Guest Teachers and Teaching Staff

Nicole LeCorgne has been the musical accompanist and resident drum teacher for Oasis Dance Camps since 1996. She has a B.A. in World Music and Dance from the University of Minnesota, a Masters Degree in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University, and has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, where she made photographs and field recordings of Saudi folk music for Saudi Aramco World Magazine. She is a a member of several New York-based music ensembles including al-Hawanim, Sounds of Taraab, Alhambra and Zikrayat. Nicole has received Fulbright funding for the 2008-2009 Academic Year in Cairo to work on a photodocumentary project about musical life in Cairo.

Find out more about Nicole.

Zulaika's career in Middle Eastern dance spans 30 years. She studied under Cassandra Shore, was a founding member of Jawaahir Dance Company, and a teacher at the Cassandra School. In addition, Zulaika was a soloist at Arabic restaurants and weddings in the Minneapolis metro area. In 2007, Zulaika and her husband were relocated to Seattle, WA where she continues to teach and perform. She is excited to bring the "Cassandra Technique" to the Great Northwest!

Find out more about Zulaika.

Photo credit: Nicole LeCorgne

A classically trained dancer, Yasmina Amal's repertoire ranges from ballet and modern to jazz and beyond. A professional Middle Eastern dancer with more than sixteen years experience, she has studied with the legendary stars of modern Middle Eastern Dance. As the artistic director of the renowned Middle Eastern dance troupe Habibi Dancers, Yasmina teaches technique, choreography, costuming, finger cymbal technique and the use of props. In addition to leading warm-ups preceding morning technique class, Yasmina will offer classes in the use of balanced props at Oasis North 2008.

Find out more about Yasmina Amal.

Hasani, a well established dancer and performer when Oasis came west, was instrumental in getting Oasis West up and running on Vashon Island. Hasani is devoted to teaching the dance, and loves to see the self-realization that takes place as women discover the Dance for themselves. Her classroom and workshop instruction is noted for its emphasis on technique, isolation, and energy flow. At Oasis West, Hasani will lead the warm-ups preceding morning technique class and a trance/turning session each morning.

Find out more about Hasani.