Who we are

Dharlene Valeda, Founder & Artistic Director, Lead Bellydance Instructor

Dharlene Valeda first discovered this dance in Europe in 1990, and has been a dedicated student ever since. Her approach to the dance emphasises a correct and healthy posture, as well as a soulful approach to movement. She endeavors to develop in her students a deep love of the music and cultures from which bellydance originates. She founded Haft Vadi Studio in Kitchener in 2002. Dharlene continues to study widely and regularly, including investing in trips as far away as Egypt, Germany, New York City, and California to study with the best instructors. She devotes most of her training time to private lessons with master teachers, to ensure that she receives careful feedback on her development, and therefore can provide accurate instruction in authentic bellydance to her students.

A complete listing of all courses taken and teachers is available in Dharlene’s resume.
Contact Dharlene at dharlene@haftvadi.com

Sheldon Valeda, Drumming Instructor

Sheldon has been studying Arabic hand drumming since 1997 and teaching since 2002. He has studied with such greats as Polly Ferber, Suhail Kaspar, Amer Matri, Dr. George Sawa amongst others.

************** Rise and Shine Yoga at Haft Vadi Studio**********

Karin Young

Karin Young – Yoga with Rise and Shine Yoga

Karin is a certified yoga teacher in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, taught in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. She was certified by world renowned teacher, David Swenson in the 1st Series Ashtanga Yoga in July, 2000. Karin is also a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, A Division of Yoga Research and Education Center. She has attended intensive workshops conducted by Geeta Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois respectively. Karin attended her first yoga class in 1996 and knew she had found her niche in life—to teach yoga.

Visit www.riseandshineyoga.com to see the schedule for Rise and Shine Yoga, located in the same Studio as Haft Vadi. You will not be disappointed!