A lifelong dancer, Saroya has been devoted to the art of Middle Eastern dance since 1980. She is fascinated by the wide variety of dance styles and ethnicities encompassed within the dance form. Saroya currently offers classes in all levels of dance experience and covers many topics, including Turkish, Persian, Tunisian, and Egyptian styles; props including veil, cane, and zills; and performance embellishments such as stage presence and improvisation.
Saroya began her teaching career with the University of South Carolina’s Continuing Education Department. She has been teaching Middle Eastern dance continuously since 1990. In addition to her current beginner, intermediate, and advanced level group classes, she provides private coaching to professional performers. Saroya has been invited to teach specialty classes and perform for groups including Hadassah, the City of Pine Lake, Emory University, and Georgia State University. Saroya was a featured instructor at the 2002 Daughters of the Nile Middle Eastern Dance Festival and has been asked to return again for the 2003 Festival.
An accomplished choreographer, Saroya is especially known for her group routines and interesting floor patterns. Saroya has performed as a soloist for many years, in restaurants, for private functions, at festivals, and at numerous seminar and workshop showcases. Her goal in performance, both for herself and in the group choreographies she creates for her students, is to present something both challenging to the performer and enjoyable for the audience.
Performance & Teaching Credits
· Dance with Peach Curry – Red Light Cafe, Nicola’s 2003, Borders 2002, opening act for Divahn at Earthlink Live 2003
Special performances:
· DeKalb Co. schools – percussion recital w/ Paul Jasionowski 2002
· Pine Lake City cultural events program 2002
· Centennial Park cultural arts family fun day 2002
· North Atlanta H.S. international festival 1992
· Festival of Trees international day 1992, 1993, 1996
· Kidney Foundation Club Independence 1990
· Atlanta Folks Dance Festival 1997
· Beaux Arts Ball (benefit for Atlanta College of Art) 1993
· Winter Park (Florida) Arts Festival 1982-1985
· Emory University international program lecture & demo 1990
· Georgia State University youth Arabic class
· Decatur Arts Festival
· Emory International Festival
· Chinese New Year celebration 2004
Commissioned choreographies:
· Talent competition – Miss Lakeside Pageant 2001
· Birthday celebration
· Anniversary gift
Specialized classes:
· Hadassah women’s group 2000
· Gwinnett Co. youth & drama group 2003
· Pine Lake Interactive Artists’ Fair 2001
· Christmas party 2003
· Featured in AJC article (Healthy Living feature) 10/24/2000
· Guest instructor at Jechileah’s Treasures seminar 2001