Testimonials
Afreen and Ciarian
"Thank you so much for making our wedding so much more colourful and spectacular with your performance. Guests haven't got out of the trance your performance has put them into, they don't seem to stop to talking about you :-)
All I want to say that it was a privilege and an honour to have you at our wedding.”
Loads of Best Wishes and Love,
Afreen and Ciaran
Client
Testimonials
A. Aranda
Shabnam is an outstanding teacher. She is very technical and detailed and will give you the individual attention to correct you and coach you. She hypnotizes me every time I see her move, she is just amazing!!!!!. Once you see her sharp, precise yet delicate movements, you won't see belly dancers the same way.
Student
Testimonials
Mialeen Wright
Shabnam completely holds your attention when she takes the stage. I've gone to several Belly dance and cultural dance shows and Shabnam always steals the show and takes my breath away.
Fan, Client
Testimonials
Karimah Keene
I've been dancing with Shabnam for several years now. The experience has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Attending classes is a good opportunity to learn and improve dance technique, improve physical fitness and relieve the daily stresses of life!
Student
Testimonials
Diana Prendergast
As a student I must say that I've never experienced such individualized attention during class with any other instructor (and I've had a few!). Shabnam's classes are small, and she will focus on each student in order to break down movements and ensure that they are done correctly. Her attention to detail in each class is impeccable, and she stubbornly continues to work with me every week!
Student
Testimonials
Emily Taft
I am a newbie to Shabnam dance studio, but have been dancing for many years on the east coast. Never have I had a teacher so devoted to the success and happiness of her students. Shabnam's classes are worth every penny! The class is structured in a positive, comfortable environment where the students are encouraged to express themselves and discover the beauty of belly dance.
Student
Testimonials
Michelle Burch
Thank you so much for your performance at our wedding on July 16th. You were amazing. Everyone there was delighted and impressed by your beautiful dancing and your interactions with and involvement of the guests were perfect.
Client
Testimonials
SF Chronicle
Shabnam Dance Company’s precision and skill were abundantly apparent - three oscillating dancers perched atop wine glasses earned rousing response from the audience.
Mary Ellen Hunt, S.F Chronicle
Press
Testimonials
Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance
Shabnam’s undulating midriff and pelvic dislocations exuded sensuality and a kind of stylized elegance.
Press
Testimonials
Elly Ham
Shabnam is gracious, classy, and a very giving person. She'll push you, but she is well versed in injury prevention and doesn't push us beyond our limits. Since taking her Flexibility and Contortion classes, I've lost about 20lbs in 12 months. On a 5'1" body, that's quite a bit of weight. I've also noticed significant improvement in my dance lines and my stage presence as a salsa/mambo dancer.
Student
Testimonials
Maeve Lilly
She is dedicated to bringing out the best in all her students, with lots of individualized attention and encouragement. I love how Shabnam emphasizes musicality and lyricism in her classes, as well as technique. It's also great to be able to see her dance - the combos that she comes up with in class are beautiful! Her classes are a weekly inspiration!
Student
Testimonials
Johanna
What a fabulous show today, Shabnam! I can honestly say that you are the reason why I bought today’s Ethnic Dance Festival ticket. My only beef is that your piece was so short – my daughter and I wanted more! But technique, costume, lighting – superb! And your technical skill was amazing. My daughter is 6 and would love to take dance classes…do you teach children? In any case, bravo for a masterful performance!
Fan
Testimonials
Prasanna Kumar
Khati and I went to attend Ethnic Dance Festival (First Weekend). It was a very good experience. Had good time watching different dance types of different countries. Most notable was "Shabnam".
Fan
Testimonials
Amaryllis Salome Rosario-Carter
Killer, killer workshops! I need tiger balm so bad right now!
The day started with a burning warm-up that targeted the core and leg muscles - hurt so good. Shab is amazing at breaking down technique and body mechanics. Her floorwork and transitions are tight!!! She is an excellent teacher!!! Can't wait to take another workshop with her."
