Curriculum Vitae

History of a Dancer

Welcome to Amara’s Curriculum Vitae & background information! If you are interested in learning more, dance over to her About page and sign-up for online classes.

Amara Dances green belly dance veil

Education

Education

YearCurriculumInstitution
2011PhD, Dance History and Theory
Dissertation: Dancing on the Fringe: Connections Forming “An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance”
University of California Riverside
1995BA, Music History and Literature
Certificate in World Music
Cum Laude
Thesis: Nalini Vinayak: Sitarist, Teacher, and Woman Connecting Three Cultures
The Florida State University
1997-2001Masters’ Coursework, Dance Ethnology & Dance PerformanceUniversity of California Los Angeles
1991 – 1992Undergraduate Courses, Music EducationIthaca College, New York
Amara Dances & Ozzy teaching CV

Teaching

Higher Education Teaching

YearLocation
1999-2008• Designed and taught accredited lecture and dance courses for undergraduates at several universities and non-credit, community education settings.
• General instructional responsibilities included lecture, assessment, grading, and maintaining office hours to discuss student progress.
• Lecture courses incorporated interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches to develop active and critical thinking.
• Dance studio courses stressed strong foundational technique through combinations of choreography, improvisation, solo and group work.
2006-2008Instructor, Institute of Dance – California Polytechnic, Pomona
Belly Dance
2004-2005Golden Oak Adult School – Valencia, CA
Introduction to Middle Eastern dance
2002-2003Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Dance – University of California Riverside
Watching the Dance Go By
Beginning World Dance Forms: Middle East
1999-2000Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of World Arts and Cultures – University of California Los Angeles
Dance of a Selected Culture: Middle East
2000Instructor, Learning Tree University – Thousand Oaks, CA
Introduction to Middle Eastern dance

Dance Studio Teaching

YearLocation
1997-present• Provided dance instruction in beginning, intermediate, and master levels for adults and youth in Los Angeles, Austin, Sydney and online.
• Provided creative dance instruction for youth with learning and emotional disabilities and adults with dementia.
• Classes included Flexibility, Bellates (a fusion of Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, and Belly dance), Experimental dance, Composition and Middle Eastern dance.
• Theatrical and experimental classes explored choreographic processes and tools, such as narrative and non-narrative structures; fusion techniques; and relationships among movement, music and meaning.
• Middle Eastern dance classes stressed a strong foundational technique through combinations of choreography, improvisation, solo and group work.
• Lead reading groups on dance and dance pedagogy.
2019-presentOnline Classes via Zoom
2021Dance with Me, Memory Innovations Centre, Catholic Care, Broken Bay, NSW
2015-2017Dance 102, Sydney, NSW
2014-2015Dance Austin Studios, Austin, TX
2012-2013Round Rock Dance Repertory Center, Round Rock, TX
2012-2015Balance Dance Studio, Austin, TX
2010-2013Galaxy Dance Studio, Austin, TX
2010Gemini Playhouse, Austin, TX
2010Go Dance Studio, Austin, TX
1998-2015Amara’s Dance Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Austin, TX
2003Lorentz Dance Studio, Lake View Terrace, CA
1999-2003Judy Gantz Siegel’s Dance Studio, Los Angeles, CA
1998Mason Artists Institute, Los Angeles, CA
1997-1998UCLA Recreational Middle Eastern dance class

Dance Pedagogy Teaching

YearDescription
2011-present• Developed a certification program, Training 4 Dance Teachers, for teaching dance and producing dance events.
• Topics included Injury Prevention, Create Your Dance Teaching Philosophy, Develop Lesson Plans, Introduction to Dance Productions and Theatrical Productions.
• Taught complete courses and workshops at several dance conventions and studios.

