Yasmin has been performing and teaching professionally for 30 years. She has performed at nightclubs, street fairs, festivals, private parties and community functions. Yasmin has also danced with the MB Orchestra, David Saee and Ay Yildiz Turkish band. You can also hear Yasmin's castanets in the movie, Crocodile Tears. Yasmin has traveled to North Africa to extensively learn these dances. The places Yasmin has danced and taught are Washington, Maine, Montana, Idaho and Oregon States and Morocco. She is also featured in a book, The Belly Dance Book by Tazz Richards. Yasmin is the lead percussionist with Hejira.

Alseny Yansane, dynamic teacher and fourteen year performing artist of the world renowned Ballets Africains, has been immersed in the musical and dance tradition of his native country, Guinea, West Africa since age seven. He has trained and performed in many competitions during Guinea's "Golden Age" when art and cultural appreciation were at an all-time high and artists' training was rigorous and systematic. This has given him a wealth of knowledge about the history and cultural diversity behind Guinean performance arts, a solid artistic foundation, and a strong drive for excellence. Alseny is a beautiful dancer who skillfully executes dance movements with power and grace. He is friendly, patient and encouraging, excellent at nurturing beginning dancers by breaking down the steps while simultaneously challenging more advanced students to push their edge and become stronger dancers. Alseny organizes annual cultural and artistic intensive workshops to Guinea, West Africa, teaches classes and workshops throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, offers quality school programs and performs for audiences of all ages.

Ahmad Yousefbeigi is an inspired and sought-after Kurdish Iranian percussionist. Born in Sanandaj, Iran, his passion for rhythm was fostered by the musical nature of Kurdish community life and his brother's guidance. At the age of twelve he began formal study of Tonbak and Daf. Since moving to Seattle in 1998, Ahmad has captivated audiences in the Pacific Northwest with the energetic, nomadic folk songs of his native Kurdistan and the delicate, lyrical rhythms of Persian classical music and poetry. www.kamand.org

An Iranian Kurd and life-long musician, Ahmad first embarked on his musical path in his home town of Sanandaj, Iran. Ahmad, a sought after musician in the Seattle area has been invited to play tonbak and daf at numerous cultural events. He has performed on local Public Radio KUOW (2003) & (2006), KBCS, at UW Meany Hall and Town Hall Seattle, Seattle Benaroya Hall.