Contemporary Middle Eastern Dance
Dancing on the Fringe
Laura/Amara for over 25 years has been a leader in Experimental, Intercultural & Contemporary Middle Eastern dance. Many are short dances designed for the stage. Shifting Line Project can be presented in a range of venues and with a variety of audience experiences.
Laura is able to perform these works or re-stage them for soloists and dance companies.
She is also available for commissions.
If you would like to book or find out more information, please Contact her.
Click the title below to learn more information about each dance.
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Solos
Shifting Lines Project
Shifting Lines is a solo Contemporary Middle Eastern dance work. Interweaving dance, lighting, fabric, music, film and space to transform the human body. Hauntingly beautiful, meditative and hypnotic.
Range of audience experiences including sitting and watching to gallery style, where audiences become part of the work.
Designed to play in a variety of venues: theatres, dance studios, townhalls, office spaces, laneways.
Online and hybrid presentations offer compatible experiences to those in real life.
Length and delivery are tailored to the event.
Travel with a self-contained team and equipment.
Creative Team
Laura Osweiler | Dancer, Choreographer, Videographer, Audio Describer
Paul Osborne | Lighting Designer
Cassie To | Composer
Lux Eterna | Film Maker
Sarah Houbolt | Audio Describer
Production History
2021 Shifting Lines / Shifted at Dance March Festival
2019 Shifting Lines at Brand X and TWT Creative Precinct Event, Art Monthly in Sydney & March Dance Sydney
2019 Shifting Lines / Segments The Austin Belly Dance Convention in the USA
Support
Shifting Lines / Shifted
Dance March Festival, Critical Path, City of Sydney, Create NSW and Australia Council for the Arts
Shifting Lines
Commissioned by Brand X
Development at AusDance NSW’s DAIR program with residencies at Australian College of Physical Education (2016) and Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (2018) and Critical Path’s Open Studio (2016 & 2017)
That Moment of Melancholy While Traveling
Traveling through the audience and stage. Feeling the overwhelming beauty of the world and sadness of leaving love ones.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Presented: Cairo Caravan, Los Angeles (2012) & The International Bellydance Conference of Canada (2012)
Falling for Echo
Losing her way in the forest, Narcisa hears a hauntingly beautiful echo…
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Costume: Dick Magnanti
Sound Engineer: Joseph of Windows to Sky
Music: Concerto “Per eco in lontano” by Antonio Vivaldi
Presented: Dance in the Desert Festival, Valencia (2007); An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. Los Angeles (2007)
Terpsichore
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: Teresa Joy
Presented at an the Austin Bellydance Association Show (2014)
Minara
A tranquil fusion of ballet and Middle Eastern dance.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “Minara” by Niyaz
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2008); Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance Festival, CA (2008)
Ellie Mae's Trap
Dedicated to Ellie Mae, a fierce and sweet fur baby. This dance combines Middle Eastern dance and street dance, while expressing Ellie Mae’s personality, Amara’s love for her, and their struggle against death.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Sound Enegineer: Amara
Presented at the Austin Belly Dance Convention (2016)
Support: Critical Path’s Responsive Program: Open Studio
On the Wrong Side of Nowhere
Shedding layers to reach a place of tranquility.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “Every Day is Exactly the Same” and “Beside You in Time” by Nine Inch Nails,
by “Breath Me” by Sia, “In The Shadow Of Life“ by Niyaz, and “Loving You (Maroc Version)” by Nouri Featuring Ydama
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2006); X-MED, Los Angeles (2006)
Trapezoidal
Come take a quirky fun ride floating in and out Turkish Romany, Classical Persian, Lebanese debke, American belly dance, Liquid, Pop, Ticks, Tutting (aka Pharaonic), Twerking and HammerTime.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Sound Engineer: Amara
Presented: On the Cusp, Sydney (2017) & The Austin Belly Dance Convention (2017)
Support: AUS Dance NSW and Critical Path
Fusion Askew
This new American belly dance genre is pushed and pulled into modern angles and positions with hints of insect expressions.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music Engineer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “Reptile’ by Nine Inch Nails from “The Downward Spiral;” “The Space in Between” by How to Destroy Angels from “How to Destroy Angels;” “Deep Playa” from “Arcana,” “Byond I” from “Tribal Matrix,” and “Faqir” by Jef Stott; “Militance Prom” by Idiot Pilot from “Strange We Should Meet Here;” “Amnzero” by Kidneythieves from “Zerospace;” and “Download” by Skinny Puppy from “Last Rights”
Presented at an Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance and X-MED (2013)
Amara & Teresa Joy
Blend of dance and violin
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. Los Angeles (2011)
