better understand the differences in older and more modern belly dance styles, as well as the variations of styles in the USA, Canada, and Europe.  Since then, her family has called modern Western belly dance -- Egyptian Ballet.

Shifra is also the Instructor and Coordinator of the Shanti Troop  She is very proud of this group and is happy to present a new generation of belly dancers to Canada.

1. What particular styles of Middle Eastern (ME) dance have you studied? 

I have danced since I was a young child.  I learned old ethnic traditional belly dance throughout my life in Israel. When I was young, there was no school for  belly dance; belly dance was folkloric dance.   I  also studied ballet and a variety of folkloric dances.

2. Who were your teachers for the ME styles?

My  mentor, my mother, and other family members, friends,  people immigrating to Israel, and people from other ethnic groups.  I learned the Western styles through classes and  workshops around Canada. 

I like the old ethnic traditional styles most because they are the dance of celebration, togetherness, emotion, and freedom.  You do not need costumes, just a scarf for your hips.  It is a dance from the people for the people, a dance of the moment.

4. What ME dancers are most inspiring for you?

• My family and Israeli friends. 
• The great Naima Akif -- If you look at her style, one of the most of the famous dancers  in Egypt today is using some of her elements.
• Tahia Carioca -- She is like a queen of the stage with power, feminism, and prudence.

My Balata style is formed and named from varieties of  ethnic belly dance mostly Israel, Turkey, and in the regent, Balata.  It is performed on flat feet in a small area.  It uses the muscles around  the belly and chest area and a lot of gestures.  This style is like a flowing river, unpredictable, yet graceful.  It is not 1-2-3. You feel the music.  The dance is coming from your soul and you shine it  out.  The most important component  is that you dance the way you like and feel.  There is no decipline or order.  You can add, subtract, borrow, or change in the moment.  You do, however, have to have the skills.  You dance with the music,  for the music, for everyone around you.  There is no need  for a  perfect costume, but  only the need to mesmerize the audience. 

6. Do you teach classes?  If so, where?

Yes, I teach classes and workshops in the Winnipeg area. 
 

I perform at haflas, restaurants, at weddings, big parties, and other functions.

8.  Do you have any special events and/or workshops coming up in 2004 or 2005?

Workshop with Shifra Soria Tobiasch: Matron Belly Dance 2
Where:  Shanti Yoga, Winnipeg, Manitoba
November 7, 2:00 - 4:00 pm -- Foot Technique  (for beginners)
November 14, 2:00 - 4:00 pm -- Hands Technique (level 1)
November 21, 2:00 - 4:00 pm -- Music Comprehension (beginners +level 1)
November 28, 2:00 - 4:00 pm -- How to dance at the restaurant (beginners +level 1)
For more imformation, email stobiasch@shaw.ca or phone 204-586-7933 or 204- 946-0675.

ATRAF:  Shifra Soria Tobiasch & Shanti Girls
An spectacular evening of fantasy and color  live show  of mixed styles of belly dance
When:  Friday, November 12, 8:00pm
Where:  Royal Crown Lounge, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Price: $10.00 adv.  $15:00 - At the door.
For more information pleas call Shifra 204-5867933