Teachers & Staff

	OASIS and Cassandra go hand in hand. Cassandra is the reason there is an Oasis Dance Camp. Regardless of your level of dance experience, you will come away from classes with her a better dancer. She is a superb teacher, patient, inspiring but not intimidating. Her technique classes challenge the most competent dancers while bringing newer students up a few levels. Find out more about Cassandra.
	For the past twenty years Habiba has trained dancers in Middle Eastern movement techniques and cultural traditions at her Philadelphia studio. She is a leading researcher of the dances of Egypt and Tunisia and teaches contemporary styles as well as the traditional folkloric dances that have been performed and passed down for many years. Habiba will be our guest teacher for Oasis 2008. Find out more about Habiba.
	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 is an integral member of the Oasis Morocco Staff. Her experience living in the Arab world and language skills help to make every minute of our journey more pleasurable. Find out more about Kay.
	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 member of several New York-based ensembles including al-Hawanim, Sounds of Taraab, Alhambra and Zikrayat. Nicole lives in New York, where she teaches, performs and photographs. Find out more about Nicole. Bring musical instruments to jam with!
	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. The artistic director of the Habibi Dancers, a renowned Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, 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. Hasani will lead warm-ups each morning at Oasis West preceding technique class and a trance/turning session each morning at camp. Find out more about Hasani.

Oasis Guest Teacher for 2009 will be Faten Salama!