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Promotional shot by Sarah Skinner
Publicity Photo by Kristen Reimer
original image by lina jang
special show at the Waldorf Astoria with
"I Dream of Jeannie's" Barbara Eden and Aishe
Rayhana at Festival of the Nile in Florida
Photo by Jeff Minske
Rayhana began studying Middle Eastern dancing at the age of 19 at Serena Studios in New York City. Her love for Middle Eastern dance grew as she explored the variations and depths of this ancient art form. She continued to study under the tutelage of Serena and expanded her dance repertoire and education with other fine dancers such as Ibrahim Farrah, (who referred to her as the "Queen of the Undulations"), Elena Lentini, Shoshana and Samara. Rayhana's dramatic and sensual style culminates the influences of all those she as studied with. Being true to the feminine and spiritual essence of Middle Eastern dance has always been very important to her. She interprets the subtleties and drama of Middle Eastern music choosing to mix different styles such as Arabic, Turkish, Gypsy with a Latin flair blending old and new world styles. Rayhana has had the honor to be a member of Serena's Dance Theater Company, Shoshana's Dance Theater Company, Morocco & the Casbah Experience, United World Artists, Egyptian American folkloric Group, along with Troupe Fantazaya, the Benat Nessma Dance Company, and Jehan's Goddessdance. Rayhana has danced at such prestigious establishments as Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, Brooklyn College, Queens Theater in the Park, Hawaiian Jazz Blowout, United Nations Theater, Caesar's in Atlantic City, Ibis Supper Club. She has also entertained
celebrities such as the late Gregory Hines here in New York as well
as Fox 5 celebrities at Warner Brothers Studios in California. She
was also the opening act for Alabina in New York, Rapper JC Jockey
and Barbara Eden at the Waldorf Astoria. Rayhana also appeared abroad
at LeCarboneria in Sevilla, Spain. |
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