North Carolina Belly Dancers and Musicians
By City

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These dancers and musicians will enliven your special events and family functions! Performers are listed by their home city, but most are willing to travel.

Asheville

The Forbidden - Fire and Belly Dance formed out of the combined imaginings of Soubhi and Nur in 2007. Showcasing a dark, tribal fusion style that focuses on tightly woven duets, controlled and muscular movements and the feminine strength that is so deeply a part of tribal belly dance, all set to a modern electronic soundscape, The Forbidden offers a show that is sure to awe and inspire. Fire charming lends itself as a natural addition to the intricacies of contemporary tribal fusion dance. Nur and Soubhi are well versed in such fire arts as poi, fingers, eating, and transfers, as well as many one of a kind acts. Contact The Forbidden at theforbidden@gmail.com, or visit The Forbidden's website.





Kristi Renee - Throughout her journey of life Kristi has studied and performed many different forms of dance and movement. She has also spent many years in the field of natural healing and energy attunement. In the past few years of her life Kristi has enjoyed integrating her studies together into the temple bellydance she performs, teaches, and shares with others. Contact Kristi at: temple.dancer@yahoo.com, 513-479-5271, or check out her myspace page.

Baraka Mundi - Baraka Mundi is the most well-known bellydance and live music ensemble in the Carolinas. Since 1999, they have united world music, movement, theatre, ceremony, and the fire arts with enchanted audiences. Inspired by the cultures of the Middle East, North Africa, India and more, they entertain, educate and enchant everywhere they go. For more information, visit their website.

LisaZahiya - Lisa Zahiya began the study of bellydance in the Baltimore/Washington area where she studied with several master teachers including Piper Reid Hunt, Artemis Mourat and Laurel Victoria Gray. She was a member of Piper Hunt’s Daughters of Rhea Dance Ensemble and was a founding member of Baltimore's first Tribal Improv Group, Shivani Tribal. Lisa performs as a cabaret and tribal fusion soloist and is well known for her dynamic and engaging performance style. She is a regular performer at Asheville’s Jerusalem Garden and also does private birthday parties, wedding showers and ethnic events. For more information, email lisazahiya@gmail.com or visit LisaZahiya's website.

Onca - Since 1999, Onca O'Leary has been the source for Tribal Bellydance in Western North Carolina. Best known for her agility, artistry, and stagecraft, she is an in-demand instructor with a full-time career in bellydance. Since 2007, she has toured exclusively with The Mezmer Society: Luscious Cabaret & Balkan Ruckus, presenting high-spirited Balkan music and sheer bellydance havoc to audiences from California to New England. Her dance and live music company, Baraka Mundi, was nominated for the Golden Belly and Best of WNC Awards. Onca directed the Future of Tradition Center for Folkloric Arts in Asheville, NC, for eight years, and TribOriginal, her annual dance camp was nominated for Best Event of 2008. She is also a published author and noted illustrator of the internationally recognized "World Spirit Tarot". She can be contacted at onca@barakamundi.com, or at (828) 232 2980. For more information, visit her website.

Tribalesque - Tribalesque specializes in traditional and modern ethnic dance styles forms from the Middle East, India, and Latin America. We have combined these influences to create our signature style. Our performance repertoire is suitable for festivals, weddings, parties, clubs, and any other special occasion. For more information, email Selenah at tribalesquedance@yahoo.com or visit their website.

Chapel Hill

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Charlotte and Surrounding Cities

Jamundo - Jamundo is an eclectic acoustic band from Charlotte, NC. The name comes from the two most important elements of their music - "Jam" (for improvisation) and "mundo" (for world music). The band currently consists of two members - Dennis Shearin and Rony Tel-Or - who met while jamming on the Charlotte belly dance circuit. After playing Arabic songs and improvisations for some time, they decided to draw upon other sources of inspiration. Some of the influences are African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Celtic, and rock. Jamundo has just released its first CD - Orientation - which features nearly an hour of instrumental music, ranging from Middle Eastern improvisations to latin flavored multi-tracked songs. The featured instruments include oud, violin, bazuki, flutes and melodica. For more information, visit their website or call 704-509-9673.

Nayna - Nayna began in bellydance in 2002 under the instruction of Yasmine and her love for this dance grew quickly. With her fluid like movements and natural skill Nayna enjoys the improvisation that is allowed in bellydance. Nayna's performances reflect her joy in the dance, and both students and audiences find themselves drawn in by her infectious smile and quick wit. Her inspiration comes from Rachel Brice and Suhaila, and she is Level 1 certified through the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance. She is available for private parties, corporate events, festivals, and wedding receptions. In addition to Bellydance, Nayna is also accomplished in dancing with fire! You can contact her at www.bellydancebynayna.com or at bellydancebynayna@yahoo.com.

The Magic Hips Dancers - Yasmine & The Magic Hips Dancers are a professional award nominated Mid-East Dance troupe based out of Charlotte, North Carolina under the direction of belly dance superstar, Yasmine. The group has elevated the art form of belly dance by blending modern dance elements with the exotic styles of the Middle East. Their fusion of styles and high energy performances has made them one of the Southeast's most popular performers at restaurants, festivals, special events and gala shows. Call 704-525-3606 or email yasmine@magic-hips.com for bookings and rates.

Naima - Professional performer of Middle Eastern dance for over seven years as a soloist and troupe member. Her dancing style includes Lebanese and Egyptian influences, and Naima specializes in American Orientale (westernized nightclub), veil, and cane. Formerly a member of the Pyramid Dance Co. (Memphis, TN) and the Lotus Dancers (Omaha, NE), currently performs with the Hadadah Dancers in Charlotte, NC. She is available for birthdays, weddings, fundraisers and benefits, corporate events, festivals, and many other special events. Resume available.

