Biography

Aazura began studying Middle Eastern dance in the Pacific Northwest in 1990. Fascinated by the sensual hip movements, she quickly fell in love with the freedom of expression the dance allowed. Her passion and enthusiasm for the dance inspired her to travel throughout Europe and the Near East, performing for impromptu audiences on busy street corners and local venues. Returning to her home in Portland, Oregon, Aazura worked as a professional dancer and instructor, as well as performed as a member of the award-winning Al Ghawazi Dance Troupe.

In 1999, Aazura moved to New York City to further study dance, as well as begin graduate work in the history of decorative arts and material culture. Focusing her studies on Orientalism, Aazura completed her Masters degree in 2003. Her thesis, entitled Exotic Personae: Orientalism and Occidentalism in the Development of the Egyptian Cabaret Costume, examines American and Eastern influences on the modern-day dance costume worn by Egyptian performers. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, Aazura regularly teaches and performs throughout the region.