Audrey Doherty (Ireland)

Dear Joana,

thank you for offering this Masterclass.

I´ve received immediate benefit from my participation. Your personal style of teaching has given me a whole new perspective on the dance.

My background is mainly Baladi which involves mostly improvisation as you know so following and remembering even the most basic choreography has always been extremely difficult for me throughout my 20 odd years of practicing this dance.

This has nothing to do with my teachers - I´ve had amazing teachers and chose wisely. But I am astounded to find myself easily following your choreography today using your principles based on Sacred Geometry. Really - it was so simple to follow.

Maybe it´s my artist brain that needs a different way of learning!

Your explanation on energy work with the hands as we dance and the in-depth meaning behind Khamsa is also new to me even I am familiar with Reiki and this protection amulet.

Your teaching method is truly fascinating and changes my whole perspective and also brought me back to my body and to a different head space.

I felt really grounded, focused and 'in the moment' as I danced.
I feel as though I´ve had a major breakthrough in my dance and I thoroughly enjoyed your class.

I'm amazed at how much magic happened in my living room; I´m truly amazed and grateful.
And now, I have some homework to do!

Thank you so much, Joana.

Seiko Endo

(Japan)

I recommend Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School to other students, for sure.
But only those who are really interested in the authentic Egyptian dance and the culture behind it.
I have learned beautiful choreographies, received many beautiful learning materials, tips for self-practice, and some Arabic.
I have also learned practical ways to be self-confident through your course, which is indeed life-changing.
The reason I cannot leave her school is that she doesn't force her students to be her followers (totally the opposite!)
She values each student's individuality and guides us to be "ourselves," in dance and in life.

Taking your courses in 2020 was truly a great help for me, both physically and mentally.
Literally, you saved my life...Thank you.

Juniper Willow

(USA)

I loved this course.
I loved being taught the importance of dancing with love. I loved the choreography and the feeling of each movement.

It brings out the soul and emotion every time I dance to it.
I feel I'm more confident with expressing my emotions in my dance and life. I have more respect and appreciation for classical Egyptian music.

Joana, I would tell the world to take your courses.
You honestly deserve an award for teacher of the year.
Every course I take of yours I am seeing my skills improving.
I love you as my teacher. I am so blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to study with you. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into teaching us.

Cecilia Zuñiga

(Costa Rica)

I definitely recommend the school to all dancers and women who want to work not only in their dance but also in their personal development. Everything I have learned in school has changed the way I perceive everything that surrounds me, and that influences my dances and my life in a very positive way.

Linda Hadj

(Spain)

This year, I subscribed to 4 courses at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School and, honestly, her courses are amazing, I recommend them 100% because she teaches you the dance technique and choreography but the Egyptian Culture behind the dance, the mentality behind each movement.
Furthermore, she develops you on a personal level - emotionally and psychologically -, something that can help you evolve in your dance and in your life.
If you´re wondering if you should join her school, I´d say “don´t think twice, join it now!”

Jacinda Dallal

(USA)

Studying with Joana Saahirah's Online Dance School is one of the best things I've ever done, both for my dance and for life. Joana's courses and coaching are not like anything else you can find out there. They don't only address dance technique and knowledge, but also focus on deeper work on the person of the dancer. I've done a lot of self-reflection through the course and have discovered so many things about myself, the challenges I  tend to face in dance, and how to move past them. I've grown so much from studying with Joana - I'm a more knowledgeable, competent, and passionate dancer; and a braver, more aware, and more confident person. Joana also genuinely cares about her students and always offers compassionate and helpful feedback. I highly recommend the courses and programs at Joana Saahirah's Online Dance School for any dancer who is looking for a transformational and rewarding experience!

Jian Sakakeeny

(China/USA)

When a dance friend from the Philippines sent me the link to Joana’s Facebook Live chat on her Baladi Awadi course I didn’t realize that I was going to hit a jackpot that would enrich my dance life forever. The more courses that I take, the more I get hooked.

