Bio
Iscah Paquin is a professionally trained performer and instructor of Middle Eastern Dance. With over six years intensive study in the ancient art of belly dance, she performs as both a soloist and as a full company member of Al Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Company. She has been a featured performer at restaurants, company events, expos, fundraisers, educational, and theatrical settings. Iscah teaches weekly classes through the Banat el Kamar Belly Dance Program.
As a performer Iscah is known for her energizing stage presence, lively personality, and her unique ability to engage her audience. While she primarily dances contemporary Egyptian and American Cabaret styles, she also has a wide repertoire of authentic folk dances found in North Africa and the Middle East. Iscah is proficient with a variety of dance props including finger cymbals, veils, sword, cane, water pot, wings if Isis, candelabra, and candles.
Influences & Training
Iscah’s primary influences and most beloved teachers are Duyna Dianne McPherson, Mirah Ammal, Cassandra Shore, and Amina Beres. Those workshops instructors who have left her yearning for more include Amel Tafsout, Isadora Bushkovski, Shamsi, Dina of Cairo, and Ariellah. Finally, Iscah has also taken workshops from Artemis Mourat, Morocco, Ava Fleming, Sharon Kihara, Kami Liddle, Samatha Riggs, Margo Abdo O’Dell, Juilanna Rohn, and Silvia Salamanca.
Iscah is currently undergoing a year-long intensive mentorship with Mirah Ammal. She is also doing a year-long intensive study with Amina Beres in Greek and Turkish style belly dance. From 2008-2009 Iscah spend a year dancing with Afsana, a world fusion dance troupe.
Most influential to Iscah is her Dancemeditation practice. Dancemeditation is a unique, integrated movement meditation system. Based in Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, Dancemeditation allows Iscah to explore deep spiritual connections between body, mind, and soul. Her study of Sufism has allowed her a deep understanding of the spiritual and cultural significance of Middle Eastern art, music, and poetry. It has harbored her deep love of folkloric and sacred dance forms.
