Zineb Chraibi

Artist Bio

A former dancer with the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Zineb Chraibi grew up in Casablanca, Morocco where she first started training. She later returned to her native city of Paris to study ballet, modern, and jazz, then to Montreal to pursue her training at Les ballets Jazz De Montreal. In 1991, she completed her BA in Dance Magna Cum Laude at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pa while performing with the Playhouse Dance Theatre.

Since moving to Chicago, Miss Chraibi has performed with with the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Winifred Haun and Dancers as well as with various independent choreographers. She has served on the faculty of the Conservatory of Dance at Barat College, The Chicago Academy for The Arts, The Joel Hall Dance Center and taught at the Lou Conte Dance Studio. She is currently on the faculty at the Dance Center of Columbia College and guest teaches in the US and abroad.

Artist Statement

In an ever faster paced society where time seems to be constantly fleeing, dance is what keeps me in the now. When I dance I am in the moment. Free. To me, dance is the ultimate expression of the self; a self where mind, body and spirit are in total communion. As imperfect as the movement might be, I find beauty in that commitment of being in the moment, of being myself. I find joy in letting the body speak freely.

Dance is also a life-long lesson of discipline, faith, and perseverance. It has and continues to be a journey. One of challenging the body, disciplining the mind and letting the spirit shine.

Educational Philosophy

Many artists argue that dance is the oldest art form, because dance is merely an evolution of movement. The instinct to move our limbs and feet is fundamental to the human experience. 
I strongly believe in educating the whole child and that dance should play a fundamental role in educating a confident, well adjusted, and creative child. One who is in harmony with his\her body as well as her environment.

When I work in the classroom, I like to draw on the history of dance, a wide variety of genres as well as anatomy to help students enhance their understanding of movement. Students are encouraged to think of their bodies as their tools, the space as a gigantic canvas with endless opportunities for self-expression. As they experience the choreographic process, they learn to make choices, assert their individuality, and celebrate diversity. As they dance together in the classroom, they experience and celebrate community.