The Story of Laurel
Daphne, a wood nymph turns into a Laurel tree by her father in order to avoid the pursuing Apollo. She awakens only to re-live over and over the events which have lead her to an inescapable prison.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music Producer: Joseph of Windows to Sky
Toga Costume: Paulette Russell
Music: Excepts from “The Perfect Drug” Nine Inch Nails and remixed by Luke Vibert, “Leaving Hope” by Nine Inch Nails, “The Chase” by Ekova, “Zamak” by Lumin, and “Sanvean· by Lisa Gerrard
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2003)
Becoming
Becoming a belly dancer.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Videography: Scott McClure of Off World Video Editing: Amara and Ana Berna of Rox A Lot
Music: “Right Where it Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails
Presented: Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2005)
Egyptian Ella
A traditional Egyptian Folk dancer explores her relationship with the audience.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “Egyptian Ella” by Mora’s Modern Rhythmists from “My Favorite Band”
Presented: Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2007)
Twilight
In-between life and death.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music Engineer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “In this Twilight” by Nine Inch Nails from Year Zero
Presented at an Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2008)
Instant Review
A traditional Egyptian Folk dancer explores her relationship with the audience.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Music: “Leylat Al Farha” and “Hezzi Il Asaya” by Aswan, “Desert Whispers” by Muhammad Sultan – Ahla Leila, and “Raksat El Helween” from “Belly Dance Nights”
Presented: Cafe Beledy (1999) & An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2001)
The Jelly
Connecting the jellyfish’s movements with the undulations of Middle Eastern dance.
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Amara & Tawni
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2000)
The Siren
Losing her way in the forest, Narcisa hears a hauntingly beautiful echo…
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Presented at TCBBA (2014)
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2000)
Duets & Trios
Zefira Torna, Zephyr (The West Wind That Brings Spring) Returns
Two young fellows go out into the world looking for love. A fusion of Baroque, Persian and belly dance.
Performers: 2
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Amara & Mihrimah Ghaziya
Music: “Zefiro Torna” by Claudio Monteverdi from “Monteverdi: Madrigali Concertati”
Presented at an Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2013)
Transference
A couple deals with depression by transferring and diffusing the pain between one another.
Performers: 2
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler with Elayssa
Music Producer: Joseph of Windows to Sky
Music: Excerpts from: “The Chase” by Ekova, “Please” by Nine Inch Nails, “First Transmission” by Al-pha-X, “Leaving Hope” by Nine Inch Nails, “Time is Running Out” by Muse, and “Le Printempts” by Natacha Atlas
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2004)
The Hole in the Willow
A woman struggles to maintain strength and her identity when confronted by the deceitful spirits of her past love.
Performers: 3
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Amara, Cassandra and Kalila
Presented: Cafe Beledy, Los Angeles (2002); An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2002); One Enchanted Evening, San Diego (2002); Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade (2006)
Ditma
Explores an uncommon facet in Middle East dance – feeling a bit abstract, awkward, and uncomfortable.
Performers: 3
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Amara, Cassandra and Elayssa
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2001); X-MED, Los Angeles (2006); X-MED Austin (2013)
Company
Warm Fuzzies
Once upon a time, happy and good people lived in a land of plenty. That is, until Greed came to dwell amongst them…
Performers: 11
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Performers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Ida Clare, Jalilah, Janel, Tatianna, and Tova) and Friends (Lauren, Mara, Nella, Nikii, and Sina)
Costume concept: Amara with Tatianna
Costume construction: Tatianna
Props: The Barbarian Toyshop
Music Engineer: Amara
Music: “Steel Bird” and “Aurora’s Flight” by Ekova from Space Lullabies, “The Berber Of Seville” by Bombay Dub Orchestra from Oriental Garden Vol4, “Sobek on the Prowl” by Natacha Atlas from Foretold In The Language Of Dreams, “Temoine” by Ekova from Soft Breeze & Tsunami Breaks, “Yelele” by Studio Pagol from Oriental Garden Vol4, “Bi’eynak” by Nawal Al Zoghbi from Oriental Garden Vol4, “Siko Horepse” by Irini Merkouri from Oriental Garden Vol4
Presented at an Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2008)
Structured Improvisation #2
Using pre-set rules and spontaneous interconnectivity to move as a unit without being the Same in an exploration of space, music, and movement
Performers: 5+
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler with additions by the Ya Helewa!