Nuria Jihan -Oriental dancer Nuria Jihan performs regularly at local resturants, and international and renaissance festivals in and around the Charlotte area as both a soloist and a troupe performer. She is a member of the Hadadah Dancers. Performance specialities include zills, cane, sword, and veil, and she is available for parties, fundraisers, benefits, and other special events.

Perizada - Perizada has danced all her life. Classical ballet formed her early training and performing experience, along with a study of flamenco. She has been a professional Middle Eastern dancer since 1992. Perizada is experienced in a wide range of belly dance styles, and specializes in the styles of the Turkish and Spanish Roma (Gypsies). Swirling skirts, fans, shawls, and intriguing gestures are part of this exciting dance. She also features snake dances with her serpent partner, a Colombian boa named Taj. Perizada is available for private parties, corporate events, festivals, and special women’s parties that include a show and mini-lesson. She also offers group and private classes. Visit her website for more information.

Moonsister Belly Dance - an American Tribal Style dance company, under the direction of Jenny Helms.

Sama - The members of the musical group Sama play music from the Middle East and beyond - Turkish Egyptian, Arabo-Andalusian, etc. Instrumentation includes Alemeh Baraka on doumbek, frame drums, mandolin, and vocals; Jason Teeter on cello; David Walen on clarinet; Jimmy Duckworth on oud; and various wind instruments. The name Sama comes from the sufi. It means "listen" and it represents the idea of sufist transcendentalism.

Vania - Vania is native Greek, originally from Istanbul (Asia Minor) and has been dancing since her childhood. She gave her 1st performance when she was 15 and since then she's been experiencing and dancing the 'Tsifteteli-Bellydance' (Greco-Turk), the Egyptian traditional 'cabaret' and some Folkloric soloist and line dances, like Zeibekiko (dance of warriors) and Hassapiko (the butcher's dance), from Asia Minor. She has also incorporated in her classes some of the Gypsy (Caravan/Urban) moves, style and costuming, which she learned from the big Gypsy population, in her father's village in Greece. She has attended many workshops in Greece and had great teachers there, like Aurora and Hashan Shani. She has also studied "acting through dance and veil techniques" in Greece and "script writing" and she collaborated with the Russian Dance School "Romanoff". Besides her strong artistic side, she has a PhD in ancient Greek Philosophy (Aristotle) and has worked in the University of Athens, Greece. She has lived in the USA since September 2007 and finds it a strong experience so far. For more information, visit her website at www.vaniabellydance.com.

The Voyager Band - The Voyager was formed to be a project that travels from one genre to the next, from song to song. It was created to be an outlet for curiousity and creativity, regardless of the origin. The music is written and performed by Travis (of Dark Autumn recognition), with the help of live musicians, such as percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Josh Watkins. The band creates a fusion of many world genres, citing influences predominantly from Middle Eastern music, then taking it in their own direction by adding touches of electronic drums, synth tones, and other more modern embellishments that are sure to please the listener. Their live performance is booming with lots of high-octane hand drumming, exotic stringed instruments, and powerful, dancer-friendly rhythms that are fueled off of an energetic relationship between the performers and the audience. The Voyager is available for performing live shows , which will provide a great night of variety and entertainment for a very reasonable rate! Please contact us and we will talk. thevoyagerband@yahoo.com, www.myspace.com/thevoyagerband.

Yasmine - Yasmine, who has an extensive background in ballet, tap, jazz, & Middle Eastern dance, is the studio owner of Mid-East Dance by Yasmine. Yasmine spent much of 2004 touring with the Bellydance Superstars performing in major cities around the United States as well as Barcelona, Spain. Yasmine's distinct performance style is often referred to as "Cutting Edge Cabaret" and Yasmine's diverse knowledge and style gives her classes & workshops a unique flare. Featured on the cover of the May/June 2007 issue of Zaghareet, Yasmine also appears in IAMED's Bellydance-O-Rama 3. Yasmine hosts several workshop and show events in the Charlotte area & is currently teaching seminars throughout the U.S. Call 704-525-3606 or email yasmine@magic-hips.com for bookings and rates.

Zarifa - Zarifa's professional Oriental Dance teaching and performance career spans 30 years of studies with Cassandra of Minneapolis, MN., Raqia Hassan in Egypt, Ibrahim Farrah, Yousry Sharif, Amaya, Morocco, Ozel Turkbas, and the best instructors in the world of Middle Eastern Dance. Early training included classical ballet, tap, and modern dance. Performance experience includes a 3-month tour of Europe as a member of the George Williams College Folk Dancers, Minnesota and North Carolina Renaissance Fairs, the Mint Museum of Art opening of "Orientalism in America", numerous seminar performances, restaurant and night club engagements. Currently performing the first Saturday of each month at the Kabob House, 6432 Independence Ave., Charlotte, NC.

The Crystal Coast (Emerald Isle, Morehead City, New Bern, Jacksonville, Onslow County)

Apsara Dance Ensemble - The Apsara Dance Ensemble is a student level bellydance troupe under the creative direction of Kaitlyn. Members have backgrounds in everything from formal ballet to hip hop. Apsara Dance Ensemble performs various styles of bellydance at local events and shows throughout the eastern North Carolina area and beyond. For booking information please contact Kaitlyn at 910-467-4722 or visit www.myspace.com/theapsaradancers.

Kaitlyn - Kaitlyn has been belly dancing since 2001. Her dance experience also includes over 6 years of formal training in ballet, tap and jazz. Kaitlyn is a former member of Jackson, Mississippi's premier belly dance troupe "MissiHippy". As a member she performed at various festivals and venues all over the state. Kaitlyn has a B.S. in Art Education and has dedicated her life and career to performing, and educating others about the ancient art of the dance. She is now "Bringing the Art of the Middle East to the Down East" after relocating to eastern NC in 2007. Kaitlyn has taken private instruction and workshops with likes of from Mesmera, Veena of the Belly Twins, Jillina, Artemis Mourat, Suhaila Salimpour, and Sharon Kihara. She performs and continues to study American Cabaret, ATS, Tribal Fusion, and Raqs Gothique. She is presently studying and performing her other passion, Indian dancing, taking classes that range from Bharatanatyam to Bollywood. For contact or booking information, visit her website at www.kaitlynbellydance.com or email her at greenvirgo80@yahoo.com.

