Zorba's Teachers
"In general, the dancer should be perfect in every point, so as to be wholly rhythmical, graceful, symmetrical, consistent, unexceptionable, impeccable, not wanting in any way... keen in his ideas, profound in his culture, and above all, human in his sentiments. In fact, the praise that he gets from the spectators will be consummate when each of those who behold him recognizes his own traits, or rather sees in the dancer as in a mirror his very self, with his customary feeling and actions. Then people cannot contain themselves for pleasure, and with one accord they burst into applause, each seeing the reflection of his own soul and recognizing himself. Really, the Delphic admonition "Know thyself" realizes itself in them from the spectacle. When they go away from the theater they have learned what they should choose and what avoid, and have been taught what they did not know before."
Lucian, Greek Poet. 2nd century C.E.
I am eternally grateful to my teachers. For sharing their knowledge. For their willingness to accept a male student. For putting up with my clumsiness, and my slow learning. For coaching, enabling, encouraging, motivating, and pushing just the right amount! For bringing out the hidden dancer in this clumsy male! Presented here in the order in which I encountered them.
Pictures used here with permission of each.
Guilty as charged! Imzadi gets the "blame" for my falling in love with Belly Dancing!Oh, where to start? Imzadi was the lady who first showed me the beauty, grace, power, and connectiveness-with-the-music of this dance form. I guess she just did the right routine with the right music. She was looking for feedback (from me of all people!) on her new routine, and I was hooked! Since then, she has give me a lot of advice and help. She was especially helpful with my first solo, coached me in technique, gave me costuming tips, etc. She definitely has earned her place as one of my teachers!
In the early days, when I'd ask her "Just what have you gotten me involved with?". She would just smile and tell me "Its good for you!". And so it is, although I like teasing her that this is all her "fault"!
Janette Brenner
Wiggle Woman: Janette often
incorporates magic into her dance!Janette was my very first teacher, the one who told me "I've had both male students and male teachers - come on down!". And made a slightly scared male feel welcome in her class. I affectionately call her "Wiggle Woman", due to a caption under her picture in a local newspaper. Janette has a wonderful, bubbling, joyous personality that just flows from her in everything she does. Her performances are filled with joy, she's happy and having a good time and wants everyone to know it, and to share it! She is definitely one of my role models and heros!
You can check out her "official" profile on
her WebSite.
It turns out the famed "Costume Goddess" was once a student of Janette's!
Jamaica Sinclair
A good reason for all you ladies out there to Belly Dance: This is Jamaica at 4 months with her third child!Jamaica was my second teacher, whom I joined after I had to leave Janette due to schedule conflicts (I now take classes from both!). Jamaica's teaching style is very good for my way of learning. She is also taller than I am, so similar body sizes helps me learn. She is an absolute Master at slow, dramatic Belly Dance - quite rare and very awesome! The only problem with watching her dance is that I get a HUGE inferiority complex! 
I affectionately call her my "Dance Mother", since her's has been the guiding hand throughout most of my Belly Dance development. It was Jamaica who first got me on stage (see First Performance, a Tale of Terror?), not to mention constant encouragement (or was that badgering?!?
A better role model and hero does not exist! She now has
Lana
The ultra talented Lana!Lana is one of my dance sisters who has helped me quite a bit with technique and inspiration. If there is something artistic this lady can't do, I've yet to hear of it! Utterly gorgeous dancer, wonderful costumer, and fantastic painter and muralist. She can do a veil dance so beautiful, it literally brings tears to my eyes. She is one of only two dancers that I use the word "exquisite" to describe her dancing - the other being Fahtiem! She and her daughter have formed a Belly Dance and Flamenco fusion troupe/class called
She painted a beautiful mural in Janette's studio, as well as an exquisite painting that hangs above my piano.
You can see more of her wonderful paintings and murals on
Siwa
The mighty Siwa in her tribal splendor!I'd known the mighty Siwa for years before I managed to take a workshop from her (2 March 2008 on Balancing). However, she's been listed here for a very long time as she has made several wonderful costumes for me, and has given me much encouragement and advice over the years. Check out Siwa and her troupe Dancers of the Crescent Moon at her
Valeria
Valeria at Kalisa'sI've taken several workshops from this absolutely wonderful old-school dancer. Don't miss one of her workshops - she is a powerhouse of knowledge and her workshops are a lot of fun too! Plus she's a sweetheart!
Bert Balladine
I took a veil workshop at Rakkasah from the legendary Bert Balladine on 18 March 2003. Bert needs no introduction! You can hear his passion for the dance in his voice, and see it in his eyes! Remarkable person, my only wish was that I could have learned more from him!
Shukriya
I also took a workshop from Rakkasah organizer Shukriya on on 18 March 2003. "Finger Cymbals, Steps and Combos". Shukriya really knows her Zills! Very nice lady, very nice class. I hope to be in another of her workshops some day.
Caroleena
Caroleena displays the sheer power of Belly Dance!I've taken two workshops from this exceptional teacher, both two part ones. The first was in late March 2003, the second was in mid June 2003. Very good synergy between what she was teaching, and what I was ready to learn. (Even if I was clumsy in my execution! (Gives me something to practice!)) I learned the "duck walk" which I had been wanting to learn for some time. Chest locks and gliding were also pounded into my brain! Zill patterns, and several complex steps that are quite beautiful. I learned a lot from Caroleena! Nice lady, wonderful teacher, great dancer!
Don't miss one of her workshops!
