Zuleikha

Zuleikha is an international performer, educator and musician who inspires creativity through movement and the musical arts. A vocalist, harmonium player and composer, she has created several CDs of original music based on the poetry of the mystics. She describes herself as an ambassador for Unity through artistic expression, and the Edinburgh Guide called her "a singular figure on the horizon of sacred theater and dance."

She grew up in a family of Western classical music, played piano and silver flute, and later sang with guitar. In college she turned to North Indian classical music and attended the Ali Akbar College of Music, where she learned in the oral tradition. She then studied in Afghanistan with Ustad Hashim Chishti, who composed ghazals from the poetry of the region's mystics. There she met the harmonium, learned to sing with him, and brought an instrument home to the US.

Her Storydance performances weave rhythm, dance, music, poetry, humor and spontaneity into a free-flowing dance theater. She is known for the Rumi Concert, created with the poet and translator Coleman Barks and world musicians. She has also performed with artists including Glen Velez, David Darling, Kitaro, Jai Uttal, Terry Riley and Babatunde Olatunji. Venues have included the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Smithsonian Institution, Grace Cathedral and the National Cathedral.

As a teacher of movement awareness, Zuleikha created TAKE A MINUTE® self-care exercises, including a version for palliative care, along with 5 Energy Gems, Dance for Good and Bodylistening.