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At the age of five, Misha took her first steps under the stage lights. Initially trained in classical ballet, she expanded her repertoire to include tap, modern jazz and gymnastics. After sampling these traditional movement forms, Misha moved on to discover her true passion: bellydance. At times beautiful and sensuous, powerful and stoic, playful and coy, the dance is a natural fit for Misha's expressive personality.
After studying with Nura (Sarasota, FL), Misha expanded her studies to include lessons with local teachers Bethsheba and Nirvanna. Misha has become a versatile performer, trained in traditional Egyptian, Turkish and American cabaret styles as well as the more progessive forms of American Tribal Style and fusion Tribal. She regularly uses a variety of props, including veil, sword, cane, fire and Isis wings and is known for her mesmerizing snake dance. Misha also regularly attends workshops, eagerly learning from both local and national instructors. She has studied with Rachel Brice, Jillina, Ansuya, Fahtiem, Moria, Paulette Rees-Davies, Kami Liddle, Sonia, Dalia Carrella, Suhaila Salimpour, Ariellah, Mardi Love, Astryd, Madrina, Zoe Jakes, Carolena Nerricio, Angelika Nehmeth, Jill Parker, Heather Stants and many other talented teachers. Committed to continuing to grow and learn as a dancer, Misha continues to take classes and was recently certified as an Elite Gradutate of Ansuya's Cabaret Comprehensive, with certificates in Ansuya's Cabaret, Fusion, and Props courses. Misha is a keen student of the dance culture and history, seeking to learn not only the technique but also the "how and why" of the dance. She recently certified as Level 1 in Sahra Saeeda's Journey Through Egypt course and plans to continue this excellent course in Egyptian style dance.
In 2005, Misha partnered with her mentor and dear friend Nirvanna to form Raqs al Dunya. This energetic, colorful troupe is a seamless fusion of motion and music. Together the dancers and musicians bring to life the sights and sounds of the Silk Road. Doumbek, djembe, sitar, mandolin and dun-dun complement Nirvanna and Misha's unique, stylized fusion of Tribal, Gypsy/Rom and Cabaret bellydance. Their spicy, sassy performances are an anticipated part of medieval faires, festivals and other events throughout the area.
Currently based in Sarasota, Florida, Misha embraces any opportunity to dance and can be found performing both as a soloist and a troupe dancer. In addition to appearing with Raqs al Dunya, Misha has also spent three years as a featured soloist with Bethsheba's Southwest Florida Bellydancers. For a year, Misha traveled and performed with the incredible band Elysian Sex Drive, adding visual expression, via fusion bellydance, to their incredible live music (and, work permitting, Misha still puts in an appearance!). Now Misha appears with the Tampa based troupes Bal Hepsi, Bal Fahjar, and occasionally Troupe Zahara. Misha is also a skilled teacher, well known for her Drills, Bellydance Basics, Slink and Shimmy and Tribal classes. Described by her students as a 'welcoming, wonderful, patient teacher,' Misha's classes have been called 'great fun,' 'exciting,' and 'theraputic' by women ranging in age from 13 to 30 to 75! With a Master's degree in education, Misha strives to bring her students a dance curriculum that will best benefit a variety of different learning styles and interest levels and helps her students to, above all, have fun while enjoying this most beautiful dance form. She absolutely loves to teach and share her knowledge with others. Misha is committed to providing a safe, fun learning enviroment for women of all ages and ability levels.
In addition to teaching, Misha also is the co-facilitator of PURE Sarasota. Together with her husband, Brian, she directs the Sarasota chapter of PURE. This organization is open to all dancers and musicians with 6 months of experience. The group's goal is to share music and dance with the community, while also supporting a variety of charities and causes. To learn more about the PURE mission, to find out how to join, and to see upcoming events please visit the PURE Sarasota website.
To find out more about availability or class details, please contact Misha or email misha@shimmyboom.com .
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