Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Sashame

Sashame Bellydance has been dancing since childhood.  Classical ballet, pointe and 8 years ago, finding her way to bellydance. After her 4 years with Torque she became a soloist and has never turned back.  Blending the softness of ballet and the pop and lock of Fusion, she brings a new flavor to each performance. She teaches beginner and intermediate Tribal Fusion at Dalian Dance.

You can find her on Facebook, at the Daliana Dance Site, and at Sashame's Professional Tribal Fusion Troupe on Facebook.

Here's what she had to say about NCBellydance.org:

In 2011 Kate O’Donnell and I held our very first show together and had amazing dancers from all over the area to come and dance with our special guest Bagoas. We decided early on that all proceeds would go directly to NCBELLYDANCE and we were able to raise $600!  This in turn, enabled Haala to take further classes and provide more services for the dancers of North Carolina! 
I am very grateful to Haala and her baby…NCBELLYDANCE.ORG. Without it prospective students, workshops, visiting dancers/instructors, musicians and troupes would undoubtedly have to work much harder than they already do trying to get themselves out there.  NCBELLYDANCE.ORG. has been an incredibly valuable resource to keep tabs on my brothers and sisters in the dance community! I love being able to direct people to the site to help them answer any questions they may have about instructors closer to them!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Blue Moon Dance Company!

Blue Moon DanceCompany is a unique presence in the Raleigh-Durham greater metro area. Featuring an eclectic fusion of globally inspired dance and music styles, Blue Moon Dance Company presents mesmerizing movements, exotic rhythms, lush textiles. innovative choreographies, and authentic live music in a full performance production that will take your breath away. 

Blue Moon Dance Company has been a featured act in a variety of events and festivals both regionally and nationally, and its members are often sought-out for both performance and instruction at seminars throughout the country.  Blue Moon is also widely renowned for their incredible sell-out haflas which are always a blast!

Here's what they had to say about NCBellydance.org:

Ever since the inception of NCBellydance.org, Blue Moon has been grateful for the wonderful service that it has provided to our belly dance community and to the general public as well. From serving as a clearinghouse for information about workshops, classes, and special events to hosting world-class instructors to sponsoring fabulous performances that showcase NC bellydance talent, NCBellydance.org has been an integral part of the success of our art form locally and beyond.  Blue Moon is happy and honored to be this month's sponsor of NCBellydance.org, and we look forward to future collaborations as well!

For more information about Blue Moon Dance Company, visit http://www.bluemoonbellydance.com.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Cynthia!

Cynthia of Boone, NC has been studying and performing Middle Eastern dance since 2007.  

Her first experiences were in American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion.  As her knowledge and love for the art form deepened, Cynthia felt compelled to study the cultural roots and Egyptian form of the dance.  As part of this study, she recently completed Tamalyn Dallal's Teacher Training.  Cynthia continues to be influenced by American Cabaret and Egyptian dance as her own style evolves.

Cynthia also dances as a member of Amizadje World Dance and teaches basic bellydance technique.  She strives to offer a warm and positive learning environment, cultivating cultural awareness, joy and community.

Here's what Cynthia had to say about NCBellydance.org:

I used ncbellydance.org to find my first bellydance classes, and continue to use it to keep up with all the wonderful workshops and events our community has to offer.  I really appreciate the valuable resource Haala has provided for the NC bellydance community and am excited to be a new member of the family!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Andalee!

Andalee is an Oriental dancer and instructor based in Durham, NC. Her dance style is based in Egyptian-style belly dance and American Cabaret (or American Nightclub) belly dance. She has been dancing since 2005 and teaching since 2008. Her mission is to promote Oriental Dance (a.k.a. belly dance) as a respected and valid performance art. She teaches her students that belly dance is truly accessible to anyone by exploring the different techniques and styles of Oriental dance.

