During my spare time in undergrad & medical school, I spent my time social dancing with friends at Chicago nightclubs. Yes, I am a licensed medical doctor (an MD) with board certification in Anatomic & Clinical Pathology and a specialty in transfusion medicine (blood bank). During my residency years, I took dance classes. I studied West African and Caribbean Dance with Danny Diallo (from Barbados). I also studied Senegalese dance with Assane Konte (Wash., D.C.). The rhythmic sounds & dance moves were so vibrant & energetic. It was totally different from Thai dancing, but I understood that this was the basis of American jazz, modern, & tap dance. However, it wasn't until I discovered Egyptian dance with Khalidah in 1996, then my whole view of dance changed. Khalidah's wonderful spirit, grace & enthusiasm reflected the timeless beauty of Egyptian dance. I was dedicated to learn more about raks sharki and intensely studied with Khalidah and other dance instructors (ie. Dahlena, Leila Gamal, &Leila Haddad). I also had the opportunity to attend a Middle-Eastern dance conference with classes taught by Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda, & Nagwa Fuad). I was honored to become a dance member of Khalidah's North Afrikan Dance Experience in 1997. Khalidah's group is dedicated to not only Egyptian raks sharki, but also to traditional dances of Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. In 1999, I met Tunisian percussionist (and  husband) Najib Bahri at one of Khalidah's shows. I studied percussion & rhythms with Najib. We share the same dedication and the love of music & dance. We were married in 2000. Since then, I continue to have my family life  resolve around music & dance. Najib & I teach percussion and dance at our store NBahri Rhythms. I also dance with Najib's group El Amal as well as teach in Hyde Park at 3 pillars wellness center.

Tipsuda

I have been dancing since I was able to stand on my own as a baby. I was born in Thailand and came to the states at age 3. Music and dance were part of my family life. My father was a music collector and loved all kinds of music. I grew up with American rock n' roll, R&B, as well as classical and contemporary Thai music. Watching American Bandstand, Soul Train, and Solid Gold were my extracurricular activities. Back then, there were only a few Asian dancers. My favorite Asian dancer was the only Asian dancer on Soul Train- the one with the long flowing hair. (I guess I'm revealing my age, huh?)

I posed the possibility of pursuing a dance career (at age 9) to my parents. However, they advised me to pursue it as a hobby and to pursue academics instead. So despite excelling in school, I took every chance to dance from school recitals/performances, to dance socials, to just hanging out with friends to exchange dance moves. Although I did not have formal training, I was able to easily imitate dance moves. Thai classical dance was a basis for building graceful fingers, arms, and overall form. American R&B and soul music (ie. the Isley brothers, Tina Marie, Taste of Honey, & Michael Jackson) were my favorite. I am a proud product of the Chicago Public School system. Attending Kenwood Academy provided me with strong academics as well as an influence in music and the arts. I took up photography and guitar to pass the time since there was no dance curriculum.

During my spare time in undergrad & medical school, I spent my time social dancing with friends at Chicago nightclubs. Yes, I am a licensed medical doctor (an MD) with board certification in Anatomic & Clinical Pathology and a specialty in transfusion medicine (blood bank). During my residency years, I took dance classes. I studied West African and Caribbean Dance with Danny Diallo (from Barbados). I also studied Senegalese dance with Assane Konte (Wash., D.C.). The rhythmic sounds & dance moves were so vibrant & energetic. It was totally different from Thai dancing, but I understood that this was the basis of American jazz, modern, & tap dance. However, it wasn't until I discovered Egyptian dance with Khalidah in 1996, then my whole view of dance changed. Khalidah's wonderful spirit, grace & enthusiasm reflected the timeless beauty of Egyptian dance. I was dedicated to learn more about raks sharki and intensely studied with Khalidah and other dance instructors (ie. Dahlena, Leila Gamal, &Leila Haddad). I also had the opportunity to attend a Middle-Eastern dance conference with classes taught by Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda, & Nagwa Fuad). I was honored to become a dance member of Khalidah's North Afrikan Dance Experience in 1997. Khalidah's group is dedicated to not only Egyptian raks sharki, but also to traditional dances of Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. In 1999, I met Tunisian percussionist (and  husband) Najib Bahri at one of Khalidah's shows. I studied percussion & rhythms with Najib. We share the same dedication and the love of music & dance. We were married in 2000. Since then, I continue to have my family life  resolve around music & dance. Najib & I teach percussion and dance at our store NBahri Rhythms. I also dance with Najib's group El Amal as well as teach in Hyde Park at 3 pillars wellness center.

Tunisian melia (costume) Najib in the back

Website design by Tipsuda J-Bahri  9/03

This page was last updated on: February 20, 2004