Performers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Jalilah, Tova, and Zafirah)
Music: “Dunya” by Niyaz from “Niyaz,” “Familiar Stranger (Genuine Mix)” by Namito feat. Azadeh from “Oriental Garden,” and “Fables Gold” by Nero from “Arabic Beats”
Performed: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2007); Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance Festival, CA (2007)
Thirsty
Performers: 7
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Performers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Janel, and Tova) and Friends (Anaheed, Djahari, Nella, and Tatianna)
Horse Costume: Tatianna, Paulette Russell, and Surie Shore
Music: “The Unveiling” by US Conductors from “Arabica vol. 3: Voyages Into North African Sound”
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2006)
Plan 9
A dark comedy inspired by Ed Wood’s sci-fi genre, which combines the macabre with twisted elements of Middle Eastern dance.
Performers: 7
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Performers: Ya He!ewa! and guests (Amara “Vampira; “ Amanda, Kalila “Grave Diggers”; Cassandra, Djahari, Lorraine Hanson “Witches;” and Daveed “Policeman”)
Music Producer: Joseph of Windows to Sky
Vampira’s dress and UFO: Paulette Russell Set Designer: Amanda Miller
Music: “Acid Queen (feat Egyptian Musical Club) Serna” by Kirkelig Kulturverksted, “Before I’m Dead” by Kidneythieves, ”Shashkin” by Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and “Redeemer” by Marilyn Manson
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2003); Dance Macabre, Los Angeles (2004); Rakkasah, San Francisco (2006)
Unknown
An expression of the horror and chaos of mass destruction.
Performers: 9+
Improvisational Structure: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler with Ya Helewa! Dance Company
Performers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Ida Clare, Jalilah, Kalila) and Friends (Janel, Lotus Flower, Nella, Tawni, and Tova)
Building Costumes by: Paulette Russell
Music: “Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima” by Krzysztof Pernderekci
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2005)
Volatile Bodies
Drawing on movements from the Mevlevi Sema, Egyptian Zar, and Moroccan Guedra, dancers express the space between disharmony and support.
Performers: 5
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Amanda, Jalilah, Kalila, and Shazadeh)
Music: “The Righteous Path” by Natacha Atlas
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2000); Cafe Beledy, Los Angeles (2004)
Part 1 & Part 2
Five slightly off kiltered characters follow shared movement sequences with their own set of rules.
Performers: 5
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler with Ya Helewa! Dance Company
Dancers: Amara, Amanda, Jalilah, Kalila, and Shazadeh
Music: “Mad Keys” by Al-pha-X
Presented: IAMED’s Belly Dance Rocks!, Los Angeles (2004); An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2004)
Even
Trajectories through the encounter of the varying always already there.
Performers: 4+
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Dancers: Amara, Djahari, Cassandra and Kalila
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2002)
The Harem
Intermixing with a self-realizing commentary on the harem and Orientalism is a Persian Fan Dance and a modern Persian interpretive dance.
Performers: 5+
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler & Tandemonium
Performers: Harem ladies: Amara, Cassandra, Jheri St. James, Layla, Marula; Tawni Tyndali, and Tonda Kubena; Woman Orientalist: Marguerite; Orientalist Painter: Tristan V
Letter: Amara
Music: “Coffee Song” from The Nutcracker and “Aria” by Yanni
Presented: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Los Angeles (2001)
Inverse
Duncanesque, Banat el-beledi, and Saidi dance styles are used to demonstrate the oppression women place upon each other.
Performers: 6+
Choreographer: Dr Laura (Amara) Osweiler
Performers: Ya Helewa! (Amara, Cassandra Siegler, Kalila, Tonda Kubena, Tawni Tyndali, Amanda Miller (Fri/Sat), and Tatianna (Sun.))
Music: Excerpts from “Ah Ya Zein” from I Remember Egypt, “Ala Hesb Wedad Galbi” performed by Hossam Ramzy, “Funeral Procession” by Ali Jihad Racy
Presented at an Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance (2003)