Taaj's Testimonials

Belly Dance Trainer Certification Program

Teaching

See Andaleeb's 2004 WAMEDA article here.

"Thanks for sharing the information in your Obvious Belly Dance Expert seminar. The information on media kits alone saved me years of experimenting with trial and error promotion." ~Khadejah Grubbs (VA)

"Thank you sooooo much for your fabulously candid input and critique (from the Intermediate Intensive workshop). I really appreciate it and feel very lucky to have access to your knowledge and background." ~ Kalaa (VA)

"It is hard to express how impactful your detailed and thoughtful comments and targeted assistance are.  Everyone who has had you as a resource is so lucky!" Samira, (Winner of the 2005 Headliner category of the East Coast Classic)

“Taaj is a Professional’s Professional. Most of the time skill sets don’t overlap—some people are excellent performers but terrible teachers; some great teachers are only solid, not fantastic, performers. And we all know people who are better marketers than they are either teacher or performer! But Taaj has it all. She is a superb dancer, one of the more thoughtful and phenomenal teachers I have encountered, AND she is truly professional—informed, articulate, organized, prompt, on top of everything and completely professional and classy in her approach to, and teaching of, business and marketing skills. She is one of a kind.” --Shakira al Fanninah

"Taaj ...gives one of the best intro classes I ever had to Egyptian Style Dance" Sitamun (MD)

"Your break down of drum solo is the best I've ever seen. Can I borrow your technique?"~ Maya (Grand Champion winner of the 2004 East Coast Classic)

"I want to thank you again for the (Intermediate Intensive) workshop. Everything you covered is exactly what has been lacking in my training. It stretched  me in a lot of ways, as I'm so used to a very structured environment with lots of drills and choreography but no development of myself as an individual dancer. Now I have a starting place to begin developing my "Self" as a dancer and discover what I want to express through dance. ~ Pam Wolfe (VA)

WAMEDA says Taaj's teaching, "unveils the mystery."

"I've been taking lessons for two years, but I've learned more from you in the last four weeks than in all that time. Your teaching style just makes sense." ~Ruby Armstrong (VA)

"I am completely spoiled by Taaj's teaching style. Taaj always explains about the characteristics, music, and costuming for the dance she is about to teach. She explains the "feeling" of the style she is teaching, so you can keep that inner sense while you dance it.  Taaj teaches specific concepts of style and movement to the music. When you apply these concepts to your vocabulary of Oriental movements, you absorb a better understanding of the style. This is more beneficial than learning a one-size -fits-all choreography.  She's a true "teacher", organized, knowledgeable, gives the facts and true nature of what is being taught. After her class, you'll know what your doing!" ~Sharon (Grand Champion winner of the 2005 East Coast Belly Dance Classic)

"You did a fabulous job and even though I have been involved in Middle Eastern dance, I learned a lot from you." Melina (PA)

"I am listening to Egyptian music differently now. Thank-you so much. Oh, my goodness! I'm going to have to re-teach myself, which is a good thing!" Payal (MD)

"The Intermediate Intensive was wonderful. I always feel energized when I leave the Intermediate Intensive. Your experience level is not available anywhere else, in my opinion. I feel like I am breaking through to the next level --- again!" Zuleika, VA (winner of Headliner in the 2006 East Coast Classic and runner up in Silver at the 2006 Personal Best Competition)

Performing

"That was great! You really know the music, and that is the most important thing for any dancer." ~ Issam Houshan, drummer for BDSS

..."very classy"

"She dances with no accent."

"When she dances, I must watch. She dances with such pleasure."

               ~Arab audience members at the Hakim show where Taaj performed Oct 2, 2004.

Products

"Thank you for sending me the book (How to Position Yourself as the Obvious Belly Dance Expert and Double Your Income). It is, how shall I say, a masterpiece in the business of belly dance world. You really have tapped into something here which I'm certain you know by now. I will be sure to encourage the women I know in this business to consider taking a look at it. Your approach is paramount in so many ways. You are a true pioneer." ~ Eshta (MI)

"I have listened to them (self-hypnosis CDs) for 21 days now. I had a real problem dancing in front of other teachers. This problem now is dissolved. This has totally taken me to the next level of dancing. I almost gave it up, then I started reading a women's book of power, then found Taaj online through a search - and the tapes! Oh, they took me to a new level. Taaj also has a DVD out that is great for the beginner to create confidence in herself into reach the next level of intermediate. She creates a feeling of welcoming and "you can do it." Guess what, and you can. Anyone can with the influence of these self- hypnosis tapes. Not only are these CDs good for teachers, but for students who have never had stage experience. She has subliminally helped me to want to reach my goals, actually to put me back in touch with my goals. I recommend these CDs to every women that is serious about dance. Taaj has touched my life in the dance world. I cannot say enough about her wanting to share her knowledge. More souls need to be like hers." ~Roxann Scotella (MI)

"My mom bought me your "How to Position Yourself' e-book last year and it was and continues to be a help.  Most of the things that work for me were already in there plus I learned some new approaches.  Thank you."  ~Ruric-Amari (KY)

"For anyone who didn’t call in to the teleseminar Sunday ("Money: Get It, Use It, Spend It Keep It" with Patrick Astre)…boy, ya missed it! It was worth it for the stuff on the LLCs alone [never mind how to avoid an audit ;-)]. How to avoid losing all you have to tortious interference [also known as, lawsuits by deranged/evil/greedy/whatever dancers] was really worth it. The guy who spoke could easily have done *3 different* teleseminars, on each of the topics! ~Shakira (OH)