Jaouahir
It is through music that Cristina made her first appearance on stage. Her teen years are spent as the singer of a popular music group. As a young adult, she then participates in two collective creations not only as an author but also as an actor in "Éclats d'images" and "Sam IV : les histoires appartiennent à ceux qui les ont vécues". Before discovering dance, she enrols in formal classical singing lessons with the late Yolande Dulude and later on with Louise-Marie Archambault. In 1994, Cristina received a Visual Arts bachelor degree from UQAM. Initially attracted by the art of sculpture, she now enjoys drawing and painting.
She debuts her oriental dance learning with Khadija Jabiry in 1997 and goes on to perfect her art by attending numerous workshops not only in Montreal but also in the United States and Egypt. In 2004, she accompanies the Tywalline to the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival in Egypt. Two years later, in November 2006, she returns to Cairo to participate in the 2nd Seminar for teachers and professional dancers organized by Farida Fahmy and Mahmoud Reda.
A member of Baladi et danses de l’Orient: Tywalline since its foundation in 1999, Cristina occupies the secretarial functions for the board of director and also has the responsibility of taking care of the contracts for the dance troupe. From 2004-2008, she was the official rehearsal teacher.
In 2009, Cristina participates in the creative dance portion of the popular event “Le Grand Charivari” which inaugurated the new Place des Festival here in the heart of Montreal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_98u1-W7U&feature=related). It was her marvellous idea to incorporate the beautiful veils in the choreography. This event gave her the opportunity to be directed by the choreograph Marie Béland and the great Margie Gillis.
Since 2003, Cristina dedicates herself professionally to the teaching and practicing of the dance that she loves. With her mentor and friend, Khadija Jabiry, they founded the Al-Madrassa dance studio in September 2004.
Enriched by her numerous experiences and multitude of artistic interests, Cristina’s performances offer a strong technical base and profound expression.
© Dominique Chartrand