-Amaryllis Salome' Rosario-Carter
www.shimmythis. Com
Student
Testimonials
Susan Borrero
"Shabnam's excellent technique, wonderful style, amazingly happy and encouraging, yet disciplined, disposition make her one of the most wonderful teachers I have ever had and I have been dancing, teaching, taking classes over 48 years.Thank you.
Student
Testimonials
via youtube
Lovely sinuous movements -a beautiful snake-woman.
Fan
Testimonials
Yuki Okamoto - Raqs Art
I met Shabnam at the Ethnic Dance Festival 2010 in San Francisco. In this festival of dancing styles from all over the world, other dancers were performing in groups, because the theater’s stage was very large. However, Shabnam performed by herself, but her dancing had the power to attract a large audience. I felt the rhythm of the music visually through her Raqs Sharqi. In the party after the festival, I immediately asked Shabnam for a dancer’s interview, because her dancing and dramatics were amazing. Shabnam is very friendly, and I was moved by the nice and charming personality that she has besides her dancing skills
Press, Fan
Testimonials
Cynthia Bazan
First off, let me start by saying that this is not just a class, it is a "school" of bellydance. If you are looking for a kumbaya type of class where everything you do is "great" or "beautiful" then this is not the place for you. Her classes are challenging both physically and mentally as she makes it a point to ensure that you are not only learning something, but being respectful of the dance as well. You will learn to manipulate muscles that you never knew existed and in turn those muscles will come back to haunt you (in a good way of course.) My posture, self image and physique have all benefitted from my time with Shabnam and if you are dedicated and hardworking, you can reaps the benefits of Shabnam's knowledge and talent as well.
Student
Testimonials
Sarah Benitez
Sore already- arms,core, quads, calves! Great to be reminded how much of an innovator you are. Thanks!
Student
Testimonials
Madeline via Trekaroo.com
The highlight of the (Ethnic Dance Festival) show for my daughter came next: a belly dancer with a spine as flexible as a snake. She wiggled and jiggled, with bells on her fingers, a pretty purple skirt and long ponytail. The belly dancers were impressive, especially their last act, where they stood on the bottoms of upside-down wine glasses and, keeping their feet perfectly still, danced moving only their hips and shoulders and heads.
Fan
Testimonials
Bart Davis U2Lavation.com
Thank you so much for doing a fantastic job performing with us. You nailed it, and I could absolutely tell from the response from the crowd, it was great. Thank you again.
Client
Testimonials
Mariah and Brad
Dearest Shabnam,
Thank you so much for all the ways you shared your love, kindness and talent at our wedding. I love your energy and of course the mind blowing beauty of troupe Ooh La La made the day a perfect experience of bliss!
Client
Testimonials
Julia via Yelp
I've studied Belly dance in New York City and Los Angeles, and I have never had a teacher as great as Shabnam. I just completed her Basics Class and learned more in that time than in months of previous classes - and I will definitely be taking more!
She has this joyful enthusiastic energy, obviously loves and is passionate about dancing and teaching. I've never had this much fun belly dancing, and I feel comfortable and at ease to be there, release and let go into dancing. It's rare to find that in a teacher anywhere.
Student
Testimonials
Lindsey Stewart
I had an amazing workshop Friday at Shabnam Bellydance in Oakland. Shabnam was amazing and got me doing a standing backbend and up again. And Amazing stretches to get my splits back! What a workshop!
Student
Testimonials
Omi Mahina
We took an amazing flexibility/contortion private workshop with Shabnam Bellydance last week. We walked away super excited about what we accomplished and in awe of the amazing shabnam!
Student
Testimonials
Janice Berman - SF Classical Voice
Honoring glitz and glamour, according to the program, Shabnam Dance Company, led by Shabnam Shirvani, a group of modern bellydancers, dazzled. Swathed in pearls and golden costumes and chandelier earrings and, once, a headful of lighted candles, flexing their bare midriffs and other integuments, they were sinuous, sexy and athletic all at once. Furthermore, they played the drums called tablas, traditionally reserved for men.
