Tahira Badre

Tahira began her studies at the pioneer Middle Eastern Dance school 'Freddy's Dance Academy' in Toronto, run by husband & wife team Eddy and Samia Manneh, from Beirut, Lebanon.  Tahira was a principle dancer of Eddy Manneh's Arabian Sahara Dance Company  for 17 years.  She honoured the experience of being in an authentic Middle Eastern troupe, absorbing the Arabic culture and heritage with her 'dance family'.  Tahira also trained  with Royal Jordanian Dance Troupe choreographer Marwan Jarrar, as well as drumming lessons with Dr. George Sawa, Middle East Music Director for the University of Toronto.

 

Tahira has had numerous television appearances,  participated in many shows and multicultural festivals (Ontario, Quebec and U.S.), and was a regular featured performer  at Toronto's Al Khaima Middle Eastern Dinner Theatre for three years.

 

Tahira managed the Mississauga branch of Freddy's Dance Academy for 10 years, teaching and choreographing group and solo dances.  Many of her students became professional dancers.

I had no way of knowing that a curiosity about finding a new way to exercise through this bellydance was to set me on a path that would change my life completely.   The music and movements felt so ‘right’,  I didn't want the class to end!  

 

Looking back to that time, it’s clear I was guided to this most ancient of dances.....to awaken the inner strength I would need to face the challenges to come.... the complete upheaval of my world and ultimate end to a 21 year marriage.  I became strong, began to feel, and was free!  

Beginnings (Circa 1999…)

 How “Goddess Emerging” came to be:

 

I met Deb Bajoras when she apprehensively attended my bellydance class with a friend.  After having an unexpected profound, emotional awakening,  she said “you have something very powerful here, that every woman should experience”!   She was the founder of Dolphinsong Enterprises, and a cranial sacral therapist, studying energy healing.

 

We joined forces, creating “Goddess Emerging”, with a vision to help women searching for their own spiritual awakening.  We offered weekend retreats, workshops, a newsletter with recommended reading and articles of inspiration.  Our monthly Goddess Gatherings included bellydance lessons by candlelight, followed by guided meditations, tea/coffee and decadent chocolate cake (perfect Goddess food!)

 

We travelled to Hawaii, making connections for a major retreat we envisioned “Rebirth The Earth”,  visiting sacred sites and swimming with wild dolphins.  Glorious experiences!

 

Our plans were diverted by 9/11, and eventually Deb decided to focus on bringing goddess energy to the corporate world.   The monthly Goddess Gatherings continued for several more years,  with Cheryl Camillo, of Spiritwalk Dundas.