Biography

Diana has performed and taught workshops and classes in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. In Cairo, Egypt while teaching English to children and adults, she taught dance to foreign tourists. In the desert of Petra, Jordan, she performed regularly with Bedouin musicians and was featured at the Edom Hotel.

"Artiste", as she is called by the residents of Dahab, Sinai, Diana received the honor of having a supermarket named after her.

As a performer, Diana is renowned for her versatility, expressive sincerity, innovative style and in-depth musical interpretation. Her expertise lies in her ability to translate cultural dance traditions into theatrical experience while retaining their charm and simplicity.

A master teacher, Diana has developed a very distinct and accessible teaching method based on the dance movements of the "people" of Egypt.

Diana's message is: "Dance from your heart, express your spirit, and give to others"

Diana Shahein's dance, music, and theatre career spans over 35 years. She plays four musical instruments, credits her extensive theatre background to Society Hill Playhouse, Philadelphia and her inspiration for Near East Dance to her mentor Ibrahim Farrah. Her most recent study of the Whirling Dervish, in the Sufi, Mevlevi tradition of turning was under the tutelage of Shayka Khadija (Marcia Radin).

She holds a BS degree in education and continued graduate studies receiving a scholarship to the Laban/Barteneff Institute.

As director of The Beledi Dance Theatre, Diana was awarded a grant from the PA. Council on the Arts and served for 3 years as judge for the Governor’s School for the Arts.

Diana has been accepted into the Teaching Artist Directory by the Asheville Area Arts Council to provide funding for her Performance and Residency programs. She is currently serving as guest artist for East StroudsburgUniversity Dance Co.