AMBER - ARABIC DANCE AND MUSIC

Amber Hansen is an internationally experienced performer of Arabic and Middle Eastern Oriental dances with over 15 years of experience. Her passion for the dance is strongly influenced by her Lebanese ancestry and love of music and dance that spans the entire geographical region that follows the ancient Silk Route. She has more than 25 years experience in dance and music, her early years specializing in jazz, funk, musical theater and classical, and over 15 years engaed with Arabic, Middle Eastern and Oriental styles.

Also an accomplished musician in piano, music technology, voice and percussion, her ability to interpret and understand the musicality of the dance shines through every performance. Her Arabic music and dance tuition includes studies in Arabic percussion (tabla/darbucka) as well as translating and arranging Arabic songs for a more authentic understanding. Amber performs specific cultural genres such as Egyptian 'Raqs Sharqi' (Oriental Dance), Raqs Baladi, Palestinian Dabke, Lebanese and Turkish Oriental and Romany Gypsy Cabaret.

Amber performs all over Australia and has also performed extensively throughout the UK. Mostly a self taught performer in these art forms, she has gained further training at workshops and private lessons with master teachers from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, UK and Australia.

Professional performance highlights include performing at the Brisbane Powerhouse Theater in Brisbane (Australia), WOMAD festival (UK), the Bloomsbury Theater in London (UK), National Multicultural festival in Canberra (2010 and 2011) as well as the Woodford Folk Festival, one of the biggest Australian World and Folk music festivals held in Queensland (2010/2011).

Amber is available as a solo dance performer and is also an emerging Arabic vocalist. She can also provide a live music ensemble to perform a variety of traditional and contemporary styles of Arabic and Middle Eastern dance and music for multicultural arts events, private functions and festivals.