Shimmy Shakedown Festival

meet our featured artists

AMIR THALEB (ARGENTINA)- Amir Thaleb has earned a stellar place among the top and most important masters of Arabic Dance in the world. He has taken his art across every continent, receiving special recognition from the press, the public, and followers of this art form. Some of the countries he has performed in include all of Latin America, the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

He is the creator and director of the Arabian Dance School, whose teaching method has been adopted by the best international schools, and also, he is the director of the prestigious Arabian Dance Company, Amir Thaleb Kids Ballet, and Al Banat Dance by Amir Thaleb. He is also the director of EIDA, the most important Arabic dance event, which hosts students and teachers from all over the world and has been running for more than 22 years.

He has been awarded repeatedly by governments, cultural organizations, and UNESCO. He has received awards in New York and Miami as an artistic revelation and for his theatrical productions. Among his most important productions is “Infinito”, with 100 professional dancers on stage, performed in Buenos Aires and Miami. Another is his masterpiece “Al Kursi” (“The Chair”), a performance in which he danced using a wheelchair to represent the protagonist’s internal emotional world and spiritual freedom.

He was declared a child prodigy of his hometown, Mar del Plata, and named Distinguished Visitor multiple times by various Argentine provinces as well as in Mexico. He is respected and recognized by his peers from other disciplines and was invited to participate as a founding member of Argentina's dance law initiative, alongside Julio Bocca. He is the author of the book “The Ancient Belly Dance… the Hidden Language”, published in Italy, the United States, and in Spanish for the Book Fair. It is considered an essential text for students of this dance.

Currently, he remains highly active, offering regular classes and teaching national and international workshops. In addition, he works in the field of mental health as a counselor, with new goals of creating a therapeutic center focused on emotional expression, blockages, and group/individual therapy, alongside academic dance. He is a member of the honorable jury of APTRA for the MARTÍN FIERRO National Dance Awards. A tireless artist in constant development, evolution, and growth.

BRENDA (EGYPT)- Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brenda fell in love with dance at the early age of 3. Dancing Italian and Argentinian Folklore, Salsa, Tango and Jazz, she discovered later the magic of Raks Sharki. At the early age of 17, she started dancing in the most prestigious Oriental Restaurant in Argentina “Al Shark”, where she was the Star for 5 years. After studying with many different teachers, she joined Amir Thaleb’s School, where she got her Certification as Oriental Dance Professor.

Through the years, and thanks to her increasing popularity, she was invited to many TV Shows and to teach inside and outside Argentina. She is very well known for her dynamic workshops presented in all Latin America, USA, Asia and Europe. In 2014 she was chosen by Dina to be part of the TV Show and Competition “Al Rakesa”, featured in the Egyptian TV.

After getting a huge popularity in the Middle East, she decided to start her Career in Egypt. Since then, she has been working in Weddings, Restaurants and Night Spots in the most prestigious hotels in Cairo, all Egypt and other Middle East countries like Tunis, Emirates, Lebanon, etc. As well with bellydance, she also had participation in Egyptian Movies acting and dancing, and in Videoclips as well. Since 2018 she also runs her own Music Productions featuring her own bellydance music.

In 2022, she wrote her first book “Belly Dance in Cairo,” and presented it at the Argentinean Embassy in Egypt. This book, written in 4 languages, is a basic guide for any dancer willing to understand Egyptian music in a deeper way, or even for those who want to work and live in Egypt. Nowadays, with a growing popularity, and at the top of her career, she is still teaching, being part of the greatest Festivals around the world, living between Spain and Egypt.

ASHMINA KAREM (MEXICO)- Ashmina is an Oriental Dance Artist and teacher born in Baja California, Mexico. She began her dance career at the age of 17 and as a dancer, she stands out for her elegance, charisma, and energy on stage. Her impeccable musical ear allows her to seize every moment of the melody without overpowering her performance, achieving a unique, expressive style with great stage quality. Her versatile body language distinguishes her in the world of bellydance.

Currently, Ashmina is one of the most renowned Mexican dancers. She has toured most of Mexico teaching workshops and private classes and has taken her teaching internationally to countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Spain, and the United States. She has trained with the best bellydance teachers, exploring different styles and energies, which has enriched her dance with a unique versatility and dynamic style.

Beyond her undeniable talent, Ashmina is recognized for her simplicity and generosity in sharing her knowledge, characteristics that make her an exceptional teacher. In addition to her dance career, Ashmina is a massage therapist specializing in the musculoskeletal system, which has allowed her to integrate an anatomical and therapeutic approach into her teaching. Currently, she continues to train in disciplines such as ballet and contemporary dance, enriching her expression and technique in oriental dance.

JIZZELLE (USA|MEXICO)- Jizzelle is a sought out Oriental Dancer who also specializes in Iraqi and Khaleeji dance forms. Known for her natural, energetic performance style, she is a popular dancer across Southern California – including Arabic clubs, television, music videos, theater, concerts, celebrity events, and special occasions. Raised in a Latin family that loves music and dance, Jizzelle’s passion for the arts was cultivated at an early age. She now draws her greatest inspiration from the stars of Egyptian & Lebanese style Bellydance, traveling to study with master teachers and perfect her craft. Not only is Jizzelle the Co-Producer of Shimmy Shakedown, but she is also a Breathwork Facilitator and Creative Movement Coach--offering transformative workshops both in-person and online. Her sessions are dedicated on nurturing self-love, healing, creative expression, and exploring themes of emotional connection and inner growth. To see Jizzelle’s upcoming performances, events and teaching schedule, you can visit her website at www.JizzelleAlexis.com.

watch our 2021 virtual show!