"Tension Factor's 'Cog' comes on like the pacing of a great electronic hairy ape - a mute beating of fists in a drizzle of metal. It's quiet and dark, like death about to pounce, and awesome." - Anodyne - August 1998

Following a successful career in the software industry in Silicon Valley, CA, Jim Boz moved to Portland, OR and began to pursue his musical dreams. He discovered belly dance in 1994 on whim and a tongue in cheek attempt at regular exercise. A year later, he expanded his dance training to include many folkloric and authentic techniques, taking up to 6 classes a week from several instructors while pursuing a variety of workshops, private instruction and personal research. Shortly after his first performance in 1997 it has been the classic tale of 'life happening while you're busy making other plans.'

"An excellent performer, tasteful, fun; a pleasure to watch and to dance with!" - Morocco

Jim began performances as a member, then, recognized by his peers for his ability to facilitate and mentor, shortly thereafter became director of the Lost Ghawazee. As an instructor, director and choreographer for the troupe, Jim was able to explore texture and movement with a large cast of dedicated performers. Additionally, Jim formed the all male dance troupe "Sons of the Padisha" to critical acclaim in the Pacific NorthWest.

"Jim Boz is awesome!" - Rebaba, Co-Director, Hahbi`Ru

Beginning formal instruction in studios and parks & rec locations in 1999 under the careful mentorship of two of his instructors, Jim's classes were highly sought out for the clear breakdowns and progression of concepts in his course plan. Shortly thereafter, Jim began sharing his knowledge and passion in other parts of the NorthWest as a workshop instructor.

"Boz`s loving and caring nature shows through in all that he does"
- The Belly Dancer Magazine

Bringing years of classical and jazz music training, composition and performance, Jim Boz approaches dance with a musical sensibility that allows him to express in concise and clear ideas of movement, grace and power.

"One of the most energetic, fun teachers in town!" - Jana Dieter, Student

Jim Boz was director and choreographer for the Lost Ghawazee and Sons of the Padisha tribal bellydance troupes for several years, in addition to his student troupe Maalehsh, which continues to perform in the Pacific NorthWest.

"...a true professional in our industry." - The Belly Dancer Magazine

His solo performances include a variety of tempos, textures and rhythms, bridging the emotional spectrum of the dance style. He often uses sword work (single or double) or other balancing techniques for solo performances, to complement his strong presence. He has also studied Moroccan tray dance and is also adept at a variety of veil and cape dance techniques, in addition to many folkloric mens and womens stylings.

"Jim Boz is a dancer to the core." - Rachel Brice

Each performance is an exploration in drama, style, strength and intrigue. From the whimsical and fun party atmosphere, thru the large stage, Jim Boz is comfortable, confident and able to connect to an audience and join them in an exotic journey. From improvisation through choreographed performances, from soulful and introspective to powerful and dramatic to playful, Jim Boz draws the audience in with his gaze and takes them on a journey of music, movement, form and festivity.

To date, Jim has studied, taken classes, workshops or private lessons with almost 100 instructors, and continues to study with performers & instructors from both the West & the Middle East. He has studied private lessons in Cairo, in addition to travelling extensively to meet with his favorite instructors & performers for additional training in both Raks Sharki & folkloric styles.

"A fantastic presentation!" - Raqia Hassan

Jim Boz lives in San Diego, CA where he teaches beginning through advanced levels of Middle Eastern dance and also travels internationally to perform, teach and share his love of the art. His professional dance troupe SANDSTORM has been hired coast to coast for their innovative stage presentations of Middle Eastern Dance styles. He was the founding president of the Middle Eastern Dance & Culture Associations San Diego Chapter, and has produced Hafla San Diego - San Diego's largest Middle Eastern Convention in addition to the international MEN of Middle Eastern Dance showcases. He has produced a compilation cd "Belly Dance with Jim Boz" of a variety of Middle Eastern, Turkish & Eastern inspired music for dance instruction.

In 2009, Jim returned to his roots as a composer and electronic music artist. He has been working at not only completing music to practice Arabic dance, but also electronic interpretations of classical Arabic music & industrial/electronic remixes of existing music. His remix of Djinn's "Jimmy Hafla" appears on the band's second cd entitled "The Silent D" and is available for download on CDBaby & iTunes.

