Biography & Resume

Biography

Baraka (Rachel Louise Benbow) was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where she grew up in an intellectual and culturally diverse environment. She resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for seven years where she obtained both her undergraduate degree in History and Anthropology and her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Baraka then moved to New York, NY for four years, during which time she enveloped herself in the city's unparalleled diversity of people, artistry, and thought. Although Baraka has since moved from NYC, she often revisits and dances in the celebrated metropolis.

Since 2006 Baraka has relocated abroad. For a year she taught Information Literacy at the Petroleum Institute, a university in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Baraka currently resides in Athens, Greece.

Dance has been a passion for Baraka since a very early age. She has studied multiple forms including ballet, swing, medieval dance, African dance, and Argentinean tango. She was introduced to Middle Eastern dance in 1997 and has been devoted to it ever since.

Baraka's background in anthropology and history is the foundation for her study of Middle Eastern dance. For her, the dance is more than acting out the movements; she is interested in the culture and traditions of the people from which the dance originated. Baraka has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Israel,Turkey, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and India. Baraka also studies and researches pertinent cultural/historical literature, and attends workshops and seminars throughout the world.

What's in a Name?

It is not uncommon for a bellydancer to adopt a stage name. In fact, it is almost a right of passage for neophyte dancers taking their first steps into the world of professional bellydance. The reason for assuming a stage name varies. Some dancers like the anonymity a false name provides, or they want a name that will attract attention. However, most bellydancers (at least those who are non-arab in ethnicity) want a name that reflects the culture from which the dance originates. A dancer's stage name can be a personal decision, or be bestowed onto her/him by others. Regardless, the story behind their name's acquisition is often interesting.

I was born with the name Rachel Louise Benbow. When I started bellydancing in earnest I decided I needed a more Middle Eastern sounding title. I very distinctly wanted a name that was related to water, for when I dance I visualize the smooth or turbulent movements of the liquid. I was fortunate to be introduced to and work with an ex-government translator of Arabic. With his aid we weeded through many names, but I either did not like the sound of the words, or they had the unfortunate knack of being slang for an unmentionable part of the female anatomy.

After many foiled efforts I ran across the name "Baraka," which was translated as meaning "white." "Baraka" had a good ring to my ears, and, well, let's face it, I am pasty pale. The factors were favorable, and I was weary from the hunt, so I decided to disregard my search for a hydro-name. I contacted my friend in excitement, but much to my surprise he informed me that the word was mistranslated. Baraka actually means "blessing" in Arabic.

I flew to the dictionary (I was working in a library at the time). Indeed, Baraka is an Arabic term meaning "blessing." More exactly it is the spirituality inherent in nature, or the "greater good" derived from any act. Baraka had a deep profundity for me. It was beautiful and strong at the same time. Consequently, "Baraka" also is the title of a movie that enormously influenced my life. At this point there was no question left. I became Baraka.

Resume

Interested In Having Me Perform or Teach a Workshop?

My dance performances are dynamic and cater to wide variety of venues. Your preference for Tribal Fusion, Oriental, or ethnic dance can easily be coordinated with your audience's size, type or setting. I am happy to lecture for both performances and workshops (in brief, or at length) on the cultural/historical background of the dance. Unless requested otherwise, I provide my own prerecorded music, but I also can arrange to collaborate with Middle Eastern musicians.