Belly Dancers and Teachers

Ansuya - (Florida)

Ansuya is an incredible dancer who's been belly dancing since the age of 4! Her movements are so fluid and seemingly effortless. Her website has video clips of her dancing if you want to get a glimpse. It's hardly long enough to really see how good she is. Even on her performance tape (Live at Al Amir) she makes it look so easy. But once you take one of her workshops, you will realize how much work her body is doing. I highly recommend her workshops. She's a great teacher and kind person.

Jillina - (LA/International)

I was lucky enough to meet Jillina and take a drum solo workshop with her in March 2007. What a fun, inspiring, kind teacher! I took away so much joy and excitement from that workshop. She is also the fearless choreographer and member of the Bellydance Superstars that are touring world-wide. The show I saw last March 2007 was so amazing that I was almost in tears. Belly dance meets Cirque de Sole! I STRONGLY recommend you try seeing the Bellydance Superstars when you can - you won't be sorry!

Rachel Brice - (San Fransisco/International)

Another vital member of the Bellydance Superstars, it's not easy to forget Rachel Brice, with that torso that goes for days, phenomenal muscle isolations and hilarious attitude. I like her MySpace page better than her home page, where you can check out all kinds of info about her and her other dance company The Indigo Belly Dance Serpent Rouge which is currently on tour.
I promise you, if you see Rachel and her tribal counterparts perform, you will see dance unlike any other and be totally mezmorized. Here's a clip of her dancing a drum solo for a little taste.

Suhaila Salimpour - (California)

I have Suhaila's advanced choreography tape and learned some good dancing techniques from it. She explains and breaks down movements very well. I also highly recommend watching her solos and her troupe's performance tapes. Their precision, variety and energy will really inspire you. She has her own signature moves that are fun to learn. Like Ansuya, she's also a fabulous product of being a famous belly dancer's daughter.

Moria Chappell (on tour with the Bellydance Superstars)

One of the tribal dancers from the Bellydance Superstars, Moria certainly challenges her students in workshops and is a fun teacher as well. Don't let her dramatic performance persona fool you --- Moria is a sweet, down to earth person who is excited to share her knowledge about yoga, dancing, costume design and more. If you have a chance to take a workshop with her I strongly recommend it. You'll be sore for weeks and challenge your body to new feats!
Check her out on the new Tribal Fusions DVD from the Bellydance Superstars website. One of the best DVDs ever in my mind!

Suzanna Del Vecchio - (Colorado)

I have two of Suzanna Del Vecchio's workout tapes, and they have helped me a lot with muscle isolation, putting combinations together, and adding footwork and arm positions with common belly dance moves. She hosts belly dance retreats in Colorado that include yoga, dance classes, party, and performances. Someday I'm going to get to one of those!

Jasmin Jahal - (Chicago, IL)

Jasmin came to Arizona in Jan. 2003 and gave a fabulous workshop. She taught us well-known as well as more obscure zill/dance rhythms (see my page on playing zills). Then she spent two hours drilling us on all the different kinds of shimmies, and boy was I sore the next day! Check out her web page because she has a ton of articles and resources. Her article on stage fright is funny and helpful to me - I think we can all relate to stage fright when we're just getting started as dancers (and even years after).

Desert Sin (CA)

I saw this fearless and experimental troupe at Rakkasah and was completely blown away. They were painted blue head-to-toe and performed a piece about the goddess Kali, which you can see pictures of if you go to their web site. We (Black Opal Troupe) were lucky enough to be performing right before them and got to see them up close and wow - they looked amazing - and the dancing was even more incredible.

DaVid (Scandinavia)

Don't believe men can belly dance? Think again! I saw DaVid at Rakkasah and was impressed by his command of the dance. He makes it his own and really shines in many different styles of the dance. His hip work and muscle control is splendid to watch.

Ava Fleming (Phoenix & Tempe)

Ava Fleming (dancer/teacher) teaches at various places in the Valley (check her website for latest locations).
She will teach you how to completely re-think your posture while dancing, traveling combinations and choreography, and helps you pay close attention to muscle isolation and dance technique. She's also amazing to watch as a dancer! I have learned so much from taking classes with her. She is founder of the Black Opal Dance Troupe (of which I'm a proud alumni).

After you've taken with Ava, every other class will seem like a breeze!
Check out her website: avafleming.com

Sherry Van Goethem (Tempe/Mesa)

Sherry is a teacher at Mystic Jewell and has danced with Domba, Boom Boom Bollywood and Punjabi by Nature. Her eclectic style ranges from Tribal BellyDance to Bollywood to Bhangra to Hip Hop. Currently you can catch her performing with the Aashiyaana Dance Company. Her classes are always fun for all levels while still being challenging.