Andalee directs and choreographs a student troupe, the Nightingales, which performs at student recitals, haflas, stage shows and other community events. Andalee also belongs to the Association of Central Carolina Middle Eastern Dancers, a professional association of dancers.

Andalee has recently established Belly Dance at Any Size, an online magazine for building self-esteem and a positive body image for belly dancers. The site affirms that everyone has a right to move their bodies in a safe and comfortable environment regardless of their age, weight, shape, ability or activity-level. 

Here's what she had to say about NCbellydance.org:  

Haala offers our belly dance community a valuable resource for getting and staying connected. Her dedication to the site is the ultimate form of community service and certainly a labor of love. Thank you, Haala, for your contributions to our community!

I first got tapped into belly dance classes when I started dancing back in 2005 by using NCBellyDance.org to find teachers. I remember being so excited about the wealth of information listed on the site--classes, events, workshops, etc. Now, eight years later as a teacher and performer, I still benefit from NCBellyDance by using it as way to attract students and clients.  Haala offers our belly dance community a valuable resource for getting and staying connected. Her dedication to the site is the ultimate form of community service and certainly a labor of love. Thank you, Haala, for your contributions to our community! 

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Safiya!

Safiya has been intoxicated by the allure of belly dance since the first time she saw a belly dancer performing a drum solo one cold, snowy night in Milwaukee. Over twelve years have passed since that fateful night and she has been reveling in the joy and passion of belly dance ever since!

          Safiya spent the course of the next two years learning the fundamentals including veil and extensive zill technique from that very same belly dancer Nadia Sahar (now in Vero Beach, FL). Safiya was then accepted into the PhD program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and relocated to beautiful, sunny San Diego. There she had the opportunity to study regularly with two master instructors: Lucia and the world-renowned, Meleah—a master of precision and technique.

Safiya now resides in Raleigh, NC where she is an active performer and instructor. She has been the resident dancer at Spartacus, a Greek restaurant in Durham and at Mosaic Wine Lounge in Raleigh for years and has performed at nearly every restaurant and club in the RTP area. At Mosaic, she has been the behind the scenes host of “Arabian Nights”, where she has invited numerous guest dancers to perform from the ncbellydance.org community. “When I first moved to NC from San Diego, I was lost. I had left behind so many dear belly dance friends and precious teachers. Through ncbellydance.org, I was able to find a whole community in place waiting for me and, after many dances, I was able to connect with a core of women I just could not live without!” says Safiya.

Her other notable events include performances at the International Festival of Raleigh with the band Mozaik and for the Turkish community in particular at ATA-NC. She has worked extensively with the Indian community as well and was the star performer at international festivals for the International Business Schools at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. She has performed live with the Bulgarian pop star Maya Delcheva and at the historic Carolina Theatre.

However, for Safiya her favorite events “are the ones you get to perform with your friends and colleagues of dance. Thank you ncbellydance.org and all past & future performers for the amazing memories at the Mosaic international dance nights!”

Safiya specializes in Egyptian cabaret, with a personal flare for the drum solo. She is a staunch believer in technique and is a dedicated life-long student of belly dance. She continues her education with workshops, believing that belly dance, as an art form, grows with you throughout one’s life. There is always something rusty to be polished or new to be explored!

For more information, visit http://www.safiyabellydancer.com or contact info@safiyabellydancer.com

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Lost Jewels of the Ghawazee

Ethnic fusion belly dance troupe The Lost Jewels of the Ghawazee proudly carries on the rich multicultural history of “the oldest dance in the world.”

Based in Granite Falls, N.C., the troupe blends folkloric and modern dance into its own unique style.  Flavored with movements found in dances from India, Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Latin America the Middle East, the troupe constantly explores new and different dance styles to incorporate into their repertoire.

The Jewels share those cultures—and their pure love of dance—by performing at area festivals, arts events, nonprofit fundraising events and public school functions.

Founded by lead dancer and mentor Becky “Neela” Shook, the troupe was formed in 2003. Neela’s love for dance led her to create the Art in Motion dance studio in Granite Falls where she also teaches yoga.