Dance Workshops

YearLocation
1996-present• Master classes presented in academic and community settings.
• Lectures focused on the position of dance within its broader culture, particularly with multicultural communities.
• Introductory Studio presentations had three primary purposes: helping participants to experience basic technique and styling; facilitating insight into the culture and challenging preconceived ideas of the dance form; creation of a community feeling through dancing for and watching others.
• Specific workshops covered a variety of topics including technique, choreography, Middle Eastern dance styles, dance construction and pedagogy.
• Employed as a Dance Dramaturgist to help facilitate choreographies and shows.
2021Austin Belly Dance Convention: Let’s Talk About Swords
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Let’s Get Ready to Dance!
2020Austin Belly Dance Convention: The 7-Part Routine: Classic American Belly Dance
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Dancing Where you Live
2019Parramasala Festival: Intro to Belly Dance
Australia Day in Parramatta: Intro to Belly Dance
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Dancing into the Unknown – Performance
2018Parramasala Festival: Intro to Belly Dance
Australia Day in Parramatta – Parravision, Guest judge
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Stunning Sword
2017Bold Festival: Threads of Classic American Belly Dance
Inter-cultural Lab @ Critical Path, Rhizomatic Practices with an Inter-cultural Dance Focus
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Choreographic Processes – Two Fold; Exploring the World of the Drum Solo with Ozzy and Amara
2016Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival: Stunning Sword
Summer Series Workshops, North Shore and North Sydney: Shimmy by Shimmy
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Arab Trap Dance; Exploring the World of the Drum Solo with Ozzy and Amara
20153rd Coast Tribal Festival: Movement Practicum on Designing Warm ups and Cool Downs and Making Your Classes Dynamic by Using Different Teaching Styles
Austin Belly Dance Convention: Shimmy by Shimmy; Stunning Sword
Texas Coastal Bend Bellydance Association: Developing Your Stage Character: Siren; Injury Prevention for Dancers
20143rd Coast Tribal Festival: Creating Your Teaching Philosophy – Fort Worth, TX
Austin Belly Dance Convention: American Belly Dance Floorwork – Austin, TX
2013Festival on the Nile: Entrance Choreography, Stunning Sword, How slow can you go?, Developing Your Stage Character, Feature Teacher; Orlando, FL
Austin Belly Dance Convention: The Art of Veil: Advanced; Austin, TX
Austin Belly Dance Studio: Classic American Belly Dance; Austin, TX
Tarab: Transitions in Belly Dance Improvisation; Austin, TX
X-MED: How Slow Can You Go?, Shh, This is What I am Working on…; Los Angeles, CA
Creating a Teaching Dance Philosophy, Certification at Balance Dance Studios; Austin, TX
2012Cairo Caravan: Creating Space in Middle Eastern Dance, The Art of Beautiful Veil (Advanced); Creating Fusion Dance, Guest Lecturer and Guest Teacher; Los Angeles, CA
IBCC: Dancing on the Fringe, The Development of the Experimental Middle Eastern Dance ‘Genre,’ Guest Lecturer; Toronto, Canada
Dance Xplosion: Injury Prevention, Guest Lecture; Austin, TX
Injury Prevention, Certification at Galaxy Dance Studios; Austin, TX
Injury Prevention for Dancers and Movers at Galaxy Dance Studios; Austin, TX
Injury Prevention, Certification at Amara’s Dance Studio; Austin, TX
2011MECDA Professional Dance Conference: Producing Dance Events, Developing Your Own Pedagogy, Injury Prevention, Master Class: Teaching Practicum, Guest Lecturer; Long Beach, CA
UT, Austin, Ballroom Club: Introduction to Belly Dance; Workshop Teacher; Austin, TX
Austin Belly Dance Convention: American Middle Eastern Dance: A Historical Look at Fusion, Workshop Teacher, Performer; Austin, TX
Halimeda’s Studio: Improvisation for Entrances and Drum Solo Choreograph; Guest Teacher; Tallahassee, FL
2010UCLA: Introduction to Belly Dance, Guest Teacher; Los Angeles, CA
Oxnard City College: Egyptian Folk Dance; Oxnard, CA
Amara’s Dance Studio: Introduction to Sword Workshop; Introduction to Zils and Arab Rhythms; Austin, TX
2009Private Studio: Veil Choreography; Berlin, Germany
Story Telling Through Dance: Workshop Teacher; San Diego, CA
Amara’s Dance Studio: Introduction to Sword Workshop; Introduction to Veil Workshop; Floorwork Workshop; The Art of Taqsim; Introduction to Raqs al–Assaya; Ah Ya Zein Choreography; Raqs al–Assaya Choreography; Los Angeles, CA
2008Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance: Fusion Techniques and Dynamic Combinations for Any Kind of Music, Workshop Teacher and Performer; San Diego, CA
2007Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive: Creating and Destroying the Rules, Workshop Teacher and Performers; Las Vegas, NV
Hips of Fury Competition: Fusion Techniques, Workshop Teacher, Performer, and Judge; Palmdale, CA
X–MED: Workshop Teacher, Performer, and Co–Producer; Los Angeles, CA
Dance in the Desert: Fusion Techniques, Workshop Teacher and Performer; Palmdale, CA
2006Hips of Fury Belly Dance Competition, Judge; Palmdale, CA
X–MED, Workshop Teacher, Performer, and Co–Producer; Los Angeles, CA
How to Teach Middle Eastern Dance, Teacher; Los Angeles, CA
2004UCR: Introduction to Middle Eastern Dance, Guest Teacher; Riverside, CA
Scripps College: Introduction to Middle Eastern Dance, Guest Lecturer; Pomona, CA
World Dance Festival, Workshop Teacher; San Diego, CA
2003Antelope City College, Guest Teacher; Antelope, CA
2000Belly Dance Buffet, Workshop Teacher; Van Nuys, CA
1999-2000UCLA WAC: Dancing of Selected Cultures, Guest Teacher; Los Angeles, CA
1999-2000Scripps College, Guest Teacher; Pomona, CA
1999University of California, Long Beach, Guest Teacher; Long Beach, CA
1998UCLA WAC: Dance Ethnography: “Trade Like Any other” and “The Positions of Middle Eastern Dance in the United States,” Guest Lecturer; Los Angeles, CA
1998Mason Artists Institute, Middle Eastern Dance, Guest Teacher; Los Angeles, CA
1996Halimdia’s Studio, Guest Teacher; Tallahassee, FL

