05/26/2015
Portland Mid East Camp Artist Spotlight: SHARON KIHARA
Known the world over as one of the pioneering forces in the field of Tribal Fusion belly dance, Sharon Kihara is hailed and regarded as one of the most seasoned and well-traveled artists in the genre. She is both a dance and yoga teacher, 200 RYT certified by Yoga Alliance.
Sharon began her training at the tender age of three, beginning the way most dancers begin, at the Ballet barre. Jazz, Tap and Congolese would follow soon after, and by the ripe old age of ten, Sharon stumbled upon a treasure- a belly dance performance featuring the world renowned dancers Aziza and Yemaya, and it was indeed life changing. Belly dance became a life obsession, and by age 13 Sharon was performing. She later went on to University, working on degrees in choreography and kinesiology in tandem with holistic medicine, and performed regularly with her university repertory contemporary dance company.
Sharon’s education in belly dance has been eclectic, beginning with the legendary Samara, niece of Ruth St Denis, in Oregon in 1994; later in San Francisco with Jill Parker, where she became a member of Ultra Gypsy, one of the foremost innovating companies in the world of Tribal Fusion.; later still Sharon studied intensively with Suhaila Salimpour, appreciating the level of intensity in this format. Other notable and influential teachers include Jillina, Aziza, and Frederique David.
In late 2003, at the request of friend Rachel Brice, Sharon was recruited to dance in the pioneering dance company Bellydance Superstars, created by music mogul and svengali Miles Copeland. Sharon spent over five years continuously on tour as Tribal director, soloist, and choreographer. After leaving the tour to pursue new dreams, she has since been recruited by the accomplished Jillina to dance as a principal and choreographer in the unique and critically acclaimed new touring production, Bellydance Evolution. Sharon is in the rare position of being the only Tribal dancer to have been featured as a Principal in the world’s two most distinct international touring belly dance companies
So far, Sharon has performed and taught to tens of thousands of students in over 50 countries. She has appeared on numerous television shows and music videos worldwide, and has been featured in radio and media in countless countries, as well as several Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution DVDs.
In 2009 Sharon relocated to Berlin, Germany, and created the first comprehensive Tribal cross-training program in Germany, focusing on Tribal Fusion belly dance, folkloric Oriental styles, Classical Ballet, and Yoga. The program is still in implementation in the capable hands of Beata and Horacio Cifuentes.
Currently Sharon is happily residing in beautiful Portland, Oregon. When not dancing around the world, Sharon volunteers at Equine rescue and rehab centers, tromps through forests, conducts research in all things fascinating, reads cards, throws bones, and practices and teaches yoga.
At PMEC, Sharon will be teaching these exciting workshops:
The Underworld: Continuing to navigate the subtle communication of dance through the practice of Ankoku Butoh, Yoga, and Somatic Awareness.
This workshop is perfect for any dancer or artist wishing for skills to help them find an authentic voice, create honest, inspired work, and deepen their comfort in their own skin. Through challenging theatrical exercises, fun games and experimentation, dancers will learn to engineer the reality that comprises the dance space. No special dance or theater experience is necessary, only a wide open mind and a sense of curiosity. This class is open to and suitable for all levels of inspired dancer!
Tribal Fusion Strengthening- Technical clinic.
Let’s get in there and clean our technique! This clinic is perfect for the Tribal Fusion dancer wishing to add to their skill set, or for any experienced dancer desiring more polish and refinement for their performances. Starting with a very warming drill session, we will work through the entire body top to toes, cleaning our lines and finding our balance in order to execute more advanced moves such as fast turns and spins, clean musical layers and accents, flutters and more. Includes traveling across the floor, mat work, and yoga.
Portland Mid East Camp is a three day immersion in Mid Eastern dance and music through workshops, live music and dance parties each night. Camping, organic food at the lovely sustainable solar-powered Pendarvis Farm... June 18 - 21, 2015. Group discounts available.
More info here
www.portlandmideastcamp.com
Tickets here
http://portlandmideastcamp2015.eventbrite.com/