Press
Testimonials
Allan Ulrich - San Francisco Chronicle
My guilty pleasure was the Shabnam Dance Company, which included 11 beautifully trained women in shimmering costumes undulating their midsections, balancing candelabras on heads, whipping heads so that flying hair covered faces.
Press
Testimonials
Couture A. via Yelp
A very flexible friend of mine from my dance team recommended the flexibility class. I just finished my first month and it was worth every penny. Highly recommended for anybody who would like to gain flexibility. Shabnam is awesome!
Student
Student:
Couture A. via Yelp
A very flexible friend of mine from my dance team recommended the flexibility class. I just finished my first month and it was worth every penny. Highly recommended for anybody who would like to gain flexibility. Shabnam is awesome!
Student:
Lindsey Stewart
I had an amazing workshop Friday at Shabnam Bellydance in Oakland. Shabnam was amazing and got me doing a standing backbend and up again. And Amazing stretches to get my splits back! What a workshop!
Student:
Julia via Yelp
I've studied Belly dance in New York City and Los Angeles, and I have never had a teacher as great as Shabnam. I just completed her Basics Class and learned more in that time than in months of previous classes - and I will definitely be taking more!
She has this joyful enthusiastic energy, obviously loves and is passionate about dancing and teaching. I've never had this much fun belly dancing, and I feel comfortable and at ease to be there, release and let go into dancing. It's rare to find that in a teacher anywhere.
Student:
Omi Mahina
We took an amazing flexibility/contortion private workshop with Shabnam Bellydance last week. We walked away super excited about what we accomplished and in awe of the amazing shabnam!
Student:
Sarah Benitez
Sore already- arms,core, quads, calves! Great to be reminded how much of an innovator you are. Thanks!
Student:
Cynthia Bazan
First off, let me start by saying that this is not just a class, it is a "school" of bellydance. If you are looking for a kumbaya type of class where everything you do is "great" or "beautiful" then this is not the place for you. Her classes are challenging both physically and mentally as she makes it a point to ensure that you are not only learning something, but being respectful of the dance as well. You will learn to manipulate muscles that you never knew existed and in turn those muscles will come back to haunt you (in a good way of course.) My posture, self image and physique have all benefitted from my time with Shabnam and if you are dedicated and hardworking, you can reaps the benefits of Shabnam's knowledge and talent as well.
Student:
Susan Borrero
"Shabnam's excellent technique, wonderful style, amazingly happy and encouraging, yet disciplined, disposition make her one of the most wonderful teachers I have ever had and I have been dancing, teaching, taking classes over 48 years.Thank you.
Student:
Amaryllis Salome Rosario-Carter
Killer, killer workshops! I need tiger balm so bad right now!
The day started with a burning warm-up that targeted the core and leg muscles - hurt so good. Shab is amazing at breaking down technique and body mechanics. Her floorwork and transitions are tight!!! She is an excellent teacher!!! Can't wait to take another workshop with her."
-Amaryllis Salome' Rosario-Carter
www.shimmythis. Com
Student:
Maeve Lilly
She is dedicated to bringing out the best in all her students, with lots of individualized attention and encouragement. I love how Shabnam emphasizes musicality and lyricism in her classes, as well as technique. It's also great to be able to see her dance - the combos that she comes up with in class are beautiful! Her classes are a weekly inspiration!
Student:
Elly Ham
Shabnam is gracious, classy, and a very giving person. She'll push you, but she is well versed in injury prevention and doesn't push us beyond our limits. Since taking her Flexibility and Contortion classes, I've lost about 20lbs in 12 months. On a 5'1" body, that's quite a bit of weight. I've also noticed significant improvement in my dance lines and my stage presence as a salsa/mambo dancer.
Student:
Emily Taft
I am a newbie to Shabnam dance studio, but have been dancing for many years on the east coast. Never have I had a teacher so devoted to the success and happiness of her students. Shabnam's classes are worth every penny! The class is structured in a positive, comfortable environment where the students are encouraged to express themselves and discover the beauty of belly dance.
Student:
Diana Prendergast
As a student I must say that I've never experienced such individualized attention during class with any other instructor (and I've had a few!). Shabnam's classes are small, and she will focus on each student in order to break down movements and ensure that they are done correctly. Her attention to detail in each class is impeccable, and she stubbornly continues to work with me every week!