Durham

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Fayetteville

Granite Falls

Greensboro

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Greenville

Nahla Hamad -- Nahla Hamad is a performer, instructor, and creative director of Hypnotic student troupe. Nahla’s performances reflect the passion and joy that she finds in dancing, and students and audience members alike are drawn to her down-to-earth nature and genuine love for teaching and performing. This past year, Nahla has performed at Shimmy South, Shimmy for a Cause, Pirate Fest, ACCMED’s Carolina Casbah, Community events, private parties, and weddings. She has been dancing for over 14 years, and is greatly inspired by Suhaila Salimpour and Lisa Zahiya. Nahla’s classes range from very traditional bellydance, to funky fusion, ATS, and cabaret. For more information on performances, classes, or private instruction, can be reached at 252-717-0259, christie0928@suddenlink.net, or visit her website at www.theabsolutestudio.com.

Donna Whitley -- Donna Whitley is a dance performer, teacher, and scholar of Middle Eastern “belly dance". Donna Whitley was trained in California in the 1960’s under the late Bert Balladine, and studied with Karima in Casablanca, danced in a nightclub as Farida “unique” and lived for a year in a Moroccan village where she learned the dance as a folk art. This experience sparked her interest in folk dancing and led her to further study African dance at the University of Ghana. She has performed in nightclubs in San Francisco and Casablanca, Morocco. She is available for all-women bridal showers and other wedding events. Her website is www.donnawhitley.com. Phone: 252-355-5150. donnawhitley@embarqmail.com.

High Point

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Lillington

Khalida - Largely self-taught, Khalida Mahira is a committed teacher as well as a performer, who has a distinct love for the vintage variety. With a passion for performing, her goal is to paint a picture for the audience as if her body was formed from the music. Today, she is an innovator in costume design, and has hand-crafted and pieced her dance wear together to reflect her style. Her dance style is a derivative of contemporary Tribal, Hiphop, Urban sass, and Gothic ideas. Khalida was awarded "Star Gothic Tribal Bellydancer of 2009" by MEDLS (Middle Eastern Dance Leaders Society) and was also a headliner for Tribal Delight 2009 in Williamsburg, VA alongside Aela Badiana and Frederique.

Mooresville/Newton

Maysameh - Maysameh has been belly dancing since 2000 and was named Belly Dancer of the Month for August 2007 by the Middle Eastern Dance Leaders Society (MEDLS). MEDLS is dedicated to preserving cultures of the world; retaining heritage, contributing to a better understanding of other cultures, enhancing communication, respect, and peace among the peoples of the world. Maysameh also received her American Tribal Style General Skills Certificate after Carolena's 3-Day Workshop in October 2007. This was a life changing experience! Maysameh leads Rhythmic Essence Belly dance with locations in Newton and Mooresville, NC. She teaches the basics and choreography to ancient interpretive (pharaonic dance), classic, folkloric and modern Egyptian style belly dance. An array of dances offered are: beginner dance, pharaonic candle dance, sword, cane, tray balancing, American veil, wings, pop, feather fan, melaya luff, hagallah, fellahin, ATS, fusion, world dance and much more! In addition to weekly classes, Maysameh is also available for professional performances at community events, schools, festivals, multi-cultural fares, parties, belly grams and corporate functions.

To visit her online, log onto: www.rebellydance.com or call (828) 394-8414.

Mount Airy

Samra -- Originally from Brazil, Samra considers dancing a form of communication and a way to experience other cultures. After many years of intensive study she is a performer of dances from Latin America, Middle East, Polynesia, Turkey, and other parts of the world. She has also studied with some of the greatest masters of North African, Armenian, Balinese, and Central Asian dances. Her interpretive dances include fire, sword, wine balancing, and other exquisite dances.

She teaches and performs regularly in Sounthwest Virginia and Northwest North Carolina. She teaches workshops regularly across the USA and overseas, and leads an annual retreat to Bali in March. Samra also teaches and presents demonstrations at schools and universities in the USA and abroad. Samra is a popular performer at cultural and traditional events such as weddings, birthdays, and banquets. samra40@netzero.net, 276-236-4533, www.samrasexpressions.com.

Raleigh

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Rutherford

Suhayla - I am in Rutherfordton, N.C. (foothills WNC). My name is Suhayla and I have been studying for 7 yrs. My troupe is El Binet. My primary mentors where Ruby Jazayre and Leila Gamal of Ind. I have since danced and studied in South Bend,columbus, charlotte, ashville, chicago, minneapolis.experience includes restaurants, theatre, street, faires, bellygrams, etc. Contact Suhayla at suhayla37@yahoo.com for more information.

Salisbury

Kalima has been studying the art of belly dance for seven years, starting out just for a lark and becoming more ingrossed and obsessed over the years. She began studying with Nadirah of the Nadirah Dance Company in Salisbury, and then with Nayna and Iona at Lotus Studios in Charlotte. Now Kalima continues her studies by attending least one workshop a month with visiting regional and national artists including Jillina, Zoe Jakes, Ava Fleming, Paulette Rhys-Denis, Mahsati Jehan, Ziah Ali, Tempest, Samantah Riggs, and many others. Several years ago she began to focus on Tribal Style Belly Dance and in October 2007 received her ATS General Skills Certification from Carolena Nerecio. As Kalima Tribal Belly Dance she teaches regular tribal style belly dance classes at the Looking Glass Artist Collective, in Salisbury, NC. She and some of her students have recently formed a performing troupe, Damhsa Gasra, which can be seen performing at local festivals and events around Salisbury and Rowan County. You can contact her at www.kalimatribal.com or email KalimaTribal@carolina.rr.com.

