Awalim was formed in 1999 under the Direction of Ziah Ali McKinney-Taylor as a group to bring World Fusion Tribal Bellydance to the stages of Atlanta and the Southeast US. Awalim’s particular flavor of Tribal is decidedly upbeat and earthy while being sophisticated and urban, bringing what we feel are Atlanta’s strongest characteristics to the Tribal genre.
The Awalim Dance Company takes their name from the term ‘Awalim which is the plural of ‘Alima. This term applied to female singers and dancers who performed only for women in the Ottoman aristocratic households (Rodinson, 1975). These women were educated in the dance and music arts of the Middle East and were entertainers for the upper class. Taking from our historical name, the members of the Awalim dance company are equally educated in the music, dance, and history of our art form. Awalim’s goal is to not only pursue excellence in dance but to create a community of dancers with similar passion towards our art form that will work together to create unique choreographies and polished performances.
Principal Dancers: Ziah Ali, Director; Majda Anwar; and Aziza Nawal plus guest dancers Ava and Awalumni (our past dance company members).
Ensemble Dancer
Ensemble dancers have auditioned to perform with Awalim in larger ensemble stage pieces. They also assist in productions, student rehearsals, workshops and in class plus have access to ensemble musical performance.
Apprentice Dancer
Apprentice dancers are students willing to make a weekly commitment to rehearsals and study. They have access to more group and solo performance opportunities, further avenues of study, and a more sustained group bond. Access to ensemble musical performance.
Student Dancer
Student dancers have made a commitment to one group performance and the requirements it entails.
Below is a general list of our yearly productions and commitments, go to our Performance Page for a more extensive and updated list.
Awalim Promo Video from Various Performances
