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FEATURED TEACHERS |
| Meet Ma*ShuqaAn Internationally Recognized Belly Dance Instructor & PerformerMa*Shuqa Mira Murjan, whose name means “sweetheart of treasure,” is a world-renowned belly dancer, teacher, and performance coach. Known for her breathtaking Isis Wings performances (her first Isis wings were golden quilted wings that she created for a special show at the Rosicrucian Egyptian museum, where she danced out of King Tutankhamen’s tomb!), elegant choreographies, and dynamic finger cymbal work, she has captivated audiences with her signature “Elegance of Style.”Her journey in dance spans over 51 years, beginning as a fitness pursuit during graduate school. Ma*Shuqa credits Bert Balladine as her most influential mentor, along with inspirations from Mahmoud Reda’s Egyptian Raqs Sharqi styling and Eman Zaki’s approach to improvisational choreography. She has performed internationally, sharing the stage with esteemed artists such as Beata and Horacio Cifuentes, musician Dr. Samy Farag, and world-class instrumentalists Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Georges Lammam. Her favorite song to dance to? Habaytek Bessayf, made famous by Fairuz—an emotionally rich piece that embodies passion and musical depth. The Ma*Shuqa Method – A Unique Approach to Belly DanceAs the founder of the Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan School of Belly Dance in Los Gatos, California, Ma*Shuqa specializes in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi while incorporating Turkish, Lebanese, Greek, and Armenian styles. Her Ma*Shuqa Method helps dancers develop their own personalized, improvisational movement style through: This method is ideal for dancers of all levels, including busy professionals who want a structured yet flexible approach to learning. More Than a Teacher – A Leader in the Dance CommunityBeyond performing and teaching, Ma*Shuqa is an author and educator on Middle Eastern music, dance movement, and professional performance techniques. She and her husband, Carl Sermon, a renowned performance photographer, offer private coaching and photography sessions to help dancers build their professional portfolios. At Ma*Shuqa’s Hidden Garden Oasis Studio, she hosts a variety of community events, including: She and Carl also founded The Oasis Circle, an initiative that brings dancers together for enriching cultural experiences. Words of Wisdom for DancersMa*Shuqa’s advice blends dance philosophy with life wisdom, incorporating elements from her Japanese heritage: ✨ Ikigai – Do what you are good at and what the world needs. She also reminds dancers to stay physically prepared, plan for the future, and maintain a professional image in line with their marketing materials. As her mentor Bert Balladine advised, “Always look like your promotional photos!” Join Ma*Shuqa’s Dance CommunityWant to learn from Ma*Shuqa? Visit www.MaShuqa.com for class schedules, workshops, and special events. |