Student:
Karimah Keene
I've been dancing with Shabnam for several years now. The experience has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Attending classes is a good opportunity to learn and improve dance technique, improve physical fitness and relieve the daily stresses of life!
Student:
A. Aranda
Shabnam is an outstanding teacher. She is very technical and detailed and will give you the individual attention to correct you and coach you. She hypnotizes me every time I see her move, she is just amazing!!!!!. Once you see her sharp, precise yet delicate movements, you won't see belly dancers the same way.
Press:
Allan Ulrich - San Francisco Chronicle
My guilty pleasure was the Shabnam Dance Company, which included 11 beautifully trained women in shimmering costumes undulating their midsections, balancing candelabras on heads, whipping heads so that flying hair covered faces.
Press:
Janice Berman - SF Classical Voice
Honoring glitz and glamour, according to the program, Shabnam Dance Company, led by Shabnam Shirvani, a group of modern bellydancers, dazzled. Swathed in pearls and golden costumes and chandelier earrings and, once, a headful of lighted candles, flexing their bare midriffs and other integuments, they were sinuous, sexy and athletic all at once. Furthermore, they played the drums called tablas, traditionally reserved for men.
Press:
Yuki Okamoto - Raqs Art
I met Shabnam at the Ethnic Dance Festival 2010 in San Francisco. In this festival of dancing styles from all over the world, other dancers were performing in groups, because the theater’s stage was very large. However, Shabnam performed by herself, but her dancing had the power to attract a large audience. I felt the rhythm of the music visually through her Raqs Sharqi. In the party after the festival, I immediately asked Shabnam for a dancer’s interview, because her dancing and dramatics were amazing. Shabnam is very friendly, and I was moved by the nice and charming personality that she has besides her dancing skills
Press:
Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance
Shabnam’s undulating midriff and pelvic dislocations exuded sensuality and a kind of stylized elegance.
Press:
SF Chronicle
Shabnam Dance Company’s precision and skill were abundantly apparent - three oscillating dancers perched atop wine glasses earned rousing response from the audience.
Mary Ellen Hunt, S.F Chronicle
Fan:
Prasanna Kumar
Khati and I went to attend Ethnic Dance Festival (First Weekend). It was a very good experience. Had good time watching different dance types of different countries. Most notable was "Shabnam".
Fan:
Madeline via Trekaroo.com
The highlight of the (Ethnic Dance Festival) show for my daughter came next: a belly dancer with a spine as flexible as a snake. She wiggled and jiggled, with bells on her fingers, a pretty purple skirt and long ponytail. The belly dancers were impressive, especially their last act, where they stood on the bottoms of upside-down wine glasses and, keeping their feet perfectly still, danced moving only their hips and shoulders and heads.
Fan:
Yuki Okamoto - Raqs Art
I met Shabnam at the Ethnic Dance Festival 2010 in San Francisco. In this festival of dancing styles from all over the world, other dancers were performing in groups, because the theater’s stage was very large. However, Shabnam performed by herself, but her dancing had the power to attract a large audience. I felt the rhythm of the music visually through her Raqs Sharqi. In the party after the festival, I immediately asked Shabnam for a dancer’s interview, because her dancing and dramatics were amazing. Shabnam is very friendly, and I was moved by the nice and charming personality that she has besides her dancing skills
Fan:
via youtube
Lovely sinuous movements -a beautiful snake-woman.
Fan:
Johanna
What a fabulous show today, Shabnam! I can honestly say that you are the reason why I bought today’s Ethnic Dance Festival ticket. My only beef is that your piece was so short – my daughter and I wanted more! But technique, costume, lighting – superb! And your technical skill was amazing. My daughter is 6 and would love to take dance classes…do you teach children? In any case, bravo for a masterful performance!
Fan:
Mialeen Wright
Shabnam completely holds your attention when she takes the stage. I've gone to several Belly dance and cultural dance shows and Shabnam always steals the show and takes my breath away.
