Oasis Roadies
The often unsung and sometimes overlooked people who by their efforts, both large and small, help to keep Oasis functioning - many have helped out for years some began more recently - but all serve as a big reminder that this isn’t just a one woman show.
Sherry Dickerson, Schleppa Leffa, sister and invaluable aide to the director. Sherry earned her camp name, Schleppa, by helping in every aspect of camp operations. Her affinity for that particular beat gave her her camp surname. As camp nurse she reminds us all to pace ourselves and drink lots of water at every camp.
Shara Bint al-Waha has been the Oasis Dance Camp “Videographer Extraordinaire” since 1993, and has been attending camp since 1987. She videotapes at the North and West camps religiously, but also tries to go to as many of the other Camps as possible, including Oasis East in 2007, Morocco in 2005, both New Zealand camps, and even South whenever possible. Oasis is the highlight of her year with the wonderful instruction by Cassandra, the new worlds opened up by the great guest teachers, and the camaraderie of the fellow campers.
Find out more about Shara Bint al-Waha
Joani Bint al Waha was the first Oasis web mistress and has returned to take her turn at the web site. (Thanks Na'imah for giving me a break and for all your hard work on the site.) Joani is currently a member of the Rising Phoenix Dancers from Florida. She has attended almost all years of Camp including camps North, South and Morocco. She considers Cassandra as her main teacher and influence. Her friends at Oasis have kept her dancing all these years.
Find out more about Joani Bint al Waha
Na'imah is a past Oasis web mistress and a professional Middle Eastern dancer and teacher from Michigan. She has been coming to Oasis since 2001 and credits Cassandra and the Oasis camps with the development of her dance style, and with keeping her involvement in Middle Eastern dance passionate and strong. She refers to Oasis campers as her "favorite family" and is always grateful for the warm welcome and invaluable knowledge she finds at camp.
Find out more about Na'imah.
Kay Hardy Campbell is a Boston-based writer with a specialty in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. She also lectures on Middle East-related subjects, studies and performs Arabic music, and is a director of the annual Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. Kay learned the folk dances and music of Saudi and Gulf women while living in Saudi Arabia. Since that time, she has been teaching women's classes in 'Khaliji' dance, including at Oasis Dance Camps in 1986, 1991, 1999, and 2007. Kay has long been an integral member of the Oasis family. She is a primary resource and usually has the answer to whatever we’re looking for.
Find out more about Kay.