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, second annual student recital SOLD OUT! Our 3rd ANNUAL student recital is August 7, 2010.
Middle Eastern belly dance group lessons and/or performances are available for your Bridal Shower, Girls Night Out or In, Bachelorette Party as well as private parties and events.
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!!!
Middle Eastern Belly Dance is very popular in the Richmond, Virginia area.
You can find some more local teachers here.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Middle Eastern Dance!
BALKANIZE! A new Richmond-based TurkoBalkan folk band!
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:
Other interesting links:
Madam Zuza's Website (formerly Ahsin from Richmond, VA)
Anne's book, "Snake Hips and How I Found True Love" as well as her prequel, "Nerd Girl"
