Habiba has gained an international reputation through
her many performances across the United States and
abroad, including critically acclaimed performances in
Egypt and Tunisia.  In addition to studying Middle Eastern
Dance with America's top teachers, such as Ibrahim
Farrah, her dance background includes training in ballet
and modern dance, which she studied at the Martha
Graham School in New York.

     During her numerous trips to Tunisia and Egypt, she
studied with the Tunisian National Folklore Troupe, and
took classes at the school of the Reda Troupe, Egypt's
most famous dance ensemble.  She has documented
numerous folk performances in villages in both Egypt and
Tunisia, including the dancing of the Benat Mazin, descendants of the famous Ghawazee celebrated by European writers of the 19th century.

     Habiba goes beyond the choreographies of the national folkloric troupes (which often incorporate
western elements) in that she seeks the origins and essences of the various styles of movement.  It is only
then that she reconstitutes the dances into exciting performances. 

     Habiba has mastered a variety of styles, from the earthy Raks al Beledi of the Egyptian fellahin, to
the exciting feat of balance seen in the Tunisian Pot Dance.  Also a master of the classical Egyptian
dance, Raks al-Sharqi (also known as Oriental or Belly Dance), her depth of understanding of these
cultures is such that she projects the distinct and separate personality unique to the peoples of each
region.  As a performer, she has an unfailing understanding of the music and the difference between
folkloric and oriental styles. 

     Habiba is a well known scholar and author on the subject of Middle Eastern Dance.  She is a
contributing writer for several dance magazines, and has published numerous features articles.  She has
also presented several papers before the Mid-Atlantic Region Society for Ethnomusicology,  has
lectured at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and the Middle
Eastern Institute in Washington, D.C.  She is a featured lecturer for the University Museum of
Archeology and Anthropology's Outreach Lecture Program.  In 1997 she was inducted into the Hall of
Fame of the American Academy of Middle Eastern Dance.  In 2000 she was appointed President of the Associated Artists of Middle Eastern Dance (ASAmed) in New York.  She was named Ethnic Dancer of the year, 2001 by the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance.  She also taught at Rakkasah East and danced and lectured at the Philadelphia premiere of the Tunisian film "Satin Rouge".

     Habiba passes on the techniques and lore that she has acquired in her extensive travel and studies in
her own studio in Philadelphia, where she teaches regular classes.  She employs the multifaceted
approach of performing, teaching, and writing about these fascinating dances, which record a vanishing
way of life and demand new audiences if they are to survive.