 Just as belly dance is an evolving expression of the people who dance it, their new “Re-Belly-ous” style describes the troupe’s latest direction. It’s a venue for them to play, express, create and entertain.

Pin-ups and iconic Hollywood glamour form the costuming basis of the “Re-Belly-ous” look. Who can deny the allure of Hedy Lamarr, Mae West, Carole Lombard or Bette Davis? These strong women shaped the troupe’s idea of beauty, femininity and the strength of the femme fatale. And don’t be surprised if your toes tap to the beat of their rockabilly music!

Belly dance captivates the hearts of the “sisters,” embracing all they love: music, dance, art and creativity. Yet, so much awaits their exploration. Only time, study and practice grant them the privilege of carrying on the belly dance tradition.

For more information, visit www.lostjewelsbellydance.com or www.rebellyous.com. 

The Lost Jewels would like to thank Haala for the generous offer to feature them this month on NCBellydance.org.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Lisa Zahiya of Asheville!

Lisa Zahiya is an innovative, award-winning performer, in-demand instructor and successful studio owner. Working in the genres of bellydance, Indian dance (Bollywood & Bhangra) and hip-hop dance, Lisa travels nationally and internationally teaching and performing.

Lisa is a alumni of the University of Maryland Dance Team and has a background in musical theater, jazz and hip hop. In 2008, her strong powerful style earned her the title “2008 Tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe” and she went on to win the Alternative Category at the Wiggles of the West bellydance competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lisa’s unique style and fusion dance forms has gained her recognition in the International bellydance community. She travels, teaching workshops, performing and developing curriculum. She is currently developing a fusion dance curriculum for a dance school in San Raphael, France.

At home, she is faculty at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, where she teaches bhangra, hip hop and bellydance. She also serves as an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica, Asheville.

Lisa is also known for her work with children and women, using dance as a impitus for change. Lisa serves as a Resident Artist with the Lake Eden Arts Festival, working with 1st-8th graders in public housing communities and is also a Guest Dance Instructor with the Buncombe County School System. Additionally, she travels nationally teaching in school systems and for childrens’ organizations. 

She has taught at two eating disorder recovery centers, helping women re-discover their bodies through movement, and teaches at the Swannanoa Correctional Facility for Women.

 Here's what she had to say about NCBellydance.org:

One of the things that is near and to dear to my heart about bellydance is community. This dance brings women (and men) together - and allows us to grow, accept ourselves and dance together.  NC Bellydance is such an amazing resource for North Carolina as it fosters that sense of community across the state.  Not only do we have our local communities, but we are able to easily find out about dancers, classes and workshops across the state.  The website allows me to keep up with what my friends are doing across the state and keep up with all the wonderful happenings here.

For more information about Lisa Zahiya, visit her website.

The Most Liked NC Belly Dance Photo of 2012!

In December 2012, we held our first photo contest for dancers and photographers in North Carolina.

Hundreds of photos were submitted to our Facebook photo album from all over North Carolina, and hundreds of votes were cast over a 6 day period.

It was an extremely close race, but in the end the winner for Most Liked NC Belly Dance Photo of 2012 was John Scalcione of Scalcione Photography, and dancer Nayna of Charlotte.  (pictured above).

This photo is being displayed for the entire month of January 2013 on the main page of NCBellydance.org.

Congratulations to John and Nayna!

In second place by only a few votes was John Scalcione again, this time for his photo of Wendy Konzelman:

And in third place was Bonnie Stanley with her photo of Sashame:

Besides creating artistic and pleasing photographs, both photographers really captured the personality and spirit of these three dancers!

Nayna wishes to share her award with her fellow dance sisters, so we will be running the photos of Wendy and Sashame for one week on the main page of NCBellydance.org, starting next week!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated - click here to view all the submitted photos.

