Turkish
Taffy is a dance company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba directed by Jasmine.
The choreography of the group is influenced by dance and
movement from many world cultures including Africa, the
Middle East, Latin American, East India, Europe and North
America.
The dancers present a style of entertainment that draws
from ancient global cultures while appealing to modern audiences.
The group combines dance influences rooted in ancient cultural
form from India, Spain and the Middle East and adds world
fusion of Latin, Flamenco and modern flair. They combine
the exciting rhythms of Africa and the Orient, the movements
and passion of Morocco and Spain, the delicacy of India,
the strength of the Bedouin and the glamour of Hollywood.
The dance is an expression of inner awareness. It draws
the eye to the very centre of the female body’s womanliness. Our dance comes from many countries, providing great variety
and entertainment. We are at once dramatic, elegant, and
empowered.
Embrace your inner goddess. Belly
dance.
Our dancers come from a variety of backgrounds: belly dance,
jazz, ballet, modern, African and Latin. Members currently
include: Jasmine,Savanna, Natacha, Zarifah, Zarina, Maleeha, Omorose, Tzavi and Leila.
"WE ARE ENERGY - BURSTING OUTWARD AND FLOWING INWARD.
WE ARE DISTINCT ENTITIES MADE STRONGER AS A WHOLE. WE ARE
AS DOWN-TO EARTH AS THE COLOURS OF THE ELEMENTS AND AS REVOLUTIONARY
AS THE WHEEL. WE ARE WELCOMING. WE ARE THE PROMISE OF MORE
TO COME."
Turkish Taffy is a colourful mosaic
of world
dance styles .
TROUPE MEMBERS
Savanna has been dancing since childhood and Belly Dancing for 7 years. Starting as a beginner in Jasmine's class she has over the years excelled to an advanced level. For her dancing represents a way to have fun, express her self and be physically active. Savanna love’s that Belly Dance accepts women of all ages and sizes. She is the senior member of the Turkish Taffy Belly Dancers and is a great asset to the troupe as a mentor and trainer. In her real life she is a nurse and mother of two small children.
NATACHA
Natacha is a senior member of the Turkish Taffy Belly Dancers and has been studying Oriental Dance for many years under various instructors both locally and internationaly. She has a unique delicate style of dance, which showcases her beautiful arm movements, and expression of passion for the music and dance. Natacha excels in "veil" work adding emotion and grace seen in few dancers. She is a life skills counsellor and has two beautiful daughters.
ZARINA
Zarina is a senior member who started as a beginner with Jasmine and has been belly dancing for five years. She fell in love with the dance the first time she saw a belly dancer perform, and signed up for classes right away. She is inspired by her love of music and dance, and loves being part of a dance group where everyone has their own unique style. Dancing gives her a way to express herself and keep physically active. She has a "smile" and sense of humour that keeps the troupe light and fun. She is the mother of two small children.
OMOROSE
Omorose an accountant began her first belly dance lesson in 2006 enrolling through the leisure guide at the request of a friend. She was amazed to find that the dance movements felt so natural and beautiful, that she felt compelled to continue forward to learn more. She continues to strive to achieve the harmonic flow of the body and the music through continued teachings with master instructors. The dance provides her with an escape from every day life to a place of beauty and peace-fullness. It provides her a medium for self-expression, and a wonderful way to connect with other women who have grown to become her "sisters". She is the mother of two active teen aged girls.
ZARIFAH
Zarifah manager in the food service industry has been dancing for several years starting out as a Beginner with Jasmine at Diva's on Loose. She has a wonderful memory for remembering choreography and naturally moves her hips to the Belly Dance Movements. She "loves" to Belly Dance and takes every opportunity to dance and improve her skills. In her real life she is mother to her little girl "Sara".
MALEEHA
Beautiful Maleeha has been dancing for several years and has a warm, sensitive and caring personality that comes out in her dance. She is the one who always makes sure she knows "how it is done right" before performing with the troupe. She is a counseller for teen agers and an avid football and baseball fan.
LEILA
Leila has been studying Belly Dance for two years with various instructors and love's it! She is a quick learner and remembers routines very well. She has recently joined the troupe and looks forward to performing. She works in the health care industry.
TZAVI
Our newest and youngest member Tzavi has been taking lessons and dancing for 5 years. She is a natural belly dancer and comes from a family where all 3 sisters as well as her mother belly dance. Her abdominal movements are beautiful. She is a high school student.
AUDITION CALL
Turkish Taffy Mission: For intermediate to advanced dancers wishing
to improve their dance skills and willing to dedicate time
and effort to do so. Our goal is to assist members to grow
in dance, and we are dedicated to giving accurate and accessible
dance instruction for those selected to be part of the dance
company.
Auditions for additional Troupe Members
are always open.
Requirements:
1. Minimum Completion of Intermediate Level.
2. Presentation of a self choreographed 3 min. performance to perform at the
audition.
3. Submission of dance resume and photo.
4. Troupe members will be required to attend a required
amount of rehearsals and bookings.
5. Flexibility with Choreography required. Must be able
to keep time with the music, can identify the "1" downbeat
of the measure, as well as the upbeat.
