Sheila Archer
Sheila has been teaching traditional and modern dance forms of North Africa
and the Middle East since 1996. She performs professionally, specializing
in modern Egyptian dance, which is referred to as Raks Sharki. Though she
enjoys creating and performing choreographed pieces, Sheila maintains a strong
commitment to the essentially improvisational nature of this dance form.
Sheila’s study of the dance began with Lorran Wild of Regina, SK, who is
still one of her most important mentors. In 1999 she lived, studied and
performed in New York, taking classes with Morrocco (Carolina Varga Dinicu),
Tarik Abdel Malik (Tyrone Bailey) and Gamila El Masri. She also traveled
to Egypt that same year where she enjoyed private lessons with Cairo’s Nadia
Hamdi. In addition, Sheila has attended workshops and private lessons with
Delilah, Hadia, Hossam Ramzy, Yousry Sharif, Dahlia Carella and Yasmina Ramzy.
Sheila Archer’s approach to what is commonly referred to as “belly
dance” is grounded in the knowledge that this is a dance for everyone, of all
ages and body types. “This dance form is so fun it doesn’t feel
like exercise – it is a delight to move to music using your whole body”, she
states. “Then one day you realize that your body is changing in
wonderful ways, becoming more toned, yet also increasingly fluid and
graceful.”
Archer’s teaching system focuses on building strength, flexibility and body
awareness. Sheila works hard to provide the best possible learning
environment, one in which students are encouraged to pursue their dreams while
enjoying increased health and well-being.
If you are interested in learning this dance form, classes at the
introductory level will be available beginning the week of January 7th,
2008, in the following locations and times:
- Monday: Wadena (4:30 – 6 pm and 6:30 – 8 pm)
- Tuesday: Quill Lake (5 – 6:30 pm), Watson (7 – 8:30 pm)
- Wednesday: Wynyard (4:30 – 6 pm and 6:30 – 8 pm)
- Thursday: Humboldt (4:30 – 6 pm and 6:30 – 8 pm)
Private or semi-private lessons for intermediate or advanced dancers are
available upon request. For more information, to book Sheila for a
performance or to register, call (306) 383-4042.
