Who is Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan? (Translates: Beloved Sweetheart of Treasure) says, “We must do what we love and share our talent, passion and joy with others.” Ma*Shuqa is known internationally as the “elegant” performer with a unique style of dancing which blends the music and dance into a compelling art form.

Ma*Shuqa worked overseas in with Turkish bands and Greek bands. She overcame the challenge of the language barrier and developed shows with bands through the medium of rhythm, cymbal playing, and humming the music. Ma*Shuqa teaches a unique Ma*Shuqa Method approach for dancing and playing cymbals in performance to live music. She was also an early adopter of shamadan dancing, and performed with a real candelabrum in Europe. She was the first dancer to dance with Isis Wings with Isis Wings that she created – and is known for her performances with Isis Wings. Her Egyptian styling is a result of study with Mahmoud Reda and performances in Cairo.

Ma*Shuqa has been performing, teaching and coaching 50 years. She extensively researches the music and dance and has authored many articles on rhythms, musicality, maqams, and the essence of Arabic music Tarab. “Taqsim and Tarab: Movement and Musicality”. She has authored an article series on the subject of “The Professional Difference – Elegance of Style” which defines professionalism in this dance genre and provides guidelines and direction for developing professional dance quality in Raqs Sharqi performers. She has coached many award winning dancers in competitions in the U.S. and abroad.

BA Psychology, BA Social Service, MPH Public Health Education, MBA, EdD ABD With an academic background and graduate studies in education and instruction, and in health education, Ma*Shuqa has the expertise to discern quality performance and has been invited to judge many dance competitions in the U.S. and in Europe. Juggling dual careers for over 35 years in dance and professional management, administration, and business development coaching, she retired from business after her cancer diagnosis. She is an ovarian cancer survivor and overcoming personal life challenges now coaches women with health issues and challenges of life changes. Her goal in teaching this dance is to offer women an opportunity to learn this beautiful art and dance form, while becoming healthier and happier as a result of movement, dance, and exercise.

Ma*Shuqa is known for instructing dancers in the Art of Bellydance, which Ma*Shuqa does with mastery in her performances and coaching based on sound educational principles and her Ma*Shuqa Method instruction and structure. Ma*Shuqa began dancing in 1973 and immersed herself in the dance genre. She reached international fame as a master teacher and starred in many Gala shows. Ma*Shuqa melds her professional background in instructional design and teaching experience with her passion for creating dancers with depth of performance and uniquely special dance styles that touch the hearts and souls of audiences. Ma*Shuqa is world renown as the first performer with Isis Wings – creating and dancing with them 30 years ago. She developed Ma*Shuqa Method which provides dancers a unique structure for creating their own signature performances and dancing with finger cymbals (sagaats) that capture the musicality of Middle Eastern music and presenting dance that captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

Ma*Shuqa shares her SIGNATURE DANCE SECRETS and her MA*SHUQA METHOD: an Intensive Performance Styling System. A professional dancer with over 50 years of performing; an instructor on the national & international workshop scene; sound educational instructional expertise; and a proven instructional method, Ma*Shuqa brings all of her knowledge, experience, and skills to her teaching. She has international performing experience with live bands in Greece, Germany, Japan, and Egypt; and an amazing history of coaching competition winners and professionals! Enjoy sharing dance experiences while learning -- Dance, laugh, and bond with your dance sisters .