The photo contest was such a great success that we plan on making this an annual event!  See you next December!

NC Belly Dance Photo Contest & Album!

We are compiling a "2012 Year In Pictures" photo album for our Facebook fan page and the NCBellydance.org website and would love to include your dance photo!

You can also vote for "The Most Liked NC Belly Dance Photo of 2012" - the photo that receives the most "likes"  will be displayed on the main page of NCBellydance.org AND the cover page of the Facebook fan page for the entire month of January absolutely free! (regular retail value: $40)

To qualify to be included in the 2012 Year in Pictures Photo Album:

1. You must be a dancer currently residing in North Carolina or a photographer who has taken a photo of a NC dancer.  
2. You must "Like" the NCBellydance.org Facebook fan page.
3. Photos must be no larger than 256k, ideally in JPG format, and emailed to haala@ncbellydance.org
4. Dancers: please include name of photographer (if known) for photo credit.   Photographers: please include name of dancer (if known) and location photo was shot.
5. There is no limit to the number of photos, but they must have been taken between January 1, 2012 and the present.
6. By submitting the photos, you are granting NCBellydance.org permission to display them on Facebook and on NCBellydance.org.  (You continue to retain all rights to your photos.)

We reserve the right to reject any photos that we deem inappropriate for general audiences or that do not meet the qualifications listed above.

Once your photo(s) have been received and added to the online Photo Album, we will notify you ASAP so you can begin getting the word out (sharing on your Facebook timeline, emailing friends and family, announcing in class, etc.)

The contest will close on midnight (Eastern Standard Time), Tuesday, December 18, 2012 and the winner announced on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.

For more information on how to vote, visit the Voting Page.

If you have any questions, just reply in the comments field, or email haala@ncbellydance.org.

Thank you for participating, and good luck!

Vote for the Most Liked NC Belly Dance Photo of 2012!

How to Vote:

1. "Like" the NCBellydance.org Facebook Fan Page (if you haven't already)
2. Visit the 2012 North Carolina Belly Dancers: A Year in Pictures photo album and "like" the photo(s) that you want to win!

It's perfectly ok to "like" several photos, if you just can't decide on one :)

Make sure to get your vote in by midnight, Tuesday December 18, 2012!

NCBellydance.org will announce the winner on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.

If you are interested in being included in the photo album, or want more information about the contest, then visit the Contest Page.

For questions or assistance in voting, email haala@ncbellydance.org.

Thanks for participating - tell all your friends!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Kaitlyn

After seeing her first glimpse of Indian dance in "Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom" and her first bellydancer in a music video by Prince, the seeds were sewn that would spark the fascination for culture and dance in Kaitlyn's life. 

Growing up, Kaitlyn studied ballet, jazz, tap and gymnastics and dreamed of one day being a professional dancer. It seems that dreams do in fact come true and in the most surprising ways. Little did she know way back when she was just a little girl toting “Dance” magazines to school, that instead of wearing a tutu, she would eventually be donning a coin belt as a bellydancer when her dreams were finally realized. 

Becoming involved in Middle Eastern dance in 2000, Kaitlyn has striven to educate herself and educate and encourage others to help them find the beauty and fulfillment of bellydance ever since. 

Sometimes teacher, sometimes performer, at all times Kaitlyn endeavors to be an advocate for the art of bellydance and stand up for the rights and ethical standards of bellydancers everywhere.

Currently Kaitlyn is performing monthly at Marrakesh in Jacksonville and she is very proud to be the creative director of her student troupe “Apsara”, with whom she hosts the annual “Down East Bellydance & Drum Fest” in New Bern, NC.

For more info: www.kaitlynbellydance.com

Here's what Kaitlyn had to say about NCBellydance.org:

Having been a bellydancer in another state, I was blown away at the amount of organization and professionalism that I found when I was researching the dance community in NC when I had decided to relocate back to my native state. I knew right away that there were some truly amazing things going on and I couldn't wait to be apart of it. What this site does for NC bellydancing is immeasurable and it is the glue that holds us all together.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Maysameh!

