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"Safiya Nawaar is a widely acclaimed dance teacher, performer, and workshop instructor, as well as the owner and artistic director of Arabesque World Dance in Lexington, Kentucky. For 25 years, she has been dedicated to mastering Middle Eastern and North African dance. She brings her own commanding yet delicate style to both the stage and the classroom. Safiya possesses the unique ability to translate the intricate emotions of music into eloquent, powerful movement. What truly separates Safiya is her deep, unwavering knowledge and commitment to the integrity of the art form. Her specialization covers the high-caliber traditional and folkloric dance styles of Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey. Her extensive teaching background also covers a wide range of popular dance props, including the cane, zills, veil, fan veils, wings, and sword. Exceptional in technique, coaching, and stagecraft, Safiya is known for her ability to effectively impart her expertise to students of all levels. Her studio, Arabesque World Dance, is one of the region's top specialty schools and serves as a vital cultural hub: it acts as a show venue and regularly hosts luminaries and international performers in the industry. Her mission is simple: to share the transformative power and deep cultural integrity of this beautiful art form with the next generation of dancers. "
Safiya Nawaar

Safiya Nawaar is a widely acclaimed dance teacher, performer, and workshop instructor, as well as the owner and artistic director of Arabesque World Dance in Lexington, Kentucky. For 25 years, she has been dedicated to mastering Middle Eastern and North African dance. She brings her own commanding yet delicate style to both the stage and the classroom. Safiya possesses the unique ability to translate the intricate emotions of music into eloquent, powerful movement.
What truly separates Safiya is her deep, unwavering knowledge and commitment to the integrity of the art form. Her specialization covers the high-caliber traditional and folkloric dance styles of Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey. Her extensive teaching background also covers a wide range of popular dance props, including the cane, zills, veil, fan veils, wings, and sword.
Exceptional in technique, coaching, and stagecraft, Safiya is known for her ability to effectively impart her expertise to students of all levels. Her studio, Arabesque World Dance, is one of the region’s top specialty schools and serves as a vital cultural hub: it acts as a show venue and regularly hosts luminaries and international performers in the industry. Her mission is simple: to share the transformative power and deep cultural integrity of this beautiful art form with the next generation of dancers.

Enchanting Fan Veils: Master the Flow and Take Flight
Is your fan veil struggling to keep up with your shimmies?Fan Veils are pure visual magic—but turning that vast ocean of fluttering silk into effortless, integrated motion is a true art! Join Safiya Nawaar in this beloved Playthink favorite to unlock the secrets to prop mastery. This workshop is designed for all levels, from the curious beginner to the experienced dancer looking for polished precision. You will learn how to: • Prop Control Secrets: Master the correct grip and foundational mechanics that ensure the silk flows with you, not against you. • Integrated Flow: Seamlessly weave basic belly dance movements, elegant turns, pivots, and traveling steps into beautiful combinations. • Unleash Your Mojo: Gain the confidence to command the silk and create truly breathtaking visual artistry! Prop Note: This workshop is exciting and fun for everyone! Bring your own fan veils, or Safiya will have veils available for purchase at the PlayShop.A limited supply of loaners will also be available.