Additional Teaching & Scoring

YearPostion
2021Instructor: Dance with Me, Memory Innovations Centre, Catholic Care, Broken Bay, NSW
Taught creative dance, fitness, injury prevention to those living independently with Dementia.
2013 – 2014Instructor: Leap of Joy, Austin, TX
Taught Creative dance in several after school programs to young children with and without learning and behavioral disabilities.
2010 – 2012Exam Scorer: Pearson Evaluation Systems, Austin TX
Scored essay for several state K-12 dance and music teacher certification programs.
Amara Dances as Egyptian Ella

Research

Article Publications

YearLocation
1999-present• Published articles in cultural dance magazines.
• Topics included theoretical exploration and contextualization of experimental and fusion dance practices, socio-political investigation of Middle Eastern dance in the United States, and the power of participant rhetoric in academia.
2022Osweiler, Laura. “Critical Path E-News Introduction Oct 2022.”
2018Osweiler, Laura. “Class Act: Guideline for Writing Interesting Workshop and Class Descriptions.” Bellydance Oasis. #60 2018:32-33.
2017Osweiler, Laura. “Introduction.” Critical Dialogues: Claiming Spaces: Artists with Disabilities Redefining Dance, Vol 2. Mar 2017. 4-7.
2016Osweiler, Laura. “Intercultural Dance Spaces.” Critical Dialogues: Intercultural Dance. Apr 2016. 72-77.
2012Osweiler, Laura. “Learning How to Teach Dance.” Opa. Nov. 2012:5.
Osweiler, Laura. “The Introduction of Middle Eastern Dance into the United States. Part 1.” The Belly Dance Chronicles. Jan./Feb./Mar. 2012: 53-56.
Osweiler, Laura. “The Introduction of Middle Eastern Dance into the United States. Part 2.” The Belly Dance Chronicles. Apr./May/Jun. 2012: 70-76.
Osweiler, Laura. “Contextualizing Your Position and Leaving Space for Others: Thoughts while Attending IBCC 2012.” Gilded Serpent.
2007Osweiler, Laura. “The Role of Gender in American-Middle Eastern Dance.” Zaghareet! Jan/Feb 2007: 30-31.
2006Osweiler, Laura. “Cover: Loving Middle Eastern Dance” Jareeda. Nov/Dec 2006: 7-8.
Osweiler, Laura. “Designing Experimental MED Costumes” Jareeda. Jan/Feb 2006: 50-51.
Osweiler, Laura. “Naming the Dance. Part 1 ”Zaghareet! May/June 2006: 24-25.
Osweiler, Laura. “Naming the Dance. Part 2 ”Zaghareet! July/Aug 2006: 26-27.
Osweiler, Laura. “Naming the Dance. Part 3” Zaghareet! Sept/Oct 2006.
2005Osweiler, Laura. “EEMED.” Bennu. Vol. 6 Issue 3 2005: 42.

