Naima is a professional Egyptian style belly dancer and a long-standing member of Habeeba’s Dance Ensemble, performing as a soloist and in group ensembles. She has been teaching Egyptian style belly dance for 20 years. She designs and teaches classes of Egyptian belly dance and folkloric dance from beginners to advanced, gives private instruction to all levels of dancers, and designs and instructs general and specialized workshops. She has choreographed numerous group and solo dances.
Naima trained with Habeeba Hobeika both as a dancer and teacher of belly dance and folkloric Egyptian dance. Inspired by Habeeba’s natural mastery in teaching and authentic understanding of Egyptian dance, Naima has mastered Egyptian style belly dance and works with students successfully to learn and develop into the dance. Naima’s foundation in developing unique and authentic choreography has been shaped by Habeeba’s artistry in dance and performance, depth of musicality, and ability to bring alive imagination and passion in the form of dance.
Naima has a Doctorate in Education with an extensive background teaching in higher education. As a professional educator, she has: designed classes and workshops; built lessons, courses and curriculums; and, created private lesson programs focusing on individuals’ personal skills and learning styles. She has also provided professional development education to teachers and skilled professionals.
Naima also holds a graduate degree in coaching, which offers additional expertise when working with clients’ personal development. Coaching allows for deeper understanding and insight into individual challenges, strengths and personal vision. Respecting what individuals already bring, lessons and choreography are created for each individual and complements students’ individual learning needs. Moreover, a coaching approach allows Naima to work with clients beyond their dancing development, including career and life goals.
Naima began dancing at a young age and has studied many dance forms. Raised in a family of professional musicians, she has a strong understanding of music and its special relationship to and interpretation in dance.
Naima has a PhD in Education and Philosophy from the University of Toronto and a Graduate Degree in Coaching from Royal Roads University.