Maysameh (Candy Heafner) has been belly dancing since 2000.  In 2003, Rhythmic Essence was started in her basement with 10 girls.  Over the years, Rhythmic Essence has grown into a thriving studio located in historic downtown Newton, NC!

She received her American Tribal Style General Skills Certificate in October of 2007 and in June 2009 she was awarded Middle Eastern Dance Leaders Society (MEDLS) "Star Belly Dance Teacher of the Year."

In 2011, she successfully completed Keti Sharif’s international A-Z Original Personal Techniques Course and was one of 8 girls chosen to appear in Keti Sharif's Pulse8 Belly Dance Fitness DVD series recorded in Los Angeles, CA.  In June of 2012, she was featured in Keti Sharif's latest choreography DVD featuring 30 belly dancers world-wide.  She mainly follows under the teachings of Keti Sharif involving concentration in A-Z, A-Z Advanced, AstroBelly and Pulse8 Belly Dance Fitness. 

She takes pride in her studio rules that have kept her classes going strong through the years:  No negative energy, no competition and no drama are allowed.

Prior to owning her belly dance studio, Candy was a certified Personal Trainer and certified in Cardio Kick Boxing, Stability Ball, and other fitness programs. She instructed various aerobics classes, toning classes, Women on Weights and pre-natal. 

She is a mom and a full time nursing student at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC.

To find out more about the studio and class offerings, log onto www.rebellydance.com

Here's what Maysameh had to say about NCBellydance.org:

"This site has helped so many people explore the art of Middle Eastern Dance here in North Carolina.  Haala and helpers have invested so much time and effort into making sure the belly dance communities in NC have the most up-to-date information on classes, events, workshops and shows.  I want to express my gratitude for everyone who helps make this site the number one place to go for NC belly dance events!"

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Laylianah Mahasin!

Laylianah Mahasin (Layla for short) has been devoted to the art of Belly Dance since the age of 15.  She has studied many styles of belly dance with world renowned instructors including Hannan Sultan, Kasha of Raleigh, Faun Finley, Zoe Jakes, Sadie, and Yasmine just to name a few.

Laylianah is passionate about both performing and teaching this beautiful art form. 

As an instructor, she prides herself on providing a fun and supportive atmosphere for all her students, and loves seeing their self-confidence develop.  She currently teaches at 4 locations in the Triangle Area of NC: Durham, Clayton, Hillsborough and Raleigh.

As a performer, Laylianah’s goal is to embody the music and engage her audience in a captivating story! Her style can be anything from impassioned and dramatic to flirty and fun, but is always family-friendly.  She currently performs Egyptian, Turkish, and American Cabaret styles at private parties, weddings, galas and corporate events.

For more information on Laylianah, email laylianah@gmail.com or call her at 919-886-5890.  You can also find her class schedule on NCBellydance.org (an amazing resource for all things Belly Dance!).  

Friend her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter for the latest updates on classes and performances.

Here's what Laylianah had to say about NCBellydance.org:

I love NCBellyDance.Org!  I used it before I became a professional dancer as the best site to keep me up to date on what’s happening in the Belly Dance Community.  As a professional dancer, I have definitely noticed an increased amount of exposure.  Most of the calls I get about classes start with “So, I found you on ncbellydance.org…”.  Thanks, Haala for running such a great site!

And thank you, Laylianah, for supporting NCBellydance.org!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Sharifa Asmar!

Sharifa met Oriental dance in college and since then she has danced through three continents, several islands, a variety of venues, extended engagements in NY/NJ metro area, the Carolinas and Central Florida ~ usually into the wee hours of the morning.

Sharifa dances with playful and effortless musicality, elegant technique and real passion! And her students say she teaches the same way! Her connection to the dance and music is such that audience members often address her in their native Arabic. While best known for her classic Egyptian style, her repertoire also includes Lebanese, Turkish, and Classic American.

