The Scimitar Dance Company was originally created by Shazia in January 1999, in Salt Lake City, UT.  In November of 2000 life took Shazia to Washington and Scimitar was put on hold.  In 2008 the Dance Company was recreated in Brigham City, UT and current members are Shazia, Rasha, and Carsen.  SDC principle drummer is Nathan.

Shazia began belly dancing in 1994 but comes from a strong dance background in which she exceled in many different styles including clogging, jazz, swing, ballroom, ballet, modern, lyrical, and gymnastics.  She also has theatrical experience.

Shazia was honored to be a member of the Kismet Dance Company, and taught classes for them, before creating her own, Scimitar Dance Company.

She has had amazing teachers along her dance journey including Yasamina, Zahirah, Kimaya, & Jason and thanks

Rasha

Rasha, 19 years old, began dancing under the direction of Shazia in April 2008 and has been a member of the Scimitar Dance Company since Spring 2009.  She began dancing with her friends just for fun, but then decided to work harder to become a member of SDC.  She fell in love with Shazia's flirtatious style, as well as many other variations of belly dance. Her favorite music to dance to is her father, Nathan's, drumming. She is a student at Weber State University and wants to become an RN. She is a very dedicated woman that also loves to have fun.

Carsen

Carsen began belly dancing in April 2008 and is the newest member of the Scimitar Dance Company.

Nathan (Principle Drummer, Public Relations)

Nathan has been drumming his whole life. He has played many different types of drums from marching band to hand percussion.  Along in his musical adventures he was introduced to Shazia and she opened up the world of Arabic rhythms. With her guidance and inspiration Nathan has embraced his role as principle drummer for troupe Scimitar.  Nathan has an amazing style and passion for drumming.  Nathan teaches Arabic and African drum classes and is a songwriter/composer.  Most importantly, he is Rasha's father and thanks her for getting him involved in the belly dance scene!!

each of them for helping to create the dancer she is today.  Shazia has also had the privilige of working with such incredible dancers as Raffa, amongst others.

Shazia believes in studying many different styles of belly dance to improve herself as an overall dancer.  She excels in technical and fun drum song choreographies that are flirtatious and energetic.  Her style is described as

"...'old Salt Lake' (or traditional cabaret) with the Shazia twist!"

Shazia has performed with local favorite Salt Lake City bands Desert Wind, Kairo by Night, and Fat Paw. She has taught workshops in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado and believes ‘dance is an expression of the soul’.

She now teaches in Brigham City, UT and offers classes in all levels.  She truely loves and encourages beginning dancers because she enjoys passing on the belly knowledge that her teachers gave her, and watching them grow and progress.  "When beginning dancers have thier 'break-through' moment it is so wonderful and I'm honored to be a part of it!  They are always so excited!  Beginning dancers totally re-energize me!"

* Shazia is the featured Bellyography in the July edition of Slug Magazine!  http://www.slugmag.com/articles/2259/Bellyography.html