Performance

"Sandrina's performances at Theo's Restaurant are a great pleasure to experience. Guests show up just to watch her dance! (Okay, the food's fabulous also.) Sandrina has a charismatic presence as she moves among the tables. She is a true professional. The skill with which she dances and her playful enthusiasm clearly demonstrate her love of Middle East dance. Especially awesome is her improvising to the live drumming that forms part of her performance. She involves the guests, getting them clapping, sometimes dancing, but above all - enjoying their experience at Theo's. We look forward to many more entertaining evenings in the future."

- Nikos Theodosakis, Theo's Restaurant


"It was an absolute pleasure to meet you. . . You are an amazing dancer with an incredible sense for inprovisation. Thank you for joining us, the pleasure was definitely ours."

-Pavlo, Canadian recording artist, composer, guitarist

"Sandrina is full of grace, and tastefully presents with great skill, this sensual dance as the artform that it is. Observing her dancing has helped me appreciate the 'art and mystery' of the belly dance as well as the incredible skill required of a professional dancer."

Kevin Cmolik, Theo's patron

"Sandrina performed for our May convention, and was a big hit! She was energetic, joyful, professional and easy to work with. Sandrina began the evening with a dramatic entrance in full costume and veil, finger cymbals flying to the music and performed a solo choreographed piece on stage, followed by a dancing tour of undulations, shimmies and spins at the delegates' tables and interaction with the crowd. Everyone had fun, with some even trying a few shimmies. Afterwards, Sandrina's drummer got the crowd slapping on tables with a humourous middle-east rhythm lesson. Quite a number of the delegates came to the front to put on bright scarves and test their hips, while Sandrina gave mini-lessons on incorporating the movements to the drum. Later on, she exhibited this technique marvellously during her dramatic drum solo finale. A very entertaining and proficient dancer.
Thank you Sandrina!"

- Ann Hancock, Fire Chiefs' Association of British Columbia

Yours is probably the best drum solo I have seen yet. . . its fabulous . . . your hip movements are a joy to watch. You have a superb gift and a longing to give it. It goes way beyond technique, way beyond selecting and knowing music, way beyond rhythmic sense . . . you have joy in the dance."

-Brian, California

"You have a gift that surely reflects the discipline, expressiveness, independence and sense of adventure you possess. Rock on!"

-Morgan Riley, Filmaker & patron of The Baracuda Sushi Bar

"I caught your performance and mini-workshop at the Brides and Beyond Bridal Fair and I was completely blown away! You're a splendid dancer, just wonderful and it was amazing what you could teach in just 15 minutes! I really wanted to keep on going, but it all ended too soon. They should have asked you to stay for at least half an hour with no other events going on at the same time. If so, the whole lot of them would have been at your booth!"

-Carla T, Vernon, BC

"I saw Sandrina perform at the Oliver Festival of the Tomato to great enthusiasm from the crowd. She not only danced marvelously (in a sultry mediteranean outfit) but also skillfuly taught to a brave few some cool moves and had them up and dancing in a big circle in no time. The live drumming was fabulous and added even more passion to her Gypsy flavoured set. A fun way to add spice to this interesting and fun day-long festival."

-Mabel C., Festival Volunteer

Instruction

"I attended one of Sandrina's Winter Workshops as a beginner loved it. Sandrina made us feel welcome and offered encouragement, no matter what our abilities. Before I knew it, just using the basic moves taught in the first half of the workshop, I was dancing in the second half! Sandrina taught an easy choreography, that included all the movements we'd just learned which also reinforced them. It was graceful, slow and made me feel beautiful. I'm looking forward to practicing it at home and learning more."

-Lynda W., Pharmacy Technician


"Your class helped me gain more self-confidence, and I now feel more comfortable in my own skin. You're a fabulous teacher and dancer, and it was a pleasure to be a part of your class."

-Jennifer K., Fashion boutique owner

"Thank you Sandrina for the opportunity of being under your instruction. I have learned many things that I will cherish and hope to study with you again soon!"

-Justine S., student

Sandrina's got something special. I've seen a lot of belly dancers in my life and this woman is amazing. Passion, grace, rhythm and joy. I've attended two of her workshops and both were well planned out, fun to participate in, with a lot of information to take home and think about. I like that she has a well-researched background in the dance and isn't afraid to share her perspective, at the same time encouraging us to search for ourselves and make it our own."

-Linda T. Screenwriter

"Thank you for your encouragement, enthusiasm and teaching skills. Not only are you able to communicate the various skills effectively but you also create a large comfort zone for those of us who are venturing out into new territory."

-Marjorie K., Research Technician

"You are TOOO AWESOME!! You're incredibly positive, kind, encouraging and because of that, make people feel really good about themselves. You're a wonderful teacher and I totally love being in your class."

-Samantha N., Customer Service Rep.

"Thanks a million times over! It was a pleasure being in your class; you are so generous and patient ."

-Patricia C., Vintaculturist

"I started learning belly dancing in your classes to get into shape, but now continue it for a bunch of more profound reasons: a deeper connection to my body, self-expression and especially because it makes me feel beautiful to move that way. You are a gifted teacher (and dancer!) - able to bring this out in anyone who's willing to give it a chance."

-Jennifer P., Working Mom

"Belly Dance classes are my indulgence and I LOVE attending yours. I've taken lessons with some other teachers, but I find your teaching style so beneficial. You're the epitome of strength and softness and you focuse on proper execution and breaking down the moves with good body alignment - a quality you don't often find in so many belly dance instructors who miss that important element. I leave class each week feeling powerful, beautiful and having learned something new."

-Andrea B., Primary Teacher

"I'd never taken dance before in my life , so I didn't have a lot of expectations for myself when I signed up for Sandrina's classes. Well, now I don't know why I waited so long! Sandrina is a true teacher. So meticulous. She's consistent, breaks the moves into tiny pieces, in ways so everyone can learn. And it's progressive: reviewing and adding new things each lesson. (Practising at home is a really good idea!) But it's not too serious, there is fun and a sense of freedom and joy that she imparts - to use the moves however we feel."

-Gina W., Business Owner

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Saturday's workshop and evening affair due to both Ferda's and your wonderful energy and commitment towards ensuring all us women had a wonderful day/evening out. I felt nurtured and my stomach sure enjoyed the tasty lunch - my compliments to The Fibonacci Cafe!"

-Jenny P., Belly Dancer