My passion is Middle Eastern dance, also known as belly dance or bellydance, or the correct Arabic term, "Raqs Sharqi", sometimes spelled "Raks Sharki". It started on a lark, September of 1996, my sister and a friend wanted to see Sheva's beginner class, and I tagged along. I've always been interested in belly dance having seen performances at the local International Bazaar as a 6-7 year old child. As soon as I saw the class, I knew it was for me, so I signed up for Sheva's class and Scheherezade's class!! Why take just one? Currently I am a member of the Jewels of the Oasis dance troupe. My dance bio contains more information about my dance background.

I teach Fundamentals of Belly Dancing and Beyond Fundamentals, an intermediate and advanced belly dance class in Richmond, Virginia. On July 26, 2008, Zafira's Middle Eastern Belly Dance School held it's first annual student recital. We had 19 different performances. On August 22, 2009, our second annual student recital SOLD OUT! On August 7, 2010 we had our third annual student recital , it too sold out! Our fourth annual student recital was held on October 29, 2011, and we had some great guest performers as well as beautiful numbers by my students.

Middle Eastern belly dance group lessons are available for your bridal shower, girls night Out or In, bachelorette party, baby shower, or hen party. I also teach private one-on-one lessons. I travel to your location. Contact me for pricing.

Want to see a belly dance show in the Richmond area? Shimmy Sunday is held 3 to 4 times per year at the Greek Islands Restaurant. Check back for the next scheduled date.

My specialty is sword! It is not a true Middle Eastern dance genre, but it is an American Cabaret belly dance style, it shows off my great balancing talents! Maybe I should take up shamadan? Check out some photos and videos of Middle Eastern Dance!!!

Tribal Style

American Tribal Style or ATS has roots in Belly Dance, which has then been fused with other dance forms such as Romani, Flamenco, East Indian and Gothic to create an artform that is uniquely American. Local instrucors:

• April & Dvora, available for private instruction
• Cattleya teaches weekly classes in ITS which is Improv Tribal Style. ITS is not choreographed and depends on ques to change moves or dance steps.

Richmond, VA and Regional Belly Dance Events

Tribal Jam

Big Dance, Drum, Fire Spin, etc. Party! Typically held each spring and fall.

• Tribal Jam

There are many benefits to taking belly dance classes, some of these benefits are:

1. Exercise
2. Lots of female friends
3. Fun social events - HAFLAS!
4. Cool music
5. Beautiful Costumes!

Everything you ever wanted to know about Middle Eastern Dance!

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The Bhuz, and great resource for middle eastern dancers worldwide.

Shira has a WONDERFUL website!
Information to educate, entertain and inspire middle eastern dancers.
And lots of good information on creating your own web page.

The Gilded Serpent, LOTS of wonderful articles about middle eastern dance, dance history, travel and other great stuff!

For great Middle Eastern clipart and icons, used here as a background, go to:

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Other informative links:

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Visit the MCA to learn more about how mesothelioma patients are integrating complementary therapies such as massage therapy and dance therapy into their cancer treatment.

Anne Soffee's book, "Snake Hips and How I Found True Love" as well as her prequel, "Nerd Girl"

E-MAIL ME

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