First Place Alternative Music Open Class

Olympiques Orientale 2000; Vancouver, WA

First Place (with Katrina Price) Duet/Troupe

Olympiques Orientale 2000; Vancouver, WA (original choreographies)

First Place People's Choice/Alternative Music

Double Crown 2001; Canyonville, OR

Second Place/Alternative Music

Double Crown 2001; Canyonville, OR

"A fantastic presentation!" - Raqia Hassan '

"Jim Boz is a dancer to the core...he`s not just doing the movement, he is dancing." - Rachel Brice'

"Jim Boz has an excellent understanding of movement, music and good instruction. Easy to understand and willing to say it in many different ways" -Colleen, Student/Performer/Costume Designer

"Jim Boz is an excellent instructor at all levels - he really makes all students feel welcome." - Kadiffe, Student/Performer

"Jim Boz is one of the best teachers to learn from. He makes it fun and easy." - Sharri Trotter

"One of the most energetic, fun teachers in town!" -Jana Dieter

"Very encouraging dance instructor. Brings a lot of energy to class. Breaks down dance moves well. Very patient." -Judy Frick

"I highly recommend (Jim Boz) as a workshop instructor. He is able to explain the movements well, and is very patient and attentive to all of his students." -Mezdulene, Owner-Editor, Jareeda magazine

"Jim Boz is awesome!" - Rebaba, Co-Director Hahbi`Ru

"I never knew a linebacker could move like that" - overheard at a showcase event

'"A little sleazy...but fabulous!" - John Compton, Co-Director, Hahbi`Ru

"He`s got a good shtick" - Aziza, Portland, OR/Montreal, Canada

"The Elvis Presley of Belly Dance." - Mee`Sha, Soa`ads Imports

Resume

Study of Middle Eastern and American Belly Dance styles since 1994
American Tribal Belly Dance, Neo Tribal Belly Dance, Greek Belly Dance, Greek Folk Dance, North African Dances (Schikhatt, Guedra, Moroccan Tray, Tunisian Bedouin), Turkish Roma, Flamenco, Lebanese Dabke, Ghawazee, Saidi, Cane, Egyptian Raks Sharki, Specialties (balancing (tray, shamadan (candelabra), sword (single and multiples)), veil (3 & 4 yard, single and double semi-circular, cape). Study, lessons or classes with over 80 instructors of Middle Eastern dance and related dance styles from the West & East.

Troupe Director and Primary Choreographer
The Lost Ghawazee (1997-2001; Portland, OR), Sons of the Padisha (1997-1999; Portland, OR), Maahlehsh (Student troupe; 2000-2002; Portland, OR), SANDSTORM - The Jim Boz Dance Co. (2003 - Present; San Diego, CA)

Weekly Classes
Saqra's Studio (1998-2002; Vancouver, WA), Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec (1998-2002; Beaverton, OR), Vernetta's Dance Studio (2002-2008 & 2010-Present; San Diego, CA); Attire by Lea (2004-2005; San Diego, CA); Folk Dance Center (2003-2005; San Diego, CA)

Workshop instructor since 1998
Including member of the Rakkasah teaching staff for 2006 & 2007.

International
Jim has been invited to perform or teach at the world's largest Middle Eastern Dance festivals including Rakkasah West & East (USA), The International Belly Dance Conference (Canada), The Belly Dance Congress (UK) & Ahlan wa Sahlan (Egypt).

Performances
Showcases, Parties (Bachelorette & Birthday Parties, Baby Showers, Wedding Receptions, Quincineras), Restaurants, Large Stage Productions, Choreographer's Showcases, Street Faires, Parades, Renaissance Faires.

Promotions
Hafla San Diego (2002-Present); San Diego Belly Jam (2002-2005); The MEN of Middle Eastern Dance (2004-Present); BellyCruise (2007); Founding President of MECDA San Diego Chapter; Primary instigator of the BadGirlsOfBellyDance(tm); BellyDancersGoneWild(tm) parties & the Belly Dance Biker Babe motorcycle runs.

Staff Writer for The Belly Dancer Magazine
The SoCal Scene, Greetings from the Y Chromosome

Video Appearances
Double Crown Competition (2002 - Demo Performance), IAMED's Belly Dance LIVE! (2005; With Titanya & Dondi Dahlin (YeeHawBibi Routine)), Festival on the Nile XXVIII, Festival on the Nile XXIX, Festival on the Nile XXX

Newspaper, Book Appearances
LAWeekly (Los Angeles, CA; December 2005), Anchorage Daily News(Anchorage, AK; July 2005), Palo Alto Weekly (Palo Alto, CA; December 2004), The Belly Dancer Magazine (Vancouver, WA; Fall 2003), The Caravan (Mar/Apr 2003), The Caravan (Jan/Feb 2003), 2002 Jareeda (June, 2002), The Tribal Bible

Music Appearances
Remix of Djinn's "Jimmy Hafla" as it appears on their second album "The Silent D" (available at CDBaby & iTunes)