Nadirah has studied various forms of dance since childhood, with an emphasis on ballet and jazz. She discovered bellydance several years ago under the tutelage of Sidnoir. Her love of the art form inspired her to further professional training under Ansuya and Jillina, world renowned bellydancers and teachers. Nadirah now resides and teaches in Salisbury, NC. Her troupe is an eclectic ensemble of varied interests, embracing old and new art forms. African, American Tribal, Egyptian, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences combine to form a unique blend of World Fusion Bellydance. As both a soloist and with her ensemble group, Nadirah Dance Company provides unique and exciting entertainment suitable for all audiences. Nadirah has performed in a wide variety of venues and is available for performances, private or group lessons and workshops. You may contact her or her troupe at dtcasper@bellsouth.net, or visit her website at NadirahDanceCompany.com.

Sandhills/Southern Pines-Aberdeen Area

Sharifa Asmar - Sharifa Asmar is renowned for her engaging and authentic Middle Eastern performances. Sharifa's beautiful musicality, exquisite technique, and love of this dance and music magically transports her audiences beyond the everyday world. Sharifa is also a sought-after instructor, innovative dance artist, creative choreographer, workshop/seminar instructor, historian, and lecturer. She accepts public and private engagements. *Girls - Ask about Red Hat, Pajama and Goddess parties, Teen and Tween Fun, Ladies' luncheons, Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers. Contact Sharifa at 910.461.1265 or sharifa@sharifaasmar.com. Visit Sharifa at www.sharifaasmar.com.

Triad Area (Greensboro, High Point, and surrounding area)

Anala (High Point) -- Anala is a professional performer from the High Point area. She is also available for instruction. Anala has studied Middle Eastern dance for over 6 years. She also has had training in various western forms of dance including ballet and jazz. Anala is available for private parties, festivals and other events. She performs primarily American Cabaret (westernized nightclub) style dance. Specialties include sword dancing, veil dances and floor work. She is formerly a member of Gypsy's Aladdin's Genies from Winston-Salem. Contact at mideastarts@yahoo.com or (336) 434-6267.

Soner Cicek - professional musician and instructor from Turkey. He is also an importer of goods from the Middle East.

Triangle Area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding area)

Amara - Amara is a bellydance performer and instructor in the Cary area. She has been dancing for 6 years and is a current member of the Colorful Waves Bellydance Troupe. She has performed at many local events including haflas, private parties, weddings, local festivals, the Raleigh Drum Circle and the NC Renaissance Faire. Amara is available for performances, and teaches private and group lessons in the Cary area. Visit her website for more information- http://www.electricshimmy.com or email her for more information at amara@electricshimmy.com.

Photo credit: Woodland Willow Photography

Amara Al Amir - Amara Al Amir and World Artists Productions feature the finest Belly Dancers and entertainment programs for your special event, cultural and education shows, Corporate and PR. We specialize in Goddess or Gypsy Parties for Woman and Children. Amara Al Amir is certainly one of the most glamorous and expressive dance artists in America today. Amara’s joyful dancing plus her full range of inventive steps, moods and styles emerges as one of the most magnetic and tantalizing dance experiences you will ever witness. Amara is an Artistic Director, Choreographer, Concert Performer, Master Teacher, Costume Designer, Workshop Teacher, Seminar Leader and Guest Lecturer. Contact Amara at 919-576-3236, amara@iworldartists.com, or visit www.iworldartists.com.

Andalee - Andalee is an Oriental Dancer and Instructor based in Durham, NC. She is available for public and private performances in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, & Chapel Hill) and beyond. She'll provide a family-friendly experience with all the glitz and glam that people come to expect from "belly dancers". Andalee is available for weddings, parties, corporate events, club meetings, restaurants, night clubs, mini-workshops, educational events, fundraisers and community festivals. Have something else in mind? Just ask! Contact her at andalee.oriental@gmail.com for more information, or visit her Web site at http://andaleedance.com/.

Sara Beaman - Sara performs Tribal bellydance throughout the Triangle and beyond, both as a member of Blue Moon Dance Company and the Devoted Bellydance Collective, and as a soloist. She is dedicated to promoting bellydance as an artform through community-building events, public performances, and instruction. Her distinctive personal style is the result of several years of performance experience and a consistent dedication to continuing dance education. Sara is available for private and public performances (female-only or family-oriented audiences only, please) as well as private lessons. Contact her at skbeaman@yahoo.com or visit her website at http://www.sarabeaman.com for more information.

Belly Revelations - Belly Revelations performs in several styles (including their own!) in various venues around the Triangle and North Carolina. Troupe members & friends welcome the opportunity to perform for your special celebrations and community events. Qadria teaches workshops tailored especially for you, for women's and community groups, and also holds bellydance retreats at her lake house near Henderson, NC, sailing included, www.Qadria.net.

Blue Moon Dance Company - Blue Moon Dance Company combines tribal style belly dance with an eclectic fusion of globally inspired dance and music styles. Their innovative choreography, layered improvisational techniques and live musical accompaniment make Blue Moon an exciting and unique presence in the Triangle's middle eastern dance community. Blue Moon Dance Company is available to perform at special celebrations, restaurants, festivals, corporate functions and more. Blue Moon teaches ongoing dance classes throughout the Triangle and sponsors periodic dancing and drumming workshops which are renowned throughout the region for their excellence- and fun! For more information on Blue Moon's class schedules, upcoming events, workshops or bookings, contact mail@bluemoonbellydance.com or call 919-303-6716.

