About Us
History of Troupe:
Zivah Saphirah was formed in 1997 in Birmingham, Alabama through the combined efforts of several Middle Eastern dance students. These students wanted to have the opportunity to introduce this dance form to the Birmingham public and also further their knowledge of the dance with the help of a supportive group. The troupe has flourished since its creation and is now comprised of 11 dancers and musicians all ranging in age and dance experience. The troupe has been performing since the time of its inception in a wide variety of public and private events such as; festivals, birthday parties, wedding receptions, themed events and troupe concerts.
Brief History of Middle Eastern Dance:
Middle Eastern dance and music has had a long complicated history tracing back to various regions in the Middle East. As gypsies migrated from India into North Africa and Europe, the dance was influenced over the centuries by East Indian dance, Persian dance, Flamenco and the folkloric dances throughout the Middle East. Zivah Saphirah performs original solo and troupe dances that are inspired from certain regions and dance styles in the Middle East. Among our repertoire of dances styles are; Gypsy, Ghawazee, Oriental and American style Cabaret. Several members also play musical instruments such as dombek, tar, flute and other percussion instruments.
Our Passion for Dance:
Each member of Zivah Saphirah performs for her own reasons, including self-expression, a creative outlet or exercise. But, the common thread of the group is our commitment and love of Middle Eastern dance and music. Members work very hard to promote and perform Middle Eastern dance as an art form, presenting it with elegance and dignity. Members attend dance and rhythm classes and travel to attend seminars taught by professional performers, many who are native to the Middle East or who have researched the dance form extensively. Recently, five of the troupe members traveled to Atlanta to study with Bellydance Superstar Ansuya in a 15-hour intensive Cabaribalusion Certification workshop.
Zivah Saphirah invites you to experience the mystery and beauty of Middle Eastern dance and music.
Zivah Saphirah was formed in 1997 in Birmingham, Alabama through the combined efforts of several Middle Eastern dance students. These students wanted to have the opportunity to introduce this dance form to the Birmingham public and also further their knowledge of the dance with the help of a supportive group. The troupe has flourished since its creation and is now comprised of 11 dancers and musicians all ranging in age and dance experience. The troupe has been performing since the time of its inception in a wide variety of public and private events such as; festivals, birthday parties, wedding receptions, themed events and troupe concerts.
Brief History of Middle Eastern Dance:
Middle Eastern dance and music has had a long complicated history tracing back to various regions in the Middle East. As gypsies migrated from India into North Africa and Europe, the dance was influenced over the centuries by East Indian dance, Persian dance, Flamenco and the folkloric dances throughout the Middle East. Zivah Saphirah performs original solo and troupe dances that are inspired from certain regions and dance styles in the Middle East. Among our repertoire of dances styles are; Gypsy, Ghawazee, Oriental and American style Cabaret. Several members also play musical instruments such as dombek, tar, flute and other percussion instruments.
Our Passion for Dance:
Each member of Zivah Saphirah performs for her own reasons, including self-expression, a creative outlet or exercise. But, the common thread of the group is our commitment and love of Middle Eastern dance and music. Members work very hard to promote and perform Middle Eastern dance as an art form, presenting it with elegance and dignity. Members attend dance and rhythm classes and travel to attend seminars taught by professional performers, many who are native to the Middle East or who have researched the dance form extensively. Recently, five of the troupe members traveled to Atlanta to study with Bellydance Superstar Ansuya in a 15-hour intensive Cabaribalusion Certification workshop.
Zivah Saphirah invites you to experience the mystery and beauty of Middle Eastern dance and music.
