Shireen's passion for dance
has led her to become an aspiring dance educator and dedicated performer. Her passion for cultural dance forms has always been an important part of her childhood because of her West Indian heritage, leading her to begin formal training in Jazz dance. Shireen is also trained in Egyptian Beledi dance, West African dance, Latin dance forms, Southeast Asian dance and Hip Hop and continues to spread these dance forms through various workshops and performing choreographies.
After being introduced to Sanskriti Arts at Masala! Mehndi! Masti!, Shireen decided to bring her childhood favourite, Bollywood dance, back into her life. She has been performing with Sanskriti Arts Ensemble since 2009 and has now become one of their versatile instructors, teaching at various locations across the GTA, including children's and adult dance classes, as well as adult fitness classes.
Shireen has performed two years at M!M!M!, been featured in promos with local television stations like CBC, CTV, and CHCH and has performed with singing sensations, Shibani Kashyap, Vikas Khanna and Ali Quli Mirza. Shireen has also gained experience in modeling for fashion shows and photo shoots. Not only does she love dancing, but she has also pursued interest in music. As of 2009, Shireen has been a member of Samba Squad, led by award-winning percussionist, Rick Lazar and has also been a dedicated member of steel pan band, York Tones, led by steel pan musician Gareth Burgess.
Shireen Ali
Dance & Fitness Instructor, SAE
“Dance is an embodied movement – one which takes extensive training and dedication and it requires an open mind. I will always be thankful for the teachers that I have encountered in my life because they are the ones who have inspired me to spread dance as an educational practice.
Whether it be for fun or for practice, dance will continue to uplift my spirits and I want to encourage these feelings and experiences to my students.”