Oulun Itämaisen tanssin yhdistys, Yasmine ry

The Society of Oriental Dance in Oulu, Yasmine registered association (later Yasmine r.a.) is a society which focuses on oriental dance as a hobby. It promotes the dance and culture of the Middle East and Maghreb, being sensitive to traditions and new currents. The society has a six-member executive committee, which includes the chairman, the secretary, the course secretary, the treasurer, the publicist and the caretaker for the dance studio. The society has 186 members. All activities are carried out on voluntary basis apart from dance instruction. Our dance teachers are advanced amateurs who are paid for their work, but who either work or study full-time. There are 6-8 dance teachers every year. The dance workshops take place at our studio. Yasmine r.a. is a non-profit organization. It is funded with membership and course fees. The society has also been subsidized by the City of Oulu. In addition, the society has received some grants for its activities. The society organizes weekly dance workshops on different levels from beginners to more advanced dancers. There are workshops for children, teenagers and senior citizens. Workshops have been offered to groups with special needs (a particular illness or physical disability). The society has also given asylum seekers an opportunity to learn about this dance form. Yasmine r.a. promotes different styles of Middle Eastern and North African dance. These styles include both folkdances and more urbanized dance forms. The society organizes an annual Spring Show and participates in various dance events in the region. The society is well-connected with other cultural organizations and dance schools in the region. The society works in co-operation with other societies of oriental dance in Finland, and it is a member of the national association, Seitsemän hunnun tanssi r.a. Since 1994, Yasmine r.a. has invited all prominent Finnish dance teachers to give workshops at its studio. As the society wants its members to learn authentic style and culture, it has also invited world-class teachers to Oulu (Mr Mahmoud Reda, Mr Yousry Sharif, Hossam and Serena Ramzy).