Lectures & Presentations

YearLocation
1999-present• Topics included theoretical exploration and contextualization of experimental and fusion dance practices, socio-political investigation of Middle Eastern dance in the United States, and the power of participant rhetoric in academia.
2022Dancing into the Unknown: Discovering Pure Conscious Body. Paper presented at The Bold Festival, Canberra, Australia.
2021Dancing into the Unknown: Neuropathy & Water. Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia.
2019Dancing into the Unknown – Legacy. Paper presented at Bold Festival, Canberra, Australia.
Moving Center (Film); Dancing into the Unknown – Legacy. Paper presented at Austin Belly Dance Convention
2018Facilitator at Sydney Festival 2018 in partnership with Critical Path: Talking Dance: Dancing Now – Memoir and Autobiography, Sydney, Australia.
Meet the Curator, presentation at Parramasala Festival, Parramatta, Australia.
2017Threads of Classic American Belly dance in contemporary American Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at Bold Festival, Canberra, Australia.
Take a Rhizomatic Ride. Paper presented at University of Sydney.
2012Dancing on the Fringe, The Development of the Experimental Middle Eastern Dance ‘Genre.’ Paper presented at the International Belly Dance Conference of Canada, Toronto, Canada.
Creating Space in Middle Eastern Dance. MECDA’s Cairo Caravan, Los Angeles, CA.
2011The Introduction of Middle Eastern Dance into the United States. Paper presented at the Society of Dance History Scholars Annual Conference: “Dance Dramaturgy: Catalyst, Perspective and Memory,” Toronto, Canada.
“Dancing in the Fringe: The Development of the Experimental Middle Eastern Dance ‘Genre.’ Paper presented at the Congress on Research in Dance’s Special Topic Conference: “Dance and American Culture,” Tallahassee, FL.
American Middle Eastern Dance: A Historical Look at Fusion. Paper presented at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, Austin, TX.
2008Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at Oral History Association, Oakland, CA.
2006How Experimental Processes Become a Subject within Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at Dance Under Construction – University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Riverside, CA.
2005A Theoretical Introduction to Dancing on the Fringe: Connections Forming An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at Dance Under Construction – University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
2003A Friendship Based on the Love of Egyptian Dance. Paper presented at Dance Under Construction, University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Riverside, CA.
2002The Role of Men in American-Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at Dance Under Construction, University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Riverside, CA.
2001Two Representations of American-Middle Eastern Dance. Paper Presented at the Second International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance. Orange Coast Community College.
2000Women in American Middle Eastern Dance. Paper presented at the University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Riverside, CA.
1999Contemporary Images of the Middle Eastern Dancer in the United States. Paper presented at Dance Under Construction – University of California Graduate Cultural Dance Studies Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
Amara Dances sword assuit

Awards

Grants and Residencies

YearGrants and Residencies
2023Accessible Arts’ Next Level Program @Sydney Dance Company.
Create NSW Quick Response Grant for Falling into Weighted Time.
AusDance NSW, DAIR, Space Grant @ ACPE for Falling into Weighted Time.
March Dance Sydney, Space Grant @ Critical Path for Falling into Weighted Time.
Accessible Arts’ Front and Centre Program.
2022Critical Path Research Residency for Weighted in Time
March Dance Sydney, Space Grant @ Critical Path for Shifting Lines / Shifted.
Australia Council for the Arts & UTS, Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries short course.
2021Create NSW 2020 Covid Grant
Create NSW 2021 Small Project Grants for Shifting Lines / Shifted.
Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance’s -Scape Digital Dance Residency.
March Dance Sydney, Space Grant @ Critical Path for Shifting Lines / Shifted.
Create NSW, Creative Plus Business’s GROW program.
2020Australia Council for the Arts, 2020 Resilience Fund: Adapt for Reaching Dance Over Long Spaces.
Create NSW, Creative Plus Business’s GROW program.
2019BrandX, Space Grant for Shifting Lines Commission.
AusDance, NSW and Australian College of Physical Education, Space Grant.
2017AusDance, NSW, DAIR (Dance Artists in Residence) at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.
2016AusDance, NSW, DAIR (Dance Artists in Residence) at Australian College of Physical Education.