A dynamic “teacher’s teacher”, Sharifa is committed to a strong foundation of Oriental dance technique for all levels - beginner through professional. Many ‘already dancers’ transiting through Fayetteville / Ft. Bragg aren't in the right place long enough to learn all they should know for their current level – so filling their skill gaps keeps Sharifa’s skills fresh and sharp.

Sharifa’s own studies are ongoing with the finest the Oriental dance world has to offer.  Sharifa scored a few firsts for the NC Bellydance community when she performed twice for NC Dance Alliance Annual Showcase, and with her Qarisma Dance Co. at the inaugural Charlotte Dance Festival.
Ongoing projects include Oriental dance communities past and present, a narrative of 20th C Oriental dance and teaching dance online.

Sharifa is a history / political science professor in her “spare time”.

[Little known fact ] Sharifa’s very first performance was a Persian wedding and arranged by her first teacher - no preset music or choreo – leaving a special place in her heart for family celebrations and dancing by the “seat of your harems.” Couldn't have been that bad - they asked for Sharifa for their next event.

Here's what Sharifa had to say about NCBellydance.org:

 NCBD is the go-to resource for anything bellydance in NC! It’s a great student-teacher connector and regional calendar!
I have so many students and clients call because they saw me on NCbellydance.org! Thanks for all your hard work and we'll keep that support coming... 

Thank you, Sharifa!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Twisted Dance Studios!

Conveniently located at 313 South Greene Street in Greensboro NC, Twisted Dance Studios features a large variety of world dance and fitness classes, including belly dance, African style dance, hooping, martial arts, self defense, Tai Chai, and Yoga.

Every year, they sponsor a gala world dance benefit show for the Triad Health Project.  This year's Project Shimmy benefit show will take place on Saturday, September 8 at the Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center in Greensboro College and will include a variety of world dance styles and performers from all over the state of NC.

In 2012, They were voted "Best Bellydancing" by the readers of Yes! Weekly.

Twisted Dance Studios partnered with Three Graces Entertainment in April 2012 to present a fundraising workshop and hafla for NCBellydance.org.   I can't thank them enough for their hard work on this fundraiser, and for all their support throughout the years!

For more information, visit their website at http://www.twisteddance.com.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Gypsy!

"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 25 years and has taught the dance for 23 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: www.shimmies-r-us.com.

Here is what she had to say about NCBellydance.org:

NCBellydance.org…the premier online resource for everything having anything to do with belly dancing in North Carolina!  If you don’t believe it, just Google any combination of “belly dance in North Carolina”, and see for yourself.  Haala’s tireless dedication and continuous hard work for the past ten years has certainly paid off, by positioning the site at the top of the search engine results.  Quite often I have been contacted about classes and/or performances, and when I inquire as to how the caller found me, I am told they saw my information/listing at ncbellydance.org!  Thanks to one of the most selfless, generous and supportive, kind-hearted and lovely people I have ever had the good fortune to find myself in the company of.

Thank you, Gypsy!   I appreciate your support!

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Amara!

Woodland Willow Photography

Amara  began bellydancing in 2002 as a way to get back in shape after having her son. She is a busy mom of 3, and finds that bellydancing gives her freedom of expression and enjoys dancing while her husband plays for her.
 

She is known for her expressive style and using the music to tell a story through her dance. She enjoys dancing to all types of music but prefers dancing improvised to live music. You can often see her performing with her husband Andrew, who is a member of the Lost Nomads, a local Middle Eastern band.  

Her style is American Orientale and she often dances with Wings of Isis, sword, and veil, and more recently- fire.

She is a professional portrait and wedding photographer and visual artist and finds that creativity helps inspire her dancing. 

 Here's what Amara had to say about NCBellydance.org:

 'I am so glad to have NCbellydance.org in our community. It is my go-to when I am looking for fun events or workshops around NC and find it is such a valuable resource to all dancers.'