Leigh Brown - Leigh Brown began studying Bellydance with Morocco in New York City and has performed professionally in New York, Sicily, and Florence, Italy. She is a dynamic performer who loves to play with the crowd, and enjoys creating a festive mood. She performs Bellydance every first and third Friday at Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine in Apex, NC. Leigh is also a certified Pilates, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® instructor, and offers personal training at her studio, Metaform Movement in Saxapahaw. She has been teaching in the Triangle since 2000. Leigh is available for workshops, group classes and performance. Contact her through www.leighbrown.info.

Photo credit: Keith Evans

Photo credit: Audra Evans

Audra Evans - Professional Bellydance Performer. Audra's dance website: www.audradance.com.

Aziza Fadwa - With her vast training and professional experience, Aziza's dynamic personality and technical expertise have combined into a delightful and dramatic exhibition of Middle Eastern dance. After getting her start 30 years ago in the heyday of American belly dance, Aziza taught and performed throughout the east coast (including New York City) until she established herself as a teacher of teachers in the Raleigh-Durham area. She is spirited, joyful, versatile, and talented, drawing on a vast knowledge of various forms of bellydance including classical and modern raqs sharqi, traditional and folkloric dance, sword balancing, and both American and Egyptian-style veil. She is also the Artistic Director for the professional dance troupe, Flowers of the Desert. She is available to perform either solo or with her troupe. For booking or more information, visit her website or email her at aziza@azizafadwa.com.

Nahla Furat - A Middle Eastern Dancer and Instructor located in North Raleigh. She has studied dance since 1997, and has been teaching beginners since 2000.

Gozde - professional dancer and instructor. For more information, email her at gozde@bellsouth.net.

Happy Hips - Happy Hips Children’s Bellydance Troupe is currently comprised of dancers from 4-12 years old. It is directed by Lisa Allred Draper. They are available for community and educational performances. For their first performance in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Holiday Parade they were awarded “Most Original” by the parade judges. Beginning in July 09 they will be the official Bellydance troupe (along with Moorish Gypsy) performing at the Festival for the Eno in Durham. Please contact Lisa Allred Draper to inquire about scheduling a performance or participating in the Troupe. For more information, visit www.hhbellydance.com or email lisaallreddraper@yahoo.com.

Jaafar - A middle eastern jazz Arabic funk fusion ensemble that originates from the Raleigh/Durham Triangle of NC. JAAFAR are no longer just “local boys”. They have just recently completed their 2nd tour of Cairo, Egypt, been invited to perform at The Conga Square Jazz Festival in Calcutta, India 2 years in a row, and a jazz festival in Poland as well. JAAFAR is a revolving door of extremely talented musicians, with a willingness to push themselves and their audience to unforeseen places, fuseing traditional Arabic music, classical Indian concepts of composition , North African rhythmic grooves, and pure American "old-school Funk" to produce the INCREDIBLY unique soundscape that is Jaafar. Jaafar tries to incorporate the Middle Eastern techniques of melodic improvisation with the Jazz styles of John Coltrane, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jonas Hellborg, Shakti, etc. The percussion players' global influences vary from West African to Turkish to Indian to the incorporation of a full Western-style drum kit. Jaafar has performed as a septet, as solo bass, and every possibility in between. There is a spiritual, meditative, "mellow", middle eastern philosophy in the music; this is represented by our "Acoustic form". There is also a raw power of raw beauty, energetic, explosive, and yet sensitive ; this comes through as the "Electric form". We would not be complete if we could not acknowledge the exsistence of both that actually create a bigger ONE. For more information, visit the Jafaar website.

Khahari Belly Dance Collaborative - Khahari Belly Dance Collaborative is a new and exciting belly dance group from Chapel Hill, NC. The group loves dancing and performing and it was only natural that their great friendship and common passion for belly dance brought them together. The members, Andalee, Milagros and Seher, work together on choreograhies for solos and group dances. Khahari is available to perform at community events throughout the Triangle. For more information visit http://www.khahari.com/ or e-mail info@khahari.com.

Miss Kitty - Miss Kitty is a wife, poet, dancer, and cosmetologist. Her dance style is American Caberet. She began bellydancing in 2002 while managing 2 salons. She studied with Clare Smith as well as local instructors. Miss Kitty teaches bellydance for beginners and for fitness at the Garner Senior Center, Laurel Hills Community Center in Raleigh. She is also available for performances and private lessons. She can be reached by email at ladypinklotus@yahoo.com, or visit her Web site: www.lotusmovement.com.

Asyia Mas'ouda - Asyia has always been larger than life. Growing up in her family's Chinese Restaurant in New York, she learned how technique & presentation makes all the difference. With an eye on quality, Asyia saught out the most beautiful dancers in world to train under. She started out under Josephine Wise of London and took regular classes from Bozenka's Belly Dance Academy in Miami. She completed Intensive Training with Bozenka, Teacher Training with Tamalyn Dallal and Ansuya's Elite Certification. She worked for Ansuya Productions in Florida and has now moved to Raleigh! Asyia's classes reflect her priorities, Quality, Technique and Presentation and her eye for those things brings out each student's potential. View more details at www.Asyia.com, email her at asyiadancing@gmail.com or call 239-784-6859.

Nadya - Born and raised in Lebanon, she has studied with such greats as Yousri Sharif and Mahmoud Reda, among others. She is fluent in 4 languages (Arabic, French, Italian, and English). Nadya offers you… The Luxury of Enjoying an Exquisite and Authentic show and Transforms your special occasions into everlasting memories of “Exotic Delight” and “Excitement”. With stunning grace and poise Nadya captures the essence of this ancient art of Belly Dancing and delivers it with every performance. Nadya is born with an exotic sensuality and a desire to share her gift of dance with you. For more information, visit Nadya's website

Nandana - Nandana has been dancing since 1994 and teaching since 2001. She specializes in Tribal Fusion belly dance as well as being certified in American Tribal Style belly dance by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance BellyDance. Nandana is a member of Blue Moon Dance Company, The Devoted Bellydance Collective and also dances as a soloist throughout the United States . She lives for the dance and strives to pass on the forms and her passion to the next generation of dancers. For information: email at nandana_dance@yahoo.com, call at 919 367 0203 or check the classes page at her www.nandanabellydance.com web site.