In the Press

Amara Dances & Ozzy perform CV

Performances

Performance History

YearLocation
1992-present• Regularly performed as a solo concert-artist and as dance company member across the United States, Canada and Australia.
• Held long-term dance engagements in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Austin.
• Performances included work with community-based cultural groups, professional groups and solo artists, as well as benefit performances for civic groups and schools.
• Both solo and group work has been performed for commercial and instructional videos.
• Performances included choreographies, improvisations and structured improvisations in a variety of post-modern and traditional Middle Eastern dance styles.
2022Online: Dance videos, Moving Meditations
Sydney, NSW: March Dance Sydney
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention
2021Online: Dance videos, Moving Meditations
Sydney, NSW: March Dance Sydney
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention
2020Online: Dance videos, Moving Meditations
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention
2019Online: Dance videos
Sydney, NSW: Parramasala Festival; March Dance Sydney
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention
2018Sydney, NSW: Opening Ceremony and Massala Nights at Parramasala Festival
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention, Ladies Night Out
2017Sydney, NSW: Euro Festival (with Raqs Amara), Crowsnest Festival (with Raqs Amara)
Canberra, ACT: The Bold Festival
Austin, TX: Austin Belly Dance Convention
2016Sydney, NSW: Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival, On the Cusp, Kazbah, Sahara, Assembly by Nicola Conibere at Biennale of Sydney
Austin, TX: Sahara Lounge with Atlas Maior; Alborz Persian Restaurant; Austin Belly Dance Convention;
2015Austin, TX: Sahara Lounge with Atlas Maior; Alborz Persian Restaurant; Austin Belly Dance Convention; BellyDance Halfa; Dance Austin’s Love Hangover
Corpus Cristi, TX: TCBBA Annual Membership Drive and Show
Fort Worth, TX: 3rd Coast Tribal Festival
Sydney, NSW: North Shore Hafla, Persian Flame
2014Austin, TX: Z-Helene’s Ode to the Elements Revisited Show; Austin Belly Dance Convention; Dance Austin Studio’s “Aftermath” Show; BellyDance Halfa; ABA’s Jukebox Bellydance; Cafe Shimmy; C-Boy’s Heart & Soul with Atlas Maior; Alborz Persian Restaurant
San Antonio; TX: Issam Houshan and Amar Gamal Show
Fort Worth, TX: 3rd Coast Tribal Festival
2013Austin, TX: Concert with Esteban; Belly Dance Superstars’ Club Bellydance; Feed the Spirit Gala; Austin Fan Fest; Tarab Live Music Show; Cafe Shimmy; Mihrimah Ghaziya Workshops and Show Austin Belly Dance Convention; Alborz Persian Restaurant
San Antonio; TX: Halfa with drummer Issam Houshan
Orlando, FL: Festival on the Nile solo and with the Mike Gregian Mosaic Ensemble
2012Austin, TX: Hidden Room’s Mystery Show; No Assurance; ABA’s Improvisation Belly Dance; Dance Revolution; Funhaus East Tour; The Color Project; AIDS Services of Austin’s Once Upon a Time; Raqs Stars; Kick Butt; Sahara Nights with Jef Stott; Alborz Persian Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA: Cairo Caravan
Toronto, Canada: International Belly Dance Conference of Canada
2011Austin, TX: Belly Dance Superstars “Club Bellydance;” Austin Belly Dance Convention; ABA’s The Many Faces of Belly Dance; X-MED; ABA’s Jukebox Belly Dance; Rakasa Revue; Galaxy Summer Star Showcase; Amaya’s “The Girl Effect” Belly Dance Show; Cairo Caravan; Alborz Persian Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA: MECDA’s Professional Dance Conference
2010Austin, TX: Austin Live!; Austin Belly Dance Convention; Dance Unlimited; Austin Dance Showcase; Alborz; Opa; Sahara Nights; Raks Helwa; Galaxy Showcase; Rakasa Revue A to Z Belly Dance!; Full Moon Dance Extravaganza; Desert Passion show at Lovey’s Loot
Buda, TX: Desert Passion show
Los Angeles, CA: Cabaret Beledy; Darban; Moun of Tunis; Private Events
2009Los Angeles, CA: Cabaret Beledy; Darban; Moun of Tunis
San Diego, CA: Once upon a Belly Dance
2008Los Angeles, CA: Café Beledy; TLF Production’s Belly Dance Showcase; EEMED
San Diego, CA: Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance
2007Los Angeles, CA: IAMED’s This is Belly Dance 007; Joi de Musique; TaXim; Dance in the Desert, Café Beledy; Mythos Greek Restaurant; X–MED; Cairo Carnivale;
Las Vegas, NV: Belly Dance Intensive; Hafla
Freiburg, Germany: Wedding
2006Los Angeles, CA: Café Beledy; Mythos Greek Restaurant; Desert Sin’s Sita’s Fire; Moun of Tunis Restaurant; X–MED; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; IAMED’s Belly Dance–O–Rama (with Desert Sin); Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet; Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade
San Diego, CA: Hafla San Diego
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival – Performed with Mirage, Music Group
Chicago, IL: Performed Mermaids with Desert Sin
2005Los Angeles, CA: Elbasha Greek Restaurant (Performed 2 nights a week); IAMED’s Let’s Dance; Shandeez Restaurant; Cafe Beledy; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Mantra Girl’s CD release party; Markkakesh Restaurant; Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival – Performed with Mirage, Music Group
2004Los Angeles, CA: Elbasha Greek Restaurant (Performed 2 nights a week); Cafe Beledy, Shandeez Restaurant; Perfumes of Arab’s Middle Eastern Dance Swapmeet; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival – Performed with Solace, Music Group
2003Los Angeles, CA: Elbasha Greek Restaurant (Performed 2 nights a week); An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; IAMED’s This is Belly Dance; Shandeez Restaurant; Cafe Beledy; Central Coast Mediterranean Dance Festival; Moun of Tunis All Star Belly Dance Fun–Raiser; Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival – Performed with Mirage, Music Group
2002Los Angeles, CA: Elbasha Greek Restaurant (Performed 2 nights a week); Shandeez; Sea Side Palace; Our Place Restaurant; Al Karraz Restaurant; Cafe Beledy; Cairo Carnival; Central Coast MECDA’s 12th Night Belly Dance Festival; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet
2001Los Angeles, CA: Elbasha Greek Restaurant (Performed 2 nights a week); Pars Nightclub (Performed 2 nights a week as a soloist and with Ya Helewa!) Cafe Beledy; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Equinox Celebration; Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet
2000Los Angeles, CA: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Sea Side Palace Restaurant; Belly Dance Buffet; Regardless, an M.A. dance concert, UCLA; Cafe Beledy; Moun of Tunis Restaurant
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival
1999Los Angeles, CA: Athena’s; It’s Greek To Me; Cairo Carnival; Serendipity on the Sidewalk; Women’s International Symposium, UCLA; Cafe Beledy; Best of Friday Nights Live, UCLA
1998Los Angeles, CA: Cafe Beledy; Music and Dance on the Grass, UCLA; Dance Motion and Madness, UCLA
1997Los Angeles, CA: Marrakesh Restaurant; Luna Park
Las Vegas, NV: Mamounia Moroccan Restaurant Performed 1–4 shows, 6–7 nights a week; Luxor Hotel and Casino – Portrayed an Amon Temple Dancer for the Nile Tour; Caesar Hotel and Casino; Clubs
Atlanta, GA: Private Events
1995-1996Las Vegas: Mamounia Moroccan Restaurant; Tom and Jerry’s; Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant; and clubs
1994-1995Tallahassee, FL: Haflas and Galas