We are glad to have you in the community too, Amara!

For information on bellydance or photography, check out her websites at: www.electricshimmy.com and www.woodlandwillow.com.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Mena!

Mena has been dancing since 2005 and started teaching in the fall of 2009. 

Although she doesn't like labels, she does consider herself a fusion dancer, being exposed to many different types of dance and fusing them all together into her own belly dance style. 

Teaching has been a huge, but rewarding challenge.  Her group of students, the Gypsy Belles, includes ladies from all over NW North Carolina and SW Virginia.  They are such an inpsiration.  Her classes are Wednesdays in Elkin, NC and Thursdays in Galax, VA. 

Although she teaches a great group, Mena will always consider herself a student.  She has been fortunate to study with some true masters; Professor Hassan & Kyrria Mazzin from Egypt; Leyla Amir from Las Vegas, Caroline Afifi and our own Luci Jennings from Winston-Salem. 

Her greatest mentor and friend has been Samra from Winston-Salem, whose influence is without description. 

Along with teaching, Mena manages to perform as often as possible.  She has performed everywhere from huge stages with a jumbotron to small retirement homes.  

Here's what she had to say about NCBellydance.org;

NCBellydance.org has a great resourse in finding various workshops throughout NC and beyond.  Last year, when my family and I went to Atlanta for baseball, I checked the website for workshops and viola, there was a workshop listing for Mahmoud Reda, another master, the same weekend I was in Atlanta.  It worked out perfectly.  I'm also able to get lots of info about Shimmy for a Cause this June where myself and the Gypsy Belles will be performing. 

For more information about Mena, visit http://www.menadancer.com

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Three Graces Entertainment!

Three Graces Entertainment brings the beauty of authentic island dances to luaus, festivals, and more.

Under the direction of Teresa Dickerson (Saphira) and Beverly Whitt (Kharma), Three Graces Entertainment strives to promote diversity, cultural dance, and positive body image. Both are troupe directors, troupe students and teachers within the company that holds classes ranging from Bollywood and Raks Sharki to Polynesian and Tribal Fusion.

From a new student's first hip drop to the seasoned dancer's undulation, all dancers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and realize their full potential. Three Graces Entertainment performs in North Carolina and beyond and currently holds classes in Winston-Salem and Boone with plans to expand in the future.

Saphira performed at the NC Bellydance fundraiser this past November to thank Haala for all that she does for the NC dance community. NCBellydance.org is certainly a valuable resource for students and performers alike!

Three Graces Entertainment and Twisted Dance will be co-hosting "Our Big Fat Spring Hafla", a benefit hafla for NCBellydance.org, on April 28 in Winston-Salem NC.

For more information on Three Graces Entertainment, visit http://www.threegracesentertainment.com

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Deirdre!

"Deirdre was first enthralled by a belly dancer at Disney's Epcot Center when she was a mere thirteen and although it took her fifteen years to get around to lessons, she's been a passionate student of the dance ever since. She's an American Cabaret dancer who takes a little from the best of Turkish, Egyptian and Tribal Fusion, her elegant style alternates with a playfulness that's appealing to many audiences.

With Deirdre, there's a natural fluidity to her movements that makes you wonder how much is planned and how much is improvisation. After a while you don't care and just get lost in her evocative dance." --Jamie Anderson

Deirdre was our instructor for the 2010 Annual Fundraiser, and she had this to say about NCBellydance.org:

"Haala's hard work has created a go-to source for events, performers and instructors - I love that even events in other states list on NCBDs calendar, and it's my first resource for local belly dance!

It was a privilege to contribute to keeping NC BellyDance funded by teaching at the 2010 NC Bellydance Fundraiser, and a pleasure to work with such wonderful ladies!"

Thank you, Deirdre - it has been a pleasure to work with you too!

For more information about Deirdre, visit http://www.veilandcoin.com.