Before long, I have signed up 8 separate courses and most recently the annual membership for the signature course. But why? First of all, what appealed to me was the holistic approach that Joana takes to each of her courses, i.e. physical, emotional, and spiritual. And it makes total sense to learn how to integrate these elements to enhance the soulfulness of the dance, a passage leading to the divine. Secondly, all the courses that I have taken were well designed and really focused on each of my problematic areas such as shimmies, hands and arms, hips, traveling steps, how to interpret lyrics, etc. As the result, my vocabulary for each area got greatly expanded and my techniques, strengthened. Thirdly, Joana’s dance style is creative in such a way that really resonates with me. Furthermore, Joana is incredibly knowledgeable about not only Arabic music but also non Arabic music.

Since I started working with Joana four months ago I have created three choreographies. I noticed a dramatic difference between the ones that I created before and the new ones after Joana’s school. The creativity that Joana emphases so much has become a crucial driver in my approach. Suddenly I feel very liberated in my application of the techniques and concepts that I have learned. Joana often says that education and application go hand in hand. And I found that the creativity she instilled in us can really make the application take off.

I recommend Joana´s School to anyone because of the transformation that I have experienced in my choreographies and performances.

Nuraya Nicole Mohn

(Germany)

I enjoyed Joana Saahirah´s Course soooo much.
Well explained and enough repetitions - it was easy to follow.

And what I liked the most was the enormous knowledge you shared with us. You made me understand what is Shaabi
about and gave me the important background information for my dance.

Everything was so well-founded. This is really rare these days.
Most the teachers don't care, mix up everything, don't even know what
Egyptian Dance is about and where the different styles come from.
I appreciate this very much, thank you.
And it helps me to develop my dance and grow as a person.

Samantha Page

(England)

You are an excellent teacher, amazing dancer & a beautiful person inside & out.

You absolutely radiate while teaching & dancing & your passion, knowledge & love for Egyptian Dance is so uplifting & infectious.
I listen & watch all your you tubes & bonuses as I find them so empowering & positive. It makes me believe anything is possible if I try....

So much love Joana & many many thanks

Maria deLourdes Dallin

(USA)

Jill Shireen

(Canada)

I´m loving the courses I've taken at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, they are comprehensive, challenging and fun at the same time.

My dance feels more authentic because it's more authentically ME. Joana leaves no stone unturned and attends to every detail in one's life that needs attention in making them a better dancer.

Joana is an extremely knowledgeable and generous teacher who gives 150% to her students. In addition to providing rich detail and respect for the history and pioneers of the dance, her school provides a path to self-love and empowerment through her unique and caring teaching style.

Xenia Leonteva

(Kyrgyztan)

The best thing that happened to me in 2020 in the dance field was to discover Joana Saahirah's online dance school. Joana's teachings are what I will gladly carry with me into 2021 and further as I grow both in dance and on a personal level. When I first saw Joana's video performances, I was glued to the screen. I was captured by her presence, her unique style, and charisma. Intrigued, I decided to check out her online school courses. There I uncovered immense amounts of material, invaluable insights into dance and life in general, and a very rich, deeply caring, giving person. Joana's guidance has given me confidence in my path as a dancer and a human being. She has given me tools to achieve my dance goals. And in her magical ways, she has helped me find answers to profound questions. Joana leads by example and it shows in everything that she offers to her students. The material that she gives is always rich, captivating, and enlightening. I would highly recommend Joana's school of dance to dancers of any level and of any background. There is something special and highly useful in her teachings for everyone.  

Mariana Artaza

(Argentina)

There are many kinds of teachers and then, there are special teachers, like Joana Saahirah, who carry the power of transformation on their skin, and that shows, it passes on to all her students; because the best teaching we can offer someone is the love for what we do. 

To study with this prestigious dancer and teacher is to embark on a beautiful journey without end; without return; a very intimate and deep trip. Her classes are unmatched! Her world is magical, she´s magical.