Dance Films & Digital

YearVideo Productions
2013-presentVarious short dance films on social media.
2021Dancing into the Unknown: Neuropathy & Water. Presented at Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance. Developed during -Scape Digital Dance Residency. Supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
2019Shifting Lines – Site Specific. Conceived and choreographed by Laura Osweiler, music by Cassie Too, Video by Lux Eterna, Lighting by Paul Osborne. Presented at Art Monthly in Sydney, March Dance Sydney, BrandX and TWT Creative Precincts St Leonards’ Block Party. Commissioned by BrandX.
Dancing into the Unknown – Legacy. Presented at the Bold Festival, Canberra (2019) & the Austin Belly Dance Convention (2019).
2018Moving Centers. Conceived and choreographed by Laura Osweiler, music by Cassie Too, Video by Lux Eterna, Lighting by Paul Osborne. Presented at Parramasala Festival (2018) & the Austin Belly Dance Convention (2019).
2013In Memory For our dancing sister, Jililah. Conceived and choreographed by Laura Osweiler, filmed and co-edited by Pamela Sanchez of Koi Pond Productions.
A Dance a Day in May. Conceived and choreographed by Laura Osweiler. Presented on social media
2001–2009,
2015
Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance

Commercial Videos

YearVideo
2015“An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance” (EEMED)
2011IAMED’s “The Stars of Belly Dance”
2007IAMED’s’ Belly Dance 007″
IAMED’s “Belly Dance–O–Rama” (with Desert Sin)
2006IAMED’s “Ultimate Belly Dance Combinations” Vol. 1 and 2
2005IAMED’s “The Art of Belly Dance – Enchanted Nile”
“Belly Dance Television” Vol. 1
2004IAMED’s “Belly Dance Revolution”
2003IAMED’s “Belly Dance!” (@ The Ford Amphitheatre)
2001-2008“An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance” (EEMED)
Amara Dances double veil cv

