Denise Enan, born in Egypt, began classical ballet at the age of four. Having had the opportunity to study with the dance teachers of the Russian Bolchi, she moved to Folkloric dance with the National Folklore Troupe of Egypt (Firqa Kaoumia). The female students in the troupe were taught Oriental Dance by Saneya Shawki, one of the best professional dancers from the famous Mohamed Ali quarters in Cairo. Denise advanced quickly to principle dancer and assistant to the maitre de ballet. She taught the repertoire to the main troupe and also trained may new students in the Folkloric Institute. Denise and her husband Ahmed, who was also a principle dancer in the National Troupe, began establishing dance groups in four different regions in Egypt and in 1971 won first prize at the television National Competition in folkloric dance.

Denise and Ahmed have danced for many celebrities around the world including presidents, emperors, and kings. She has also performed in many international festivals throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

In 1975, after 14 years of dancing with the National Folkloric Troupe, Denise and her family moved to Canada. Wasting no time, she began passing on her knowledge and experience of dance and choreography by teaching classes and seminars across Canada.

Denise also currently teaches Egyptian folklore to children in elementary and high schools for performances in recital and television shows. She has gathered many devoted students that she has groomed and trained to become professional dancers.

Hadia is one of Canada's natural jewels.   “She has the energy of a five year old, the wisdom of an old woman and the ageless spirit of a true dancer.”  Hadia is considered by all who see her as a dancer’s dancer - in every sense of the word. 

Accolades: 

2003 - Nominated by IAMED for Best Modern Egyptian Dancer.  2002 -  Global Woman of Vision - Arts, Entertainment and Culture.  2001 - ADOS Lifetime Acheivement Award  2000 - The winner of the International Association of Middle Eastern Dance Best Choreographer Award (Los Angeles, Ca.).  1999 - Giza Academy Award for Best Instructional DVDs.  

Hadia has lived and performed through the Middle East and has studied and worked with many of the great masters of oriental dance and Folklore including Ibrahim Akef, Farideh Fahmy, Zohari Zeki, Mona al Said, Dina, Ibrahim Farrah, Ahmad Jarjour, Raqia Haasan, and the Kohmeya National Folkloric Company of Egypt.   Her understanding and mastery of the very soul of Raks Sharqi and her innate ability to weave the subtle nuances and textures of oriental music into movement have earned her an international reputation as an exquisite performer of impeccable quality.

Her ingenious teaching skills draw upon her multi-faceted 37-year career as an artist of Middle Eastern, Flamenco, Jazz, African/Afro-Brazilian, Polynesian and Salsa, as well as her 15 years as a registered practitioner and instructor of massage/manual therapy.  She skilfully applies her extensive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology to create thorough, clear and disciplined breakdowns of all techniques. Her understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East is reflected in her attentive application of oriental rhythms, instruments and phrasing, as well as her ability to encourage emotional and artistic expression. She has a fullness and depth to her teaching that embodies her deep love and respect for our art form as it challenges, inspires and accommodates all levels of students - novice to professional.   Dedicated to educating dancers, all that she knows she willingly shares.

In great demand internationally as a performer, master instructor and choreographer, Hadia continues to tour throughout the Middle East, including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Syria; Europe (England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary); Turkey; The Far East (Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Bali) ; Australia and New Zealand; Canada and the US; Mexico and South America, including Brazil, Argentina and Chile and South Africa.

Hadia also conducts dance-oriented tours to the Middle East and Turkey, as well as week-long intensive courses in Professional Oriental Dance Training and Development and Certified Teacher Training Programs in such exotic locations as Acapulco, Bali and Europe, as well as her from her home in Montreal and many other locations throughout North America.

Hadia has certainly demonstrated her tireless dedication to her dreams, while continuing to inspire those around her to follow in her graceful footsteps.

For more information www.hadia.com  or contact her directly at 1 514 969-2220 or hadia@hadia.com 

Reviews about past workshops Adishakti has hosted...

"Adishakti, you sure know how to put on a workshop! Many, many thanks for all your effort and hard work. I hope you slept all day today!
Michelle Mark: Rochester, New York