I have taken her bellydance hip hop and slithery pops and locks class at Mystic Jewell and look forward to every new choreography! She is a kind, fun person, an amazing dancer and inspired choreographer.

DIANE/TEESSA (Chandler)
Diane is a wonderful person and teacher. Not only can she teach you about making costumes or learning to dance, but she can also enlighten you on dancing from the heart, making your performance more enjoyable for the audience.
Teaches workshops from her home every Wednesday 7:00 pm-8:30 pm $5 per person at the door (480)961-0676 - Call by noon each Wed. to reserve your place. All levels of experience welcome, pay at the door, mirrored home studio.

Diosa (Glendale)
Instructor & performer and former member of the Black Opal Dance Troupe. Not only a dynamic performer, she's also a wonderfully sweet and friendly person. Diosa teaches various levels of belly dance through the City of Surprise. Diosa performs an amazing double veil routine in addition to all her other specialties. Diosa won 1st runner up for Belly Dancer of the Universe 2004 in the Fusion Category.
Check out her website: www.orangelotus.com

Helena Vlahos (Phoenix and Tempe)

Helena Vlahos teaches cabaret classes at the Cannedy Performing Arts Centre (6222 North 7th Street). She is most well known for her quarter-flipping belly roll trick, but she also offers a unique and experienced perspective on the dance and culture. She has vast experience in the world of belly dance which has earned her well-deserved fame. Visit her website: HelenaVlahos.com

Carrie Konyha (Sedona/Phoenix)

Carrie is a professional belly dancer and teacher from N.E. Ohio and is the producer of the popular instrucional videos "the Dance" volumes one and two. Carrie is the inventor of a spiritual type of belly dance called Gaia Dance.

Visit her website for more detailed information on her classes and shows.

Morgianna (Tempe and Phoenix)

Morgiana teaches belly dance fusion for Tempe Parks & Recreation, Bookmans in Phoenix, Mountainside Gym in Tempe, plus private and semi-private lessons in her Tempe studio.
Director of Egyptian Cartouche and Daughter's of Isis.
(480) 967-8031

Morgianna is a wonderful lady and does the most amazing double sword dance I have ever seen!

Karen Custer Thurston (Flagstaff)

Though I haven't taken with Karen, I have seen her perform and was quite impressed with her personal style and technique as well as amazing stage presence. A student of hers recommended her to me, so check out her web site if you're in the Flagstaff area.

Samia (Tempe and Chandler)

My first teacher was Samia. She teaches through Tempe and Chandler Parks and Recreation Depts. She is a fun and patient teacher who has taught many women who are now giving lessons. If you want to master zills, she will make sure you practice using them.
She will give you the full overview of everything you need to know in belly dance; hip movements, upper body, veil work, zill rhythms, floor work... you name it! Her classes are very affordable and quite popular. She really encourages everyone to have fun.

Teaches through Mesa Parks and Rec as well as workshops in the Valley.

She's a great teacher to show you dance with props, choreography, rhythm and drumming instruction. Visit her magnificant website for update information on belly dancing in Arizona.

Kahlea (Phx, Tucson, Flagstaff)

Kahlea teaches BellyDance statewide in Arizona, most regularly in the Phoenix area. For more info, contact her at kahleabellydancer@gmail.com  Her focus is on: Tribal Style, World Fusion, Finger Cymbals, Swirling Skirts, Indi-Fusion, and of course, Bellydance for Beginners. Kahlea also directs a troupe, Natium World Dance, and designs costumes for tribal dancers at www.thegoddessgarden.net 

Angelia (Mesa)

Angelia is a wonderfully friendly, fun dancer. She currently teaches classes out of her home in Mesa, and can be found performing at Sinbad's in Tempe.

She can be reached via email or at 480-610-5857.

Neena Nour is a classical middle eastern belly dancer (Raks Sharki), in the metro Phoenix area in Arizona.

She is well diversified in the different motions, styles and movements of middle eastern dancing. She captivates the audience with her unique style and by incorporating props including swords, trays of candles, canes (folk dance), veils, and zills.

Visit her website to find out where she's performing.

Epona (Phoenix)

Epona is fusing a new form of belly dance - Amazon warrior belly dance! She incorporates empowerment, goddess history and celebration into the art form. Check out her website:

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