Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Nashwa attended Cairo University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She studied folkloric dance forms from the Middle East, providing her with a solid foundation before beginning her performing and teaching career. She studied the dance of the Arab World with masters of the arts. Nashwa utilizes traditional and contemporary props and acquired various performance styles, choreography, and staging. In 1988, Nashwa moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she continued to teach to a growing following. In 1999, she relocated to California, where she continued performing, teaching, and collaborating with the UCSB.
In 2005, Nashwa moved to Berea, Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her master’s degree in Health Sciences. Nashwa is an Assistant Professor at Berea College and the founding director of the Berea Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble. She teaches Yoga, Middle East Dance and Culture, Wellness, and World Dance that fulfills International and Arts Perspectives. Also, she directs summer study tours to the Middle East. In addition to teaching, she choreographs for various concerts. Nationally, Nashwa is often invited to speak on traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern dance, including its social, spiritual, and cultural significance.