Aesra, Quebec, Canada

"In this two day workshop, we learned a beledi dance full of humor and joy. An elegant oriental choreography in the modern Egyptian style followed. Later, Hadia taught a cane dance suitable for solo or troupe performance. (please mention her name if you use it!) The workshop ended with an introduction to Tunisian dance steps."

Heidi Branchaud, Calgary Workshop Review

"..she was first inspired by the infamous Jordanian dancer "Badawia"... very quickly the need to learn all that was possible led her to other great oriental dancers such as Nadia Gamal, Jamila Salimpour, Ahmed Jarjour, Ibrahim Farrah, Lala Hakim and the National Folkloric Company of Egypt. In addition she spent course time with Yousri Sherif which has made Hadia a known and recognized artist. Her references include performances in Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Tunisia as well as the North African countries."

"Upon returning to North America, Hadia has had but one goal: to train dancers and communicate to them all she knows. Her motivation for technical instruction has placed her among the most accomplished masters."

"Her honesty and integrity in the performing and teaching of the oriental dance has given Hadia the ongoing enthusiasm from which she began, seeing the world through the eyes of youth, but acquiring the wisdom of an ancient woman."

L'echo Des Sagattes, Journal Du Cours, Paris, France

"Hadia's sophisticated teaching method enabled everyone to accomplish what was relevant to their ability. Hadia was able to break down steps very well to help the beginners of the class and able to embellish those same combinations to challenge those more experienced. ...there is a strong emphasis on upper body alignment.

Sahda, Newsletter of the Middle Eastern Dance Assoc., Vancouver, B.C. Canada

"...impressed by her obvious love of teaching and the clarity of her teaching... communication was very good, particularly her ability to analyze people's difficulties with steps, and to get to the nub of verbal questions about techniques..."

Jareeda, Sutherlin, Oregon, USA

"...her emphasis was on correct posture and avoidance of injury as well as correct technique. ... was very approachable and willing to share her knowledge and experience in response to questions... a number of interesting discussions arose naturally out of the dance sessions... a workshop with her is an opportunity not to be missed.

Hadia gave us two inspiring performances, one being her exquisite cane routine. The audience response was electric and all commented on Hadia's ability to connect with her audience."

Medanz Newsletter, Christchurch, New Zealand

"The Lila and Mayodi show put on by Hadia was a real treat. ...one of the most exciting shows I'd seen in a long time. ...Hadia performed to Masha'al with her troupe and her choreography was, as always, sublime. Hadia as a particular gift of musicality - setting movement to the music - that goes far beyond anything I've seen by the likes of Nagwa Fouad or Soher Zaki."

Sahda, Newsletter of the Middle Eastern Dance Assoc., Vancouver, B.C., Canada

"When Mayod (of Paris) introduced Hadia to us as "the best", he was not exaggerating. Although I am not one for idolizing, I acknowledge Hadia as a true master of this art form. What I appreciate the most about Hadia's teaching is her generosity. She clearly and completely explains the "how to's" of this dance. I learned and discovered more in the five days with her than the entire seventeen years of my studies of oriental dance. Now I know that I have a lot of work still ahead of me but also that my students will benefit from this new knowledge and perspective."

Evelyn from Paris, France

"The Hadia workshop has come and gone! Registration for the two-day event was healthy, with participants coming from all over southern Ontario. Hadia taught cane on Saturday, a drum solo choreography on Sunday and oriental both days. Students appreciated Hadia's teaching style, her personality and magnetism all of which won her many fans/friends. And sandwiched between the two busy days of workshops was the exciting Middle Eastern Dance Cabaret! The show was a huge success, packed with encouraging audience members and dazzling dance performances. And it's interesting to witness how many shows were creative fusions: Aziza belly dancing to Backstreet Boys, Yasmina and Sashar with Azerbaijan/Bellydance fusion, Layali Shehrazad with American Tribal Dance, Ilana's innovative veil and drum piece and so much more! Then there was Hadia's shows. She did an adorable cane routine n the first half and ended the show with a dramatic oriental show and a rockin' drum solo!

Arabesque Dance Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I wanted to e-mail you to let you know how much I enjoyed the workshop you gave in Virginia Beach this past weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. Even though I've been dancing for such a short time (7 months), I feel like I learned so much from your classes and I'll be able to apply that knowledge to anything I do in the future. I'm sorry so many people were scared away from the hurricane, but I guess the smaller classes were to my benefit and maybe Taaj will be able to bring you back again for another session when the weather cooperates! Anyway, thanks again!

Shari W.

"Oh, you are going to LOVE Hadia! I sponsored her last year and can't wait to get her back. She is one of the most under-rated and under appreciated (because she doesn't put out all that hype and self-promotion garbage) dancers in the U.S. ever. She is a professional Flamenco, ballet, modern, Polynesian AND Middle Eastern dancer. This lifetime of training reflects in her warm- ups, her carriage, her instruction, her dancing, her everything! I never new what the phrase "dancer's dancer" meant until I saw it embodied in Hadia. It's all in the eye of the beholder, but my two cents worth is that Hadia is one of the best."

Taaj, VA

Oasis Dance Camp South, November 5^th – Sunday, November 9th,  2003:
.... despite their celebrity status, Cassandra and Hadia are modest about their accomplishments and immense talent. They are truly exceptional role models in arts/dance culture.  
....Hadia taught a technique class designed to improve our flexibility and to increase ‘passion’ in dance moves. The two instructors’ regime complemented each other well. Hadia also began to teach us flamenco dance. This was my first introduction to Flamenco – and I discovered it is very challenging!  She taught flamenco/oriental fusion choreography to Spanish song. The diverse moves were fun and unique. 
....Hadia’s first dance was the flamenco gypsy-oriental fusion choreography that she taught us. Her performance was outstanding. Hadia’s flamenco gypsy moves were beautifully passionate, precise and fiery. She transferred this passion to the rowdy audience. Hadia’s second performance was sassy and oriental. She glided effortlessly and displayed grace, showmanship and skill.
I could have spent the entire evening watching both dancers. They were so unique and lovely with diverse styles and personality. It is easily understood why they are in such great demand – as performers and instructors. The audience was in awe with Cassandra and Hadia’s performance.
....I think this was a wonderful and well-organized workshop with great instructors. The quality of dance instruction was superb. The opportunity to meet other dancers and make friends from dancers across the nation was terrific. I highly recommend all dancers to attend a Oasis Dance Camp if possible. The workshop was $445 excluding airfare. This included hotel accommodations, classes and meals. I wished the workshop lasted longer. For further information about the workshops, please contact www.oasisdancecamp.com or www.jawaahir.org.

Lucia  (Belly dancer, teacher, prosecutor and coordinator of Nagi’s “Club Cleopatra”. Contact Lucia at www.luciadance.com to schedule a booking, view class listing or for further information. )