Choreography

Solo Choreography

YearChoreographies
1994-present• Choreographed wide range of ethno-cultural dance works, from traditional to post-modern, performed by professional and academic dance companies.
• Many choreographies contained avant-garde presentations of new styles or approaches to Middle Eastern Dance.
• Developed a genre of post-modern dance with a foundation in Middle Eastern dance.
• Created solos and group dances for my dance company Ya Helewa! and collaborated with other artists.
2022Weighted in Time Supported by Critical Path.
2021Shifting Lines /Shifted performed in March Dance Sydney at Critical Path. Supported by March Dance Sydney, Critical Path, Create NSW, Australia Council for the Arts.
2020Classic American Belly Dance 7 Part Routine performed at the Austin Belly Dance Convention
2019Shifting Lines – Site Specific performed Art Monthly in Sydney, March Dance Sydney, Brand X and TWT Creative Precincts St Leonards’ Block Party. Commissioned by Brand X; Quadruple Veil performed at the Austin Belly Dance Convention
2018Shifting Lines – Segments performed at the Austin Belly Dance Convention
2017Arab Trap Dance performed at On the Cusp and with Traditional and Arab Trap Drum Solo with Oz Ashkenazi performed at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, at the Bold Festival
2016Ellie Mae’s Trap developed at Critical Path’s Responsive Program: Open Studio and performed at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, Traditional Drum Solo with Oz Ashkenazi
2015Set Sail and Drum Solo with Resonant Rogues performed at 3rd Coast Tribal Festival; Ud Taqsim Structures Improvisation with Charlie Lockwood at the Austin Belly Dance Convention; Lone Siren at TCBBA Show
2014Contemporary Sword performed at the Issam Houshan Amar Gamal Show at The Josephine Theater; Terpsichore performed at ABA’s Jukebox Bellydance at the Daugherty Arts Center; The Sirens and Gothic Sword performed at Aftermath Show at the North Door; Sword at Z-Helene’s Ode to the Elements Revisited Show at the Vortex Theater; Traditional and Experimental Floorwork at the Austin Belly Dance Convention at the Austin Belly Dance Convention
2013Tribal Fusion Askew, Zefiro Torna (Zephyr (the west wind that brings Spring) Returns) and Experimental Improvisation with Djahari, Hannah, Anaheed, David Kammerer and Joe Savage performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Untitled performed with Esteban; Veil performed at Belly Dance Superstars’ Club Bellydance; Traditional and Contemporary Floorwork performed at Austin Belly Dance Convention; Creating a Dance a Day During the Month of May performed on YouTube.com
2012That Moment of Melancholy While Traveling performed at Cairo Carnival and IBCC; Veil performed at Cairo Carnival; Sleeping Prince performed at Once Upon a Time; 20’s Song co-choreographed with Djahari performed at the Hidden Room’s Mystery Show
2011Sensing the Suspension: A Study of an Object: Fence performed at X-MED; Duet with violinist Teresa Joy performed at ABDC
2008Minara performed at Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance and EEMED; Twilight performed at EEMED; Warm Fuzzies performed at EEMED
2007Falling for Echo performed at Dance in the Desert, X–MED and EEMED; Structured Improvisation #2 performed at EEMED and Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance; Mishaal and Double Veil performed at IAMED’s This is Belly Dance 007; Layla Hob performed at Vegas Bellydance Intensive
2006Thirsty performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Instant Review performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Vampira performed at Halloween Hex; Untitled 2 performed at Moun of Tunis and Perfumes of Araby Swapmeet, On the Wrong Side of Nowhere performed at X–MED and An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance, Veil 2 and Sita performed at Desert Sin’s Sita’s Fire; Class work performed at Cal Poly, Pomona
2005Plan 9 Take 2 performed at Dance Macabre, Folk Dance and Raqs al–Assaya # 4 performed at IAMED’s Let’s Dance; Unknown, Becoming, Eden, Loie Fuller performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Full Dance Routine performed at Café Beledy
2004Snake, performed at Desert Sin’s Musée des Femmes – Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque; Part 1 and Sword 2, performed at IAMED’s Belly Dance Rocks!; Part 1 and 2, Transference performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
2003Raks al–Assaya, Quadruple Veils performed at IAMED’s This is Belly Dance; The Story of Laurel, Plan Nine performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
2002Even performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Reverse, performed at Cairo Carnivale and An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Hole and the Willow performed at Cafe Beledy, An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance and One Enchanted Evening; The Ecstasy of Dance performed at Cafe Beledy
2001Ditma, The Harem, performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
2000The Lighthouse of Alexandria; The Jelly; Volatile Bodies; Instant Review; Untitled #1, performed at An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
1999Instant Review performed at Cafe Beledy; Class work performed at Pau Hana, UCLA
1994-presentChoreograph or improvise all solo and troupe performances (See Middle Eastern Dance – Solo and Director)

Ya Helewa! Dance Company

YearChoreographies
2013Los Angeles, CA: EEMED
2012Austin TX: Once Upon a Time
2011Austin, TX: X-MED; ABA’s Jukebox Belly Dance
2009Los Angeles, CA: Cairo Caravan; Moun of Tunis; Perfumes of Araby Swapmeet
San Diego, CA: Once upon a Belly Dance
2008Los Angeles, CA: MECDA Carnival; Perfumes of Araby Swapmeet
San Diego, CA: Tribal Dance/Fusion Dance
2007Los Angeles, CA: TaXim; Café Beledy; X–MED; EEMED
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah
Las Vegas , NV: Belly Dance Intensive
2006Los Angeles, CA: Desert Sin’s Sita’s Fire; X–MED; Moun of Tunis Restaurant; Cairo Carnivale; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Private Events
San Francisco, CA: Rakkasah
2005Los Angeles, CA: Mantra Girl’s CD release party; Desert Sin’s Musée des Femmes – Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Cafe Beledy; Dance Macabre
2004Los Angeles, CA: Desert Sin’sMusée des Femmes – Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque; IAMED’sBelly Dance Rocks!; Cafe Beledy; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
San Diego, CA: An Evening of Music and Dance
2003Los Angeles, CA: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade; Cafe Beledy; Cairo Carnival; Saw Dust Festival
2002Los Angeles, CA: Cafe Beledy; Market at the Kasbah; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
San Diego, CA: One Enchanted Evening
2001Los Angeles, CA: Pars Restaurant; Cafe Beledy; Tapestry of America; Central Coast Middle Eastern Dance Festival; An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance
San Diego, CA: One Enchanted Evening
2000Los Angeles, CA: An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance; Saw Dust Festival; Knitting Factory; Cairo Carnival; Market at the Kasbah; Moun of Tunis Marrakesh Restaurant; Cafe Beledy; Belly Dance Buffet; Perfumes of Araby’s Middle Eastern Dance Swap Meet
San Diego, CA: Bedouin Bazaar
Amara Dances with Ya Helewa! Dance Company

