Workshop: Energy Flow for Dancers. Dance with Purpose (Friday, Sept 27, 7:30 - 9:30pm CDT)

Workshop: Folk to Sharki (Saturday, Sept 28, 1:00 - 3:00pm CDT)

Featured Instructor for 2024

Biography for DaVid of Scandinavia

DaVid of Scandinavia - a Middle Eastern dance artist, choreographer and dance coach.

Norwegian by birth and East Indian by heritage, DaVid trained in Punjabi Folk dances from an early age under his father, Ustad Tarlochan Singh, former member of the award winning Layllpur Khalsa College Bhangra Team. A performer since childhood, DaVid is known for his precise technique, delicacy in artistry and expressive finesse along with his refined musical sense.

Being one of the earlier male dancers to establish an international presence; DaVid has toured in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Ukraine, England, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Canada and in the United States for performance and coaching engagements since 2000.

DaVid also conducts dance instruction through his dance academy and through online services specializing in the more professional and educational levels of dance. He has authored and published study materials for Middle Eastern dance. DaVid's coaching abilities regularly has him involved in projects of all sizes as a consultant. For example; In 2010, he coached and choreographed for the Bellydance Superstars for their Bombay Bellywood show. DaVid's articles have been published in international magazines and webzines. He also co-hosted shows and events with renowned instructors.

Clients of DaVid have continued on to become internationally touring dance artists, studio owners, dance instructors, touring company members, competition winners, and featured instructors at international festivals. His choreographies continue to be featured in dancers' seasonal repertoires, by dance companies, and by dancers for performances and competitions.

Throughout his career DaVid has been a featured artist and teacher at multiple international festivals and stages including Oslo Oriental Dance Festival, Stockholm Bellydance Festival, Bazaar Oriental and Raqs LA. In 2014 he became the first ever Norwegian dancer to teach at the Nile Group Festival. He has been featured on performance and instructionals by IAMED, PeKo Records and Cheeky Girls Productions. DaVid served as judge at the Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant (USA), Shisha Party (Ukraine), Maria Shazadi Competition (Mexico), Dancer of the Year (Norway) and Stockholm Bellydance Festival (Sweden), Hot Raqs (California) and others. He has been interviewed by major newspapers, magazines and TV channels in Norway, Sweden and Germany including Aftenposten - Oslo Puls, VG, Dagbladet, Se&Hør, DN på Stan, NRK, TV3 and VDR alongside features in dance publications such as the Gilded Serpent, Al Farah Magazine, Al Raqassa, SODA Bladet, Bazar Oriental, Nafoura Magazine, Revista Shimmie, Noticias Nur, Danza Oriente and Bellydance Japan.

DaVid received his training in Middle Eastern dance with Ms. Safa (USA/Norway), Ms. Dr. Lee Figenschow (Norway), Ms. Lena Helt (Sweden) and dance dignitaries from Egypt, Norway, Sweden and USA. He pursued studies with numerous teachers and coaches in Middle Eastern dance. DaVid - an acknowledged mentor himself - continuously received the generous guidance and support of many of the Egyptian, Norwegian, Swedish, and American dance elite mentors. DaVid studied movement and Ideokinesis with John Diaz.

DaVid's dance work evolved within Egyptian Raqs Sharki, Saiidi, Balady, Shaabi and Khaleeg dances (dances from the Arabian Gulf). His multifaceted background and investigative nature also brought Kathak, Baratha Natyam, Silk Road Dances, Ballet, Modern, Ballroom, Latin, Oriental Tanzi, Turkish Romani, American Cabaret, American Tribal Style, and American Tribal Fusion into his exploration. He continues to be a strong advocate of Ideokinesis and Yoga.

In 2019, after 35 years of dancing and a fulltime professional career spanning 20 years, dance took on a part-time role. DaVid continues his work as a coach with focus on exclusive instruction for dancers looking for a deeper and excelled training path, as well as limited teaching engagements. DaVid now pursues his passion for cultural exchange and travel in the Tourism field.

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