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* PERFORMER * TEACHER
* CHOREOGRAPHER* |
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Samra has dedicated
over 15 years to study multi-cultural dances with the greatest masters
around the world. She also has a Master's degree in Education and post-graduate
study in Psychology. These educational and travel experiences contribute
to Samra's success as a performer and teacher for persons of all ages
and backgrounds. |
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She has taught
workshops in several states in the USA and other countries including
in Brazil , Malaysia and Singapore . She has also traveled to Europe,
Mexico , Canada , Egypt , and Bali to immerse in their cultures and learn
more about their dances. |
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Her specialties
are Middle Eastern, Latin, and Polynesian dances, as well as her continued
study other ethnic styles. Samra's performances are enhanced by her passion
for interpreting dances of other cultures, her technical skills, and
use of authentic costumes and music. |
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Her artistry
has long lasting impact on students and audiences as evidenced in remarks
by those who experience it. |
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References will be provided upon
request. |
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Iara
Kendrick has been performing Middle Eastern dances under the stage
name Samra since the early 90s. But her love for dancing began many
years earlier, dating back from her childhood in Bahia , Brazil . She
grew up in a city where the sound of Candomble drums permeated the
late night air and broke the silence even in the quietest residential
streets, and blended with the noise of the noisiest streets. Besides,
there were the sounds of the "bateria" that went on all year
in anticipation of the frenzied celebration called Carnaval; the drums
and "pandeiros" of the omnipresent Samba; and the "berimbau" of
Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. |
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Growing up in
Brazil , one is surrounded by rhythms and dances from all parts of the
world. Since early in her life Samra was always attracted to the music
and dances from far away places, especially the Middle East . She joined
Brazilian folk dance groups, danced in the carnaval, and attended weekly
neighborhood parties. She continued her interest in dance by taking ballroom
dance classes in college after coming to the United States to study,
and later immersed herself in the study of dances from the Middle East,
North Africa, Central Asia , and several Mediterranean countries. She
continues to study, research, perform, and teach ethnic dances and fusion
from around the world. Her pursuit of dance has taken her around the
globe to learn, to teach, and to perform. |
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Besides striving
to present the dances in the best form aesthetically, Samra strives to
present each dance in the appropriate cultural context, thus studying
not only the physical movements, but also the historical and expressive
mode of each dance. She is an accomplished dance artist with worldwide
recognition. She frequently performs for audiences of all ages and backgrounds,
and of all ethnic origins. |
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Samra states that: "One
never stops learning and everyone has something to teach, so I try
to learn from as many people as I can. To all my teachers, I say thank
you for your inspiration and for sharing with me your beautiful craft
interpreted with impeccable artistry and uncompromising passion." |
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Copyright 2006 Iara
Kendrick. All rights reserved. |