Aazura Nour's Bio
Performer, choreographer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance, Aazura Nour has earned a reputation as a dynamic practitioner of La Danse Orientale. Studying everything from ballet to funk, ballroom to belly dance, Aazura’s energetic style reflects her diverse background. Her artistic skill and high professionalism have made her a recognized entertainer. As an instructor, she systematically and uniquely breaks down each new movement to its essential core. As a performer, her artistry of expression through movement delights and inspires all who see.
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 hometown in Portland, Oregon, Aazura worked as a professional dancer and instructor.
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.
In 2001, Aazura moved to New England, where she continued to be a major influence on Middle Eastern dance trends. There she met and began collaborating with hip hop dancer and choreographer Nicole Cassarino (www.dfxent.com). Combining their talents, Aazura and Nicole developed Belly Funk®, a fusion of belly dance and hip hop inspired by popular music. The duo quickly began teaching Belly Funk® classes throughout the New England.
In 2005, Aazura was featured in the off-Broadway production Dreams Do Travel, written and produced by choreographer to the stars, Darrin Henson. Today, Aazura lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues to teach and perform around the region.
Performance Highlights
RE/MAX Annual Awards, Dancer and choreographer
Hartford, CT, 2007
Dreams Do Travel, Belly Dancer
With Darrin Henson, Alvin Ailey Dancer Theater, NYC 2005
Urban Harem, Featured dancer and choreographer
Real Artways, Hartford, CT, 2005
Performance with jazz musician Rolando Morales, Featured dancer and choreographer
Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, Hartford, CT, 2004
Special Olympics 35th Anniversary Gala; Dancer and choreographer
Southington, CT, 2004
Rigaletto, Dancer
Portland Opera, Portland, OR, 1998