Orientale Expressions - Orientale Expressions Middle Eastern Dance Troupe specializes in Raqs Sharqi, Westernized Nightclub, Veil, Balancing, Ethno-fusion, Cane, and Shamadan. Troupe members (Maya, Samira Souzan, and Leigh Brown) teach exercise and belly dance classes at various locations in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, and Hillsborough.

Anush Pele - Anush Pele is an Holistic Belly Dancer, Choreographer, Instructor and Entertainment Producer. Anush Pele is known for her exquisite technique, dramatic stage presence and high-concept theatrical flair. She has performed at countless social events, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, folk festivals, and at cultural centers, restaurants, and fairs, sharing her culture, her magic and enchantment with her audiences. In addition to her study of Belly Dance, Anush Pele studied theater and direction and performed in plays and television. Anush Pele is Artistic Director, Choreographer and Workshop Teacher. She established the Pele Belly Dance School in North Carolina, U.S.A., as well as its exclusive dancing group made up of members from diverse countries like Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Brazil and the United States. Anush Pele strives always to inspire her audience and her students with the beauty of belly dance itself, and they in turn nourish themselves of the deep wisdom, beauty and connection with Life that she brings to her performances. She can be reached by email at anushbellydance@yahoo.com.

Shahzaadee - Shahzaadee has a passion for bellydance and is an artist at her craft. She is a dynamic entertainer. She is the director of Colorful Waves bellydance troupe in Durham. Her specialties include Raqs Sharqi, Ethnic/Historical, Westernized Nightclub, Tribal Fusion, Balancing, Romany (Gypsy), and International Folk Line Dance. She has also sponsored several well-attended dance and drum events in the Triangle area and contributed beauty and bellydance articles to trade publications. She began her dance studies in jazz/modern style as a child, shifting her focus to International dance studies in 1990. She has taken instruction from many World-renowned masters of Middle Eastern dance and performed in shows nationally and internationally. www.shahzaadee.com

Shaiya (Raleigh/Cary) - Shaiya is the director of Happy Hips Children’s Bellydance Troupe and is available for children’s birthday parties in the Triangle area. Delight that special little girl with a complete Bellydance party. Her friends (as many as she wants to invite) will be greeted by Shaiya with temporary tatoos, personalized bellydance word searches and coloring sheets. Once all the girls are adorned with Bindis and hip scarves (borrowed from Shaiya), the dance lesson begins. A 30-45 minute lesson is followed by an optional performance for the adults in attendance. For more information or to schedule a party, please contact Shaiya (Lisa Allred Draper) at lisallreddraper@yahoo.com.

Clare Smith (Raleigh) - Clare Smith is a very talented Belly dance Instructor and Performer. She brings excellence to this art from discipline gathered over 43 years from studying, competing and instructing Ballet, jazz, Classical Indian, Country, Ballroom, Swing and Belly dance. Her Training in Belly dance includes various styles studied on Maui, in Colorado and here at home, North Carolina. Thru Clear Light Dance, she teaches both private and group lessons. She actively teaches at health clubs and dance studios. Current group class schedules may be viewed at asteptogold.com. Additional information is available by contacting Clare at clare.smith@clearlightdance.com, 919 949-2141, or visiting her Website.

Hannan Sultan - Hannan Sultan is a professional bellydancer who has dedicated her life to this art form. She is a charismatic and powerful performer with excellent technique and musicality. She also creates creative and compelling choreography for soloists and groups. Some of her achievements thus far in her career include creating Canada's largest bellydance school, teaching workshops internationally, winning national competitions, starring in two instructional DVDs, and directing student and professional troupes. Hannan's main instructor was Aziza of Portland/Montreal. She also trained frequently with Jillina, Raqia Hassan, Randa Kamal and Tahia Sassine. She keeps her dance fresh by continually taking workshops with international instructors. Additionally, she has extensive training in yoga, ballet, and jazz dance. Hannan is currently based in Durham, North Carolina and continually returns to her studios in Toronto, Canada. She is available for select performances. For more information, visit www.hannansultan.com.

Andy Von - Anderson Beckmann (aka Andy Von) is a student at N.C. State University, persuing a double degree in Philosophy and a self-designed study of Belly Dance traditions. Her strong dance and yoga background allow for diversity in performance, from traditional Turkish Karsilama to modern Fusion! She is very open to catering to specific preferences based upon the nature of the event. Anderson also loves working with non-profit and educational events. For more information, visit her website at www.AndyVon.com or email her at ALBeckma@ncsu.edu.

Photo credit: Audra Evans

Cheryl Kornegay - Cheryl Kornegay discovered Middle Eastern “Belly” Dance in 2002 and fell in love with the transformative power of the dance. She began teaching at-risk youth in 2004. After seeing the impact that movement and rhythm had on her students’ self-esteem and confidence, she began teaching adults the same year. Cheryl has been an active member of the North Carolina Belly Dance community for several years and enjoys pushing herself through dance to explore personal expression, strength, and moving meditation. She believes that one should never believe that they’ve mastered the art but should constantly seek to improve and learn from others. In addition to being a part of troupe performances, annual galas and statewide workshops, Cheryl has taught classes and workshops for the City of Raleigh, women’s groups, senior centers, hospitals, and private venues and performs frequently for local events, weddings, family friendly gatherings, and restaurants. Her classes have a relaxed atmosphere coupled with challenging work-outs, refinement of execution, and attention to individual students. She teaches a movement foundation that is applicable to all styles of Belly Dance. Contact mandalamotion@yahoo.com, visit cherylkornegay.weebly.com, myspace.com/mandalamotion, or 919-529-4447.

