Ep 168. Cassandra Shore: Progressing Through Years of Dancing

Ep 168. Cassandra Shore: Progressing Through Years of Dancing

Author: Iana Komarnytska November 16, 2021 Duration: 1:10:20

Cassandra Shore, the founder of The Cassandra School (1978), is recognized as one of the world’s foremost performers and choreographers of Middle Eastern dance. Her artistic intensity, musicality, and technique set her apart from the average performer. She brings to dance lyrical grace, musical focus, and a sensuous quality of movement that brings mere technique to life. Her work has been rewarded with grants, commissions, and awards. Cassandra also founded the Jawaahir Dance Company in 1989 as a way to move Middle Eastern dance "beyond the museum," and create original, theatrically-inspired choreographies that blends traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern forms.

In this episode you will learn about:

- The beginning of Cassandra’s belly dance journey, her first show, first class and first dance school

- How to figure out if you are ready to start performing professionally

- Amazing tips on how to deal with pre-show anxiety

- The challenges of relocating a dance studio to another area in the city

- Taking care of your body for a long-term dance career

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Cassandra Shore on FB, website, and her dance company Jawaahir.

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast


Iana Komarnytska hosts Belly Dance Life, a podcast that goes far beyond the stage to explore the rich, textured world surrounding this ancient art form. This isn't just about steps and technique; it's a deep, personal conversation about the culture, history, and community that give the dance its soul. Each episode feels like a candid journal entry, weaving together the performing arts with honest discussions on health, body image, and personal growth. You'll hear from dancers, historians, and artists about how this practice intersects with modern society and individual identity. The Belly Dance Life podcast delves into the lifestyle in its entirety-the triumphs, the creative struggles, the cultural appreciation, and the quiet moments of practice that never see the spotlight. It's for anyone curious about the stories woven into the music and movement, offering a nuanced perspective that celebrates belly dance as a living, evolving form of human expression. Tune in for thoughtful reflections that connect the art to the broader tapestry of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 302

Belly Dance Life
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