Biography

OREET, Creator of SharQui —The bellydance workout
* Reigning Middle Eastern Dance Champion of North America
* Champion Bellydance Diva 2005
* Entertainer of the Year 2006
* Jewel of the Nile 2006

Oreet, creator of SharQui —The bellydance workout™, has always been fascinated by the body and how it moves. Her family's Middle Eastern cultural roots exposed her to an array of ethnic sounds and rhythms, including traditional bellydance melodies. This inspired her to learn everything she could about dance and movement, from gymnastics to ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and folkloric dance. Oreet remains passionately committed to understanding the ins and outs of each genre and its impact on the body.

Oreet received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Performance from SUNY College at Brockport, and later settled in New York City to perform with several modern dance companies. Simultaneously, she choreographed works of movement for emerging dance and theater companies and brought her professional dance expertise to fitness clubs around New York City. Excited by the health club trend of offering dance classes as a form of exercise, Oreet made her contribution. She earned teaching certifications for all forms of bodywork. Her certifications with AFFA, Johnny G Spinning and Back Logic allowed her to teach hi/low-impact aerobics, step, body sculpting, spin, kickboxing and stretch classes at several popular fitness clubs.

By 1996, Oreet found herself increasingly frustrated. Something was missing from the “trendy” workouts and dance techniques she was being asked to teach. Oreet often overheard women who seemed committed to their dance classes and workouts complaining about their "problem areas" or poor body image. Like many of her students, Oreet worked hard physically yet struggled with an incomplete and unsatisfying sense of well-being. Motivated to reach all types of women, Oreet began experimenting with the workouts she offered.

Years of trial and error, coupled with ongoing feedback from her students and clients, helped Oreet form her new technique. Returning to her roots, Oreet blended together the body-loving art form of bellydance, with the cardiovascular and toning benefits of fitness classes. SharQui - The bellydance workout™, was born.

After teaching SharQui in Manhattan and across the U.S.A. for more than five years, Oreet developed a following of students. The SharQui technique works on core strength, speed, isolation, stamina and, most importantly, focuses on positive self-image in a judgment free environment. SharQui - The bellydance workout™is perfect for those seeking a new and exciting way to get fit and for the serious dancer looking to stay healthy and dance better than ever.

Oreet was awarded the Middle Eastern Dance Champion of North America, Bellydance Diva 2005 and People‚s Choice for the Jewel of the Nile 2005. She has also been a finalist for the Bellydancer of the Year Competition and Bellydance Superstars Southwest Competition.

Along with being a competitive bellydancer, Oreet continues to expose women to SharQui's philosophy and methods. She currently teaches master classes and is developing additional workouts as part of the SharQui line.
A DVD of SharQui - The bellydance workout™ is available now through www.amazon.com