Dance Companies

Dance Companies Director

YearDance Companies
1997-2018• Served as director of Ya Helewa!, a dance company that performed a diverse repertory of traditional and experimental Middle Eastern dance improvisations and choreographies.
• Served as company director for troupes performing in various professional and academic venues.
• Duties consisted of organizing and evaluating auditions, scheduling and running rehearsals, locating performing opportunities and choreographing dances.
2017Raqs Amara; Sydney, Australia (Director/Choreographer)
1998–2013Ya Helewa!; Los Angeles, CA; Austin, TX (Director/Choreographer)

Dance Companies Member

YearDance Companies
2004–2013Desert Sin; Los Angeles CA
1998–2008Perfumes of Araby; Los Angeles CA
2000–2001Jillina and the Sahlala Dancers; Los Angeles CA
1997–1998Viviane’s Dance Theater; Los Angeles, CA
1995–1996The Magic Carpet Dancers; Las Vegas, NV
1993–1995Troupe Arabesque; Tallahassee, FL
1992–1993Sally Rubenstein’s Dance Company; Tallahassee, FL
1987–1989Ballet Hysell, New Orleans
Amara Dances red belly dance costume

Event Productions

none

Stage Productions

YearProductions
1999-present• Launched several long-running events, such as dance concerts, workshops and conferences.
• Fostered and developed artistic endeavors and careers through multimedia and various venues.
• Built supportive dance communities and foster artists to reach intellectual and artistic goals, in a variety of avenues.
• Productions have been featured in magazines and newspapers.
• Duties included administration, marketing, publicity, budgeting, and staff and talent management.
2018 – 2020Parramasala Festival – A multicultural event and Western Sydney’s largest festival.
2018 – Curator of the Contemporary Dance Series at Riverside Theatres.
2019 – The survival kit of the cultural dancer – Partnership with FORM Dance Projects and Parramasala Festival; Assistant Dance Producer
2014-presentThe Austin Belly Dance Convention – A nationally recognized annual three-day convention centered on Middle Eastern dance, which included workshops and lectures in dance, music and costuming, performances and vending. Co-Producer; Austin, TX
2013Tarab – 2 series (May & Aug) of workshop and performance series with a focus on improvisation and live music. Creator, Co–Producer, Performer, Teacher; Austin, TX
2012-presentTraining4DanceTeachers – A seminar series designed for new and seasoned teachers; Austin, TX
2011Improvisational Dance Series – Workshop and concert series presenting 9 different types of improvisational dance, including Belly Dance, Bharata Natyam, Bollywood, Butoh, Contemporary, 5Rhythms, Hip Hop, Tango, and West African. Creator, Co–Producer, Performer, Teacher; Austin, TX
2000-2008,
2013
Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance – An innovative concert in which artist push the boundaries of movement, costume, make–up, music, lighting, and genre in a theatrical setting. Creator, Producer, Artistic Director, Performer; Los Angeles, CA
2006-2008,
2013
X–MED – An intensive three day workshop on Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. The first of its kind, this workshop is creating a pedagogy and a training ground for an emerging dance form. Co–Creator, Co–Producer, Coordinator, Teacher, Performer; Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX
2006How to Teach Middle Eastern Dance – A seminar series designed for new and seasoned teachers. Covering kinesiological effectiveness of warm up, cold downs, stretches, and injury prevention; leaning style theory, structuring creative movement exploration; and how to construct a class and class series. Also helped teachers define their personal philosophy of dance education and pedagogical style though reading, writing, presentations, feedback and evaluations; Los Angeles, CA
2001Amara’s Showcase – A monthly performance at Pars Restaurant where dancers of all levels performed in a nightclub venue. Creator, Producer, Performer; Los Angeles, CA
2000Belly Dance Buffet – One day of performances and workshops on alternative ways to approach Middle Eastern dance. Co–creator; Co–producer, Performer, Teacher; Los Angeles, CA