Biography

Always in search of new knowledge to better her performance and teaching, she keeps up to date with the latest trends in Egypt, having collected an impressive range of top designer Egyptian costumes and travelling to Cairo to immerse herself in Arabic culture.

In Egypt Johara enjoyed intensive workshops with such Master Teachers as Raqia Hassan,
Aida Nour, Mahmoud Reda and Nagwa El Sultan. She has also completed workshops by International teachers such as Dr. Mo Geddawi, Magdy El Leissy, Yasmina, Caroline Evanoff, Kaeshi Chai as well as various interstate teachers.

Johara is the resident dancer at Arax Lebanese Restaurant in Willoughby (Saturday at 8pm) and Al Mustafa Lebanese Restaurant in Glebe (Saturday at 9pm).

Johara’s principle inspiration within Middle Eastern Dance has been (and continues to be) Paivi Mielikäinen — one of Australia’s premier dancer/teachers. Johara has developed into an exotic and passionate dancer with the ability to draw on a wide range of dance styles including Classical and Modern Egyptian, Baladi, Taksim, Saiidi and Khaleegy.

Paivi and Johara, along with several of Paivi’s students, formed Sydney’s first and only Egyptian Folkloric Troupe, Farrah – Fananat Al Raks Al Masri (The Egyptian Dance Artists). Johara is the President of the Farrah Association, rehearsal mistress, a soloist and troupe member allowing her to expand her passion for the history and culture of the dance form and to explore the many Egyptian Folkloric styles rarely seen in Australia.

See what Paivi had to say about her star pupil