The art of Middle Eastern dancing has been practiced for over 2000 years and is still being enjoyed by performer and audience alike!  The intriguing rhythms are mesmerizing.

Mas Uda mans 'happy' or 'fortunate', and we are known for our enthusiasm!  We feel fortunate to dance because of the joy it brings to us and to our audience. And don't forget the costumes! Beautiful and unusual costumes, handmade from yards of unique and exotic fabrics, coins and thousands of beads - so fun to wear!

Our troupe is composed of women of all ages, sizes and walks of life. Our common thread is our passion for the art, music, and exercise of Middle Eastern dance. By profession, we are:  State workers, school teachers, students, healthcare workers, and others. We are a responsible group of women who met through our love of international music and dance, and we have become friends through our involvement with dancing. 

Mas Uda formed in 1989 through the intermediate Middle Eastern dance class at the Olympia Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.  The troupe now meets independently of the Parks Department on Thursday evenings at the Dance Direction, in West Olympia. We are supported by paying performances and class fees. 

Members of Mas Uda Middle Eastern Dancers perform throughout the Northwest and provide an exciting dance experience.  We perform both traditional and modern cabaret dances, combining many styles. We perform sword, cane, basket, and candle dances which demonstrate dramatic balancing and coordination; and graceful veil dances, as well as exciting high-energy shimmy dances (just to name a few!) We donate many performances to the community every year.  A few of the many performances donated in 2007 include the City of Olympia's Ethnic Celebration, the YMCA International Festival , Arts Walk, and the Lacey Fun Fair. 

We also host An Evening At the Oasis, an annual day of workshops and an evening performance to benefit childhood cancer foundations. In 2002 we raised funds for the American Cancer Society's Camp Goodtimes, and in 2003, 2004 and 2005 for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, benefiting children with cancer and their families.   In 2005 we raised over $1,700 for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Western Washington.  The next benefit is set for April 5, 2008 and will raise money for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation's "Kill the cancer, not the kid!" campaign. (See the Annual Benefit page for more info).

The Troupe Director and instructor, Kashani (a long-time Olympia resident who has been belly dancing since 1989) offers classes and workshops in dance, Middle Eastern rhythms, and finger cymbals, among other topics. See the Classes and Workshops pages for information.

Interested in joining our troupe?

Mas Uda Middle Eastern Dancers is accepting auditions for dancers who have had a minimum of beginning and intermediate level classes. Contact Kashani at (360)459-3694 for audition information.