Photo Credit: Audra Evans

Wilmington/Cape Fear Area

Andrea Deagon - performer and director of Sitat al Shitar. Her specialties include Raqs Sharqi, Westernized Nightclub, Veil, Finger Cymbals, Cane, Lebanese, and Turkish.

Annwyn - Annwyn has been intensely studying Middle Eastern Dance for over seven years. She is now living in the Cape Fear, North Carolina area where she performs many different forms of Middle Eastern Dance, Including Turkish Oriental, Egyptian Oriental, American Cabaret, and Turkish Rom Fusion (commonly known as Gypsy). Her extraordinary performances include Veil, Double veil, Isis Wings, Sword, Zills, Candle Tray, and Spoons. Annwyn has always been fascinated with and inspired by many forms of fine art and the performing arts. She received her Associates in Art in 2004 followed by her Bachelors of Fine Art in sculpture in 2005. She feels that the art that surrounds her is a constant inspiration to her dance.. To book Annwyn please contact her at www.annwyndance.com or call 910-202-4018.

Nazneen - Nazneen has been studying bellydance since 1997 and her love for this beautiful dance shows. Her training includes Egyptian Oriental, American Classic, Turkish, Tribal Fusion, and Gypsy. She teaches an on-going beginners class at the Crest Fitness Club in Hampstead every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Nazneen’s teaching is fun and encouraging. Her performances are family friendly and she is available for classes, private lessons, in-home classes, festivals, restaurants, and special occasions (no bachelor parties). For more information, please visit http://www.geocities.com/nazneen61/ or email her at nazneen61@yahoo.com. Nazneen performs every Friday & Saturday night at the Arabian Nights Lounge Hookah Café 117 Grace St Wilmington.

Samra - Samra's cabaret-style dance is joyful, tasteful and suitable for family entertainment. Her veil dance is exquisite! She loves to present belly grams! Samra is the protege of Andrea Deagon, the premier performer in Wilmington over the last decade. Invite your female friends to a truly wonderful group experience in your own home for "Samra’s Night at the Harem: A Women’s Party with Lesson." During the last three years, Samra’s fans hired her to perform at bridal showers, weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, office parties and retirement homes in and around Wilmington. She performed at large festivals such as Riverfest, Sundown Shindig, Earth Day Festival, the International Festival at UNCW, Spring Fling at Topsail Beach, First Night in Charleston and fundraisers at WHQR and the Cape Fear Museum. She entertained patrons at local restaurants including Hollywood East Cinema Grill, Water Street Café, Michael’s Seafood, Cedars and the Ice House. She performed regularly with William Strickland, a flamenco guitarist. Samra teaches belly dance classes at the Community Arts Center in Wilmington. To schedule Samra for your event, please visit her website, phone 910-794-5487 or e-mail sandyfrances@juno.com.

Tara Sophia - Tara Sophia is a coastal NC Cabaret and Fusion belly dance duo who perform for the love of the art form. They dance with veils, tambourine, swords, and flame. Tara has over 15 years experience as a dancer and has been belly dancing for 10 years. She has trained in Cabaret with Hannah and ATS and Tribal Fusion under Lori and Trina of Shezam. She was a member of the Hawamin and Trieste troupes in Syracuse, NY. She won national jazz competitions in her younger years as a dancer. She has a vibrant and magnetic interactive stage presence that captivates an audience. Sophia has a formal education in dramatic and musical theatre and has been belly dancing for 6 years. An accomplished performer, she loves to "wow" the audience with her skill in sword and fire props, specifically fire fans and palm torches. Sophia trained under Marcy "Europamoon" Whipkins of Wilmington and Halima of Jacksonville. Tara Sophia’s past performances include the Havelock cultural arts festival, The Nightmare Factory, Beautiful Life's Valentine hafla, Blue Moon's Spring hafla, Shimmy For A Cause, Project Shimmy, and several private events. Sophia has performed at Moorish Gypsy’s Winter Solstice Hafla, as a guest of Shadows of the Fire at Fayetteville's Fourth Friday, as well as in haflas in Asheville. Tara Sophia performs monthly at Wilmington's Juggling Gypsy in both the fire show and belly dance showcase. Together this versatile duo deliver a scintillating performance. For more information, please email tarasophiabellydance@yahoo.com, visit www.myspace.com/tarasophiabellydance, or do a search for Tara Sophia on Facebook.

Photo credit: Ally Voshell - Why We Wait Photography

Vatra Gitana - Vatra Gitana is a bellydance, fire, and performance art dance troupe from Wilmington, NC. With both female and male members they offer an exciting spectacle for all types of audiences. Formed in 2003, the troupe continues to grow and evolve, with hour long shows using over 50 props, from umbrellas to knives and veils!

Wilson

Desert Wishes - 2 performers: Ariel and Mahirimah, dancing for over 4 years.

Raq Mundi - Raq Mundi draws on a variety of cultures for our inspiration. The influences of Middle Eastern, North African, East Indian and Central Asian costumes and dance forms can be seen. Our style draws strongly a mix of traditional belly dance, but includes elements of modern dance along with our own artistic vision. This combination of traditional movement and music and modern innovation gives Raq Mundi's performances an exotic and ancient feeling and a powerful, mesmerizing presence.

Winston-Salem

Gigi - Make your next event or celebration a memorable one with a performance by GiGi! Audiences of all ages have enjoyed her performances, where she has appeared at corporate events, art gallery openings, family-oriented private parties, weddings, festivals, schools, benefit events. Book GiGi for a “Giggle and Wiggle” party, exclusively designed for girls and women of all ages. Invite your friends and family to learn how to execute snake arms, hip drops and shimmies. GiGi will provide hip scarves, veils, music and FUN! A co-founder of Ruby Scarab, the Triad’s premier professional belly dance troupe, GiGi teaches the fine art of belly dance at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. For more information, contact her at 336.727.4806 or pmelton@cmc-nc.com.

