Performance, Coaching & Instruction
Authentic, Artistic Raqs Sharqi ("Belly Dance")
Known for her passionate, powerful yet nuanced style and musicality, Mirah Ammal is an acclaimed dancer and a sought-after soloist. Her performances are dynamic, exciting, elegant and always entertaining. Mirah specializes in Egyptian-style raqs sharqi, raqs shaabi and raqs balady, but performs Lebanese and other regional styles and tailors performances for American audiences as well as communities of North and East African, Southwest Asian and Central or South Asian origin.
Folklore & Cultural Demonstration & Education
Mirah Ammal is educated in cultural arts and folklore of several groups and areas within the Middle East, and shares her knowledge through performance, teaching and speaking engagements. Mirah's deep commitment to the lands, cultures and people "of origin" extends beyond the arts and dance into areas of historical research, ongoing sensitization and education, and civil society/advocacy work.
The Dance Company: Al-Bahira Dance Theater
Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theater is professional dance troupe dedicated to the performance, education, and creative presentation of the diverse cultural dances of the Southwest Asia North Africa (SWANA) and Persian/Iranian regions as living and ever-evolving art forms. Rooted in authentic regional dance and music, the approach is respectful of the rich history and traditions of the forms; rooted in exploration of historical and contemporary cultural contexts of communities in the lands of origin and in diaspora; and infused with new works, creative spirit, and expression.
Personal Coaching and Instruction
In addition to ongoing dance classes, workshops, and educational seminars, Mirah Ammal provides individual and small group coaching. Private coaching is an excellent way to explore and improve performance skills, get highly individualized technique feedback, work toward dance goals, "deep dive" into dance and cultural areas of specific interest or even learn a new choreography. Coaching sessions can be online or (pending protocols) in person.