A few responses to Shems' Performances:
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"Shems is the best kept secret in Baltimore! She is a beautiful performer, an excellent and conscientious teacher and a lovely person!"

-Artemis (www.serpentine.org) is a master teacher, writer, historian and one of the best Turkish dancers in the US.

"You have musicality. You have variety. You have wicked skill. I was noting just how many different moves, good moves were packed into a dance, yet you did not exhaust the eye; the moves all flowed as though you were channeling the music through yourself. Your dance was an ever shifting feast of loveliness. Your prowess with props was beautiful and impressive as well, and the whole experience was fun. Sometimes I see a dancer that makes me want to hang up my bra and belt because of some sort of remote perfection that leaves me empty. Your performance did not do that- it left me feeling happy, hopeful, and eager to improve my own dancing."

-Nina Amaya, (http://habibihon.com/ninaamaya/) performs belly dance professionally around the Baltimore area

"Thank you so much for being there. You were absolutely magical and everybody LOVED you. I also loved your outfit, you looked beautiful."

-Jana, after my performance at her engagement celebration

" Thank you so much for coming out and performing for Bonnie Brae. I know everyone loved it. You did such a great job of engaging the audience and getting the kids interested. Many people commented to me while we were cleaning up how much they enjoyed your performances. I know you had to come a long way and I so appreciate all the good communication prior to the event and your explanations before your performances. AND your performances themselves were fabulous so thank you very much! If I have the opportunity I will recommend you for other events at our school or other places I know who might be interested. "

- Amy, coordinator for Bonnie Brae Elementary School's international night

"It was amazing to watch Shems work yesterday. Her music and costuming was great. I truly enjoyed her hip shimmies, undulations, you name it! The sword and the cane dances were great and what stamina! I had taken one class with Shems early this years and had been looking forward to her new classes and her style of teaching. I am so glad I decided to go to the 5 Seasons on yesterday. Believe me, it was a real treat! Hope to see more of you Shems!"

- Malia, after my performance at the Five Seasons in Baltimore

"Just wanted to say a big thank you for performing at Faces of Africa, on behalf of the African Public Health Network. Everyone enjoyed your performance and you definitely represented North Africa well. We look forward to having you perform for us in the future."

-Abena, coordinator for Johns Hopkins University's Public Health Network's "Faces of Africa" production

"beautiful performance at 5 Seasons! i loved the power of your sword dance - the athleticism you possess, the drum solo was awesome. you have a very nice balance of strength, grace, and just enough coquettish to keep the crowd happy.....now, mind you, i'm no dancer - thus hiding behind the darbukka :) bravo!!"

-Eric, an excellent tabla player in the Baltimore/DC area

"I just wanted to thank you again for performing in our show. Your dance was amazing! I have only seen beautiful veil work like that on one other dancer (Aziza of Montréal). Thank you again, your performance was phenomenal!"

-Katayoun (katayoundance@verizon.net) is a popular dancer and instructor in Sterling, VA.

"All of the dancers were wonderful...My personal favorite was Shems' cane dance, wearing beledy assuit, it was lively, and entertaining. Cane is one of my favorite dances and that was one of the best I've seen. Hats(canes?) off to you Shems!"

-Zuhra Zakiyah is dancer in the Salt Lake City area. This is an excerpt from a review she wrote about one of the USUMED productions.

"I love your dancing. You and Zahra Gamal are two of my favorite Egyptian style dancers in the area."

-Kostana (www.raks-n-rhythms.com/) is a professional dancer in the Washington, DC area, known for her wonderful Turkish style dance.

"The first time I saw Shems dance, I was completely and totally blown away. Also, kind of jealous, because girlfriend CAN MOVE like nobody's business!! Since then, I've been fortunate enough to get to know her, and although I'm still envious of her mad skillz, I also consider myself lucky to know her as a friend."

-Lucy (www.lucy-dances.com) is one of the most popular professional dancers in Egyptian style currently working in the DC area.