DESERT WIND DANCE STUDIO INSTRUCTORS
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Aleeytis started belly dance lessons in southern California with her first teacher, Nefra, in 1976. Nefra was a student of the world famous Aisha Ali. Aleeytis took lessons from Nefra, Samera and other teachers in the San Diego area for several years. In the early 1980’s she danced regularly at renaissance faires in the San Diego area. After a 15 year hiatus, Aleeytis returned to belly dance again in 1999. She took lessons from some of the local instructors and danced with the Gypsy Fire dance troupe September 2000 to February 2002. She and several other dancers opened the Desert Wind Dance Studio in 2002. Aleeytis has studied with many other instructors at workshops; among them are Morocco, Shareen el Safy, Rana, Shekira, Vashti, Saqra, and Desdemona. Aleeytis has written many of the dance choreographies used by the troupe.
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Nazira
has always loved the dance throughout her life. She is lured by both its
elements; how the body interprets the rhythms and the rhythms
themselves. She strives to
instill recognition of these 2 elements to all; audience, fellow
dancers, and students. She
wishes to promote not only the dance’s discipline but also it’s
freedom of expression as it is reflected within the dance, drum or zills.
She has studied under many different teachers and influenced by
just as many styles. From Morroco or Elona! to Princess Farhana and from
Bert Baladine to Amir Thaleb, Nazira relishes each teacher or dancer’s
interpretation of this ever evolving ancient art form. |
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Shaheen’s love of Middle Eastern dance forms began in
the 70’s when she took lessons from Lili, a lovely young woman who
came from Syria to study at Oklahoma State University. Lili shared what
she had learned from the women of her family, and stressed that dance
was meant to bring joy, both to the beholder, and the dancer. Shaheen
has always focused on the positive aspects of dance, as a benefit to the
dancers physical and emotional health. “Many of my best friends and
best experiences in life have come to me through Middle Eastern
dancing.” In the years since, Shaheen has studied with a
number of dancers, some relatively unknown, as well as famous names
including Bert Baladine and Amaya. Also, she has steadily participated
in seminars throughout the mid and southwest states, with the goal of
broadening her dance vocabulary and keeping a fresh perspective on
dancing. “There’s always something wonderful you haven’t seen
before, or something you’ve forgotten you learned, that you can
discover when you seek out other fine dancers and instructors.” Shaheen has been sharing her knowledge and
love of dance with students for more than 25 years. According to Shaheen,
there are 3 rules of dance (and perhaps life): 1 – Have fun!
2 – If it hurts, stop doing it, and ask for help. 3 – Have
fun!! |
