It’s hard to believe that this weekend marks the tenth time I’ve had the joy of hosting Aziza here in Ottawa. Looking back, I can see how this journey unfolded step by step, each one tied to friendship, inspiration, and a whole lot of dance.
I first encountered Aziza at workshops in Montreal (circa 2004, if I remember correctly), and was so inspired that I even wrote a review for Mazagine Papyrus (“un vrai bijou est arrivé à Montréal”). Later, Ottawa got a taste of her brilliance thanks to workshops hosted by my dance friends Safiya, Hala, and Anna, and then through a couple of workshops that my own teacher, Denise Enan, hosted at Oasis de la danse in Gatineau (and which I happily helped to arrange). Those experiences planted the seed, and in 2014, I organized my very first workshop with Aziza myself!
Hosting Aziza for workshops in Ottawa has been deeply intertwined with the journey of Duniya Studio. She was the very first guest I hosted after opening my own studio; setting a high bar and inspiring the welcoming, joyful environment I hoped to cultivate. Since then, it’s become a tradition! Nine workshops so far, with this weekend making number ten.
Along the way, I’ve had the joy of attending her Dreamcamp four times, each visit a deeply inspiring, transformative experience. I was also part of an Ottawa-Gatineau contingent that followed her all the way to Miami for a dance convention; a trip filled with sunshine, inspiration, good times with dance friends, and more fun stories to bring home. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to visit her home studio on a few special occasions, taking workshops there and seeing firsthand the space where so much of her creativity and teaching magic comes to life.
Of course, no recounting of Aziza’s time in Ottawa would be complete without a few laughs. Some of the fun memories that still make me smile include the mysterious command to “put on your Aziza pants” and the legendary Ottawabble (Ottawaaaable..ottawaaaable — I still have the video!). These little moments of humour, spontaneity, and pure joy are just as unforgettable as the dance itself, reminding me that part of the magic is always having fun along the way.
But the memories aren’t just of dance classes and technique. Some of my favorite moments have also been the ones outside the studio: late nights in my living room with shisha (and maybe just a little bit of wine!), good food at restaurant outings that stretched into the evening, card games full of playful competition, and long conversations where the stories, laughter, and wisdom flowed.
Hosting Aziza has been a gift far beyond the dance itself. She’s easy to work with, generous in spirit, and always brings lightness and warmth to every visit. It’s rare to find a teacher who not only elevates your dancing but also leaves you with cherished memories of friendship, community, and personal growth.
So here we are at ten—10! Ten workshops, countless stories, and so much inspiration shared. And the best part? I don’t think we’re done yet. Here’s to many more weekends of dance, laughter, travel, and late-night chats with Aziza.
