Reviews of Bashirah Middle Eastern Dance Company (Dance School)

Chris Thompson

I had the opportunity to take some Zoom classes with Bobbie this summer. It's always a treat to learn from a dancer I admire. It was a joy to be dancing as my studio was closed due to Covid 19. Bobbie was generous with her talent and I really enjoyed her teaching style and technique. I'm a fan of drilling so I was right at home. She encouraged all of us to explore moving on our own and gave us gentle pushes outside our comfort zones! If you want to add another level of technique to your dance, or challenge yourself to learn from someone new, join Bobbie online. She makes Zoom fun and personal and you won't regret it!

Mar Martinez de Saavedra Alvarez

I have dance training, and I have also taught dance (jazz mostly). I took classes with Bobbie' for several years, and loved the time with her. She has a lot of knowledge and most importantly (for me) a lot of passion - it is not just technique. The classes are fun, and she knows how to help each woman get in touch with her 'goddess' side. I highly recommend her classes.

Holly Pattison

Bobbie is a wonderful dancer and fantastic teacher. She skillfully coaches her students with a joyful attitude. It's wonderful to see people improve their dance skills under her experienced guidance, and I love how her classes are so inclusive and welcoming. She clearly has a deep respect for Middle Eastern Dance, and I appreciate how she shares her significant knowledge about the art. I love dancing with Bobbie, and I only wish that I had found her sooner!

Annie Kung

Bobbie is a very professional business owner and dance teacher. She cares about her students from the bottom of her heart, and I constantly feel her warm & friendly welcoming vibe every single time I’m around her. Her dance studio is bright, cleaned, easy parking, and fully equipped. I would highly recommend her as a dance teacher as well as her studio space, if you ever needed a nice space to practice or hold your own classes!

Jakob Derksen

In addition to being an all around great person, while renting access to studio space, I always found Bobbie to be professional, organized and often willing to accommodate my crazy work schedule when possible. I was always very happy with my dealings with her.

mabileal

I really enjoyed the classes with Bobbie. She is very patient and cares a lot about us her students. She guides us through every step and that is just to mention one of her many qualities as a teacher. I look forward to studying with her soon.

T Be

I've taken Bobbie's classes since 2017 at both studio and rec centre locations. She is a wonderful person and experienced teacher. She keeps her own skills up to date and understands many styles of middle eastern and belly dance and music. After a long day, I always feel great being in her class. We get optional opportunities to perform, which I didn't expect I'd do, but found them enjoyable and a great way to get to know a choreography well. I've been able to overcome past frustration with dancing, as Bobbie teaches in such a manageable and fun way. Each week I look forward to the supportive environment where we experience beauty, flexibility and strength through dance.

Alexandra Murphy

Bobbie is a beautiful dancer and an incredible teacher. In her studio, she created a safe and welcoming space for all dancers. Her classes are well structured, her choreographies are fun and challenging! I have learned more in 2 years as her student than in 6 years with other teachers. Cannot recommend her enough!

Cathy J

I have known Bobbie and enjoyed her dance classes since 2005. Bobbie is a beautiful and very knowledgable dancer, who constantly improves her own dance skills so she can pass her knowledge on to her students. But beyond her amazing dance talent, she is one of the kindest, most generous, fair, equitable, and honourable people I know. She is also one of the strongest people I know, who always puts others before herself. And finally, Bobbie is an immense amount of fun - her dance classes are full of love and laughter! An opportunity to dance with Bobbie is an opportunity not to be missed! ????

Barbara Clerihue

Bobbie is a wonderful teacher, funny and versatile, and she welcomes you into the dance community in a very nurturing way. I have danced with Bashirah for many years now, and going to the studio is a pleasurable experience after a long work day. Bobbie is passionate about the dance form and makes you smile with joy whenever you are with her.

Wendy Jones

Inspiring teacher! Bobbie and the other dancers are iso friendly and welcoming. I feel my belly dance and performance skills are improving. She offers classes for beginners, all the way through intermediate and advanced. She provides wonderful choreography. Bobbie has been very good at connecting with each dancer to support and help them with learning bellydance. She also makes class a lot of fun! Looking forward to more classes with Bobbie whether in person or online.

Leyla Salmi

I've taken classes with Bobbie for a few years and she is a fantastic instructor. She is talented, friendly, and passionate about dance. I have grown tremendously in my skills thanks to her. Bobbie knows how to find the right balance between challenging her students and providing the right level where the students can succeed. Thank you Bobbie for everything you've taught me!

Melissa Bedasee

Bobbie is an amazing teacher. I started last fall, I regret not starting sooner! I was a student in different belly dance classes before, her class is one of the best by far. Her classes are uplifting and well planned, very organized. Highly recommend!!

Jessica Tara

Bobbie is a ray of sunshine and a fantastic teacher. I've been taking dance classes with her for four years and we are always learning something new. She accommodates different abilities but also pushes us to do our personal best. When the pandemic hit, she quickly adapted to teaching classes online, and despite not being the studio for 10+ months I don't feel like I've missed out on too much. Bobbie's positive attitude makes her a joy to learn from and I look forward to when we can do performances again.

Gracy Gray

Bobbie is energetic, fun, passionate,knowledgeable, inclusive and an all around amazing person. I’ve been taking classes with her regularly for years with a few hiatuses. Upon my return she has always welcomed be back and encouraged my progress with enthusiasm. Her ability to focus on technique with varying levels of skill in each class is commendable. She is professional while having a joyous heart; her love of dance is exhilarating! I leave classes full of gratitude!

Janet Pelley

I highly recommend classes at Bashirah. Bobbie is the most skilled dance teacher I have ever had. I have studied belly dance for 30 years in the US, Sweden and Canada. Bobbie is truly gifted at breaking down and explaining the moves of this beautiful dance form. Not only is her dancing the embodiment of the music, she does an excellent job of teaching us to channel that music through the movement of our bodies. I began dancing with her one and 1/2 years ago after being sidelined by back trouble. Her technique is very protective of the back, so I was very grateful to be able to return to dancing with her. Bobbie and my classmates are loads of fun, making dance class the highlight of my week.

Carly Wemyss

I've loved taking classes with Bobbie over the last few years. Bobbie creates fun and challenging drills and choreographies, and takes care to adapt for different skill levels. Since she is always working to expand her own knowledge there is always something new to practice or discuss in class, and emphasis is placed on understanding songs, costuming and culture, not just technique.

Lizy Gipson

When I first began teaching practicing to teach Zumba 9 years ago, I rented from Bobbie. The studio has full mirrors, a great PA system and a TV/DVD system as well. I started teaching there and moved only when my classes grew bigger. My experience was so great that I referred other instructors that were starting off to her! I came back to rent from Bobbie again during the pandemic as she offered a safe space for me to work on my recovery after a shoulder injury. She was very generous in working with the times I needed to adapt, let me make up time when I was not able to attend and has always been supportive of being physically and mentally healthy in dancing. I will always return to Bobbie's studio when I need a safe and secure place as she is an empathic and fair business owner who 's love of dance shines through in everything she does. If you are considering a space to rent, you won't be disappointed working with Bobbie! :)