The Graces Dance Troupe of Three Graces Entertainment - as a professional dance troupe under the artistic direction of Saphira, The Graces Dance Troupe has entertained audiences from the eastern to western regions of North Carolina and beyond. Past performance venues are many and varied, including performances for the military, festivals, carnevales (see Castle McCulloch in Jamestown, public festivals, where The Graces Troupe has performed for the last 4 years), private and corporate functions, and as dancers for several internationally performing bands. The dancers perform with various props, including the wings of Isis, veils, special effects lighting, snakes and much more. In addition to belly dancing, the dancers also perform Brazilian (samba and frevo), salsa, and many styles of international folkloric dances. For booking information, call Saphira at 336-830-3479, email her at Teresa3Graces@aol.com or visit Three Graces Entertainment.

Gypsy (Paula Stump) - "GYPSY" (Paula Stump) is originally from Lexington, NC and now resides in Winston-Salem, where she is the owner of PR Stump & Stuff, Inc., a promotional products advertising firm. She is a former model and actress and after playing the role of Gypsy Rose Lee in the Little Theater's 1978 production "Gypsy", she borrowed her stage name "Gypsy". Gypsy has been a student of Middle Eastern dance for 19 years and has taught the dance for 16 years. She has appeared twice with the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra at their "Sunday at the Pops" concert and at "Music at Sunset" where she performed to Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah. Her studies have taken her to San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, Seattle, and finally Egypt and Turkey, where she has received training from internationally acclaimed master teachers such as Delilah, Suhaila Salimpour, Nadia Hamdy and famous Egyptian choreographer, Mahmoud Reda. For more information, visit her website.

Gypsy Fusion of Three Graces Entertainment. The women of the Gypsy Fusion Troupe reside throughout the triad and enthusiastically travel to express their passion for tribal fusion dance. The members of Gypsy Fusion create a bond on stage that is beautiful and mesmerizing. Under the direction of Kharma, each performance contains an original choreography written expressly for the troupe. Taking inspiration from other performers in the tribal fusion field, each member shines with their own unique personality and style in costuming and performance. For booking contact Kharma at beverly@threegracesentertainment.com or see www.ThreeGracesEntertainment.com.

Kristie Staton - Delivering crowd-pleasing performances, Kristie Staton provides family entertainment with an Oriental flavor. Kristie fuses Middle-Eastern dance with modern American culture. Performances are ornamented with silk veils, silver scimitars, canes and candle fire. Crowds have enjoyed Kristie¹s performances at art galleries, private and corporate receptions, Middle-Eastern theme parties, festivals, weddings, milestone celebrations and other occasions. Kristie is co-founder of the professional dance troupe, Ruby Scarab. For more information, go to http://www.shimmies-r-us.com, call 336/922-1172 or send email to ktharpe@graphically-speaking.biz.

Navani - Navani specializes in a range of belly dance styles including traditional folk dances from various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions. As a dancer, she is known for her great energy and passion, fluid movements and sensual style and is a popular performer at a range of venues from parties to weddings and at larger events in North Carolina as well as places like Atlanta, Maryland, New York City and California. Her love and devotion to Arabic music and dance and her desire to contribute to the evolving belly dance culture has made her an ambassador for this beautiful art form. He dedication has made her a student not only of Middle Eastern dance styles, but also of the language, music and culture of the Middle East. For more information visit www.navani.org.

Paatayah - Paatayah brings years of classical dance experience and training to the art of Belly Dance. She is a strong performer and instructor who truly loves to communicate the essence of the dance and the music with her audience, be it performance or in a class setting. She produces an exciting and entertaining Belly Dance performance as well as other styles of dance. Spiritual performances are available and a specialty. She operates out of Winston-Salem, NC where she runs Dance With Me Studios and produces gifted students and teachers who share in her love of dance. Please see her photo gallery for an example of her work at www.pamsdanceschool.com.

Ruby Scarab Belly Dancers - Ruby Scarab fills your world with images from the Orient­the luster of coins and glitter, the radiance of colors, the tones of Arabic music. Delivering crowd-pleasing performances, Ruby Scarab provides family entertainment with an Oriental flavor. Whether you're planning an international festival or a wedding reception, Ruby Scarab presents a quality program, leaving your guests with a lasting memory of your celebration. Crowds have enjoyed their performances at art galleries, private and corporate receptions, Middle-Eastern theme parties, festivals, weddings, milestone celebrations and other occasions. Consider Ruby Scarab for your next event. They will provide a full-scale show or teach your group how to execute snake arms and the genie in a class-like environment. Be prepared to get up on your feet because Ruby Scarab stirs up the crowd. For more information and contacts, go to http://www.shimmies-r-us.com.

Saphira (Teresa Dickerson) is a full-time dance performer and instructor who specializes in belly dance and other styles of international dance. She has performed extensively throughout areas in North Carolina and beyond. Venues include festivals, corporate events, restaurants, universities, elementary, middle and high schools, birthday parties, retirement functions, and other special events. Audiences find intriguing her use of various props, such as the sword, veils, cane, basket, and fire. She is the recipient of the Lewisville Area Arts Council 2006 Achievement in Dance Award. Saphira is also a model and co-founder/owner of Three Graces Entertainment, a dance company that was awarded Best of Winston-Salem, performing arts group, runner-up for 2009. She can be contacted at (336) 830-3479 or by email at Teresa3graces@aol.com or see www.ThreeGracesEntertainment.com.

Sylvana - Performer and director of 1001 Nights Middle Eastern Dance, Sylvana is a charismatic and energetic entertainer. In addition to teaching classes in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, she performs at private parties and events as well as at public festivals and fairs with Paula Stump and her "Aladdin's Genies".

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