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On September 18th, Zahra’s is celebrating its 25 awesome year anniversary!!!
The History:
Zahra’s School started in the basement of my parent’s home. In 2001, we moved to the Ajax location. Today, Zahra's School has taught thousands of students and is represented throughout the Durham Region, York, Greater Toronto Area and Peel Regions. The School is represented in the international Belly Dance front by hosting workshops and events that feature international belly organizations dance celebrities, such as the Bellydance Superstars and Neena and Veena and have participated in performances sponsored by the International Belly Dance world. Zahra has been the primary instructor for 3 pageant competitions and all had won first place in their Talent portion! The School has won many awards, including the Reader's Choice awards for 6 consecutive years, the City of Pickering’s Arts Award as well as the Town of Ajax’s Volunteer Award and the Woman’s Award for Durham Region. The School also won 3rd place in the global Disney Princess competition!!
Zahra’s School has appeared on many media outlets including CityTV, Rogers TV, The Toronto Sun, Snap Ajax and the Ajax/Pickering newspaper. Zahra's School continues to support its local community by raising funds to support the Ajax/Pickering Hospital, The Humane Society of Durham Region and many local women’s shelters. Zahra is also active in bringing the dance to various high schools, organizations, seniors’ homes and community centers.
A big thank you to Paul, who is Zahra's Schools NewsAdvertiser Rep., Peter who not only looked for a location for the studio but also assisted in the creation of it. Charmaine who sent me a drawing that become my logo. Wendy, the person that is the inspiration behind Zahra's School. But most importantly, I want to thank each of the students, past and present for their continuous smiles and laughs, weekly lunches (thanks Mary!), and their willingness to dance. Zahra's is not only a dancing school, but each of the students are like family!
About Zahra
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Zahra is an acclaimed belly dancer. Her students regard her as an amazing and inspiring instructor. Zahra supports belly dance because of its diversity and creativity. She encourages students to be open and creative so that they too can experience the many forms of belly dance. Zahra believes that when the dancer becomes more focused she becomes more physically, emotionally and spiritually independent. Her focus is always on health, creativity, motivation and fun!
Zahra has always been a firm supporter of the Durham community . She organizes an annual makeup drive where donations of new and unused makeup are delivered to less fortunate women living in a women’s shelter located in Ajax. Last year, the drive raised over 18 boxes of new and unused makeup! Zahra supported the Neo-Natal unit and Emergency department at the Ajax/Pickering Hospital by donating over $5,000 and purchasing equipment for the hospital. Her contributions to the Humane Society of Ajax were essential in repairing the emotional and physical scars due to a fire at the centre where many animals were housed. In 2008, the Town of Ajax recognized Zahra as an exceptional volunteer by honouring her with the Volunteer Recognition Award. Her emotional speech at the Award Ceremonies reinforced that she is not only a proud member of Ajax, but that she has a great deal of respect and passion to contribute to the well being of the community. Zahra's School has consistently been chosen by you, the community for the Reader's Choice Awards of Durham, and we thank you for that!
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