Mohammed
Mohammed taught a workshop on Moroccan dancing on 26 April 2003. The workshop was lotsa fun, involving an interesting foot pattern that, to my mind, is halfway between a Pas de Basque and a 3/4 shimmy. And it certainly is refreshing to see a male who can dance! And a shoulder shimmy to die for!
Victoria
Mystifying Victoria at Kalisa's.Victoria fills in for Janette once a month and is a lot of fun to learn from! She has wonderful technique and a beautiful 3/4 shimmy that is unique to her - I hope I can do it someday! I'm looking forward to more tutelage at her capable hands. UPDATE: She has moved away!
Victoria, we miss you!
Alyne
Is there anything more fantastic than double veil dancing?I took my very first double veil workshop from this outstanding dancer on 24 May 2003. She was such a good teacher - she made a 3 hour workshop fly by in seemingly 15 minutes! And I was able to actually do everything she was teaching! What a blast! Double veil, here I come! You can catch up with her schedule, and find out about upcoming double veil workshops at her
Shyamala Moorty
Shyamala exhibits the grace of classical Indian dance!My wife and I both took a Bharata Natyam (See description below) workshop from the wonderful Shyamala. The class was a ton of fun, and we came away with an appreciation of Indian dancing - and some really cool hand gestures! Shyamala Moorty was raised in Monterey, CA. She holds a BA and an MFA in dance and choreography from UCLA and has spent the last 10 years in Los Angeles learning classical Indian dance from guru Malathi Iyengar. Shyamala has been a member of Malathi Iyengar's Rangoli Dance Company since 1994 and has toured with the company both in the U.S. and in India. She also has been featured as a soloist and principal dancer with the Aman International Music and Dance Ensemble since 1997. She also performs her own Indian and western dance-theater (con)fusions with her collaborator Sandra Chatterjee under the name Inner [di]visions.
As a native of Monterey, she enjoys returning to perform and teach master classes.
Bharata Natyam is a South Indian dance form that is over 2000 years old and still evolving. It involves rhythmic footwork and storytelling with hands and face. The form highlights 9 basic emotions and is traditionally used to express devotion to Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Check out Shyamala's
Alexandra King
Alexandra performed with us at Kalisa's!Both my wife and I have taken multiple workshops from the fabulous Alexandra King. We've probably taken more workshops from her than any other two teachers combined! She is fantastic! In fact, she is one of only three teachers who I will sign up for her workshops blind - without knowing in advance what she is teaching. "Alexandra King's doing a workshop? Sign me up! Oh, by the way, what is she teaching?"
Check out her WebSite,
Rebekah
Rebekah and her cane at Kalisa's!Rebekah taught an excellent cane dance workshop on 18 October 2003. Rebekah really knows her cane work, and she also knows how to teach it. The proof is that I grokked virtually all of it. Oh to be sure, I blundered around a bit (I always do), but I was actually getting it! So I came home with a dance cane, cost all of $7.00. I'll have to incorporate this into a future dance - I find I like the cane far better than the sword.
Catch up with Rebekah at her brand new
Kamaal
Kamaal (Left) and Zorba atKamaal was one of the first examples of a male Belly Dancer I encountered when looking for pictures and information on the 'net. I had never had the pleasure of watching him perform or teach. Now I've had both! He teaches a fantastic drum solo and choreography workshop, which I attended on 17 November 2003. I had only been waiting for this workshop for like 9 months, when Kamaal's good friend the mighty Siwa told me about it! I took a second workshop "That 70's Dancer" from Kamaal on the 2004 Arabian Nights At Sea Cruise which was a load of fun!
And now I've taken a THIRD workshop, his famous Double Veil workshop on 13 February 2005 - this one is NOT TO BE MISSED if you are at all interested in Double Veil - but be prepared to work hard!
UPDATE: Kamaal has, unfortunately, retired from dancing and teaching due to health issues. He was one of the pioneers in not only male Belly Dancing, but just "Belly Dancing" in general. He is missed by the dance community.
Shoshanna
Shoshanna and her veil.I love my veils. So does Shoshanna. If you do too, then you MUST take one of Shoshanna's veil workshops! I took her "Four Yard Veil Master Class" - if it had been anything other than veil, the "Master" part would have scared me off! But I was ready for the techniques she was teaching, but not quite as ready for the workout my arms got! This was the same day (17 November, 2003) that I took Kamaal's drum solo class - I was already tired! Her class was full of fun and laughter and lots of good techniques. And WOW, when she performs, she does stuff with her veil I hadn't even thought of! You can find out the latest with Shoshanna at
Karri Duke
"The Little Package of Dynamite"Karri Duke is widely known as "The Little Package of Dynamite" - and with good reason! I've never seen anyone with as much energy! My wife and I took a workshop with her on 31 January 2004, and what a workshop it was! She definitely danced me right into the floor! Learned some really cool techniques. Her performances are full of energy too, and I was amazed when she executed a flawless version of the fabled "Turkish Drop".
She has since moved to Texas (Why Karri?
Rossah
"Rossah - What a nice lady!"Rossah (Pronounced "Rassah") of Las Vegas is a well known expert on Moroccan dances. Formerly of Santa Cruz California, she returned there for a pair of workshops 21 and 22 May 2004. The first was a traditional Moroccan tray dance (similar to the one John Compton is famous for), the second was a workshop on Sai'idi dance. Lots of fun, and Rossah is an excellent instructor - very easy to follow. Rossah has a very beautiful
Carolena Nericcio
Carolena Nericcio, EXCELLENT instructor!Carolena Nericcio of My wife and I took Carolena's workshop on 27 June 2004. Cool workshop, we learned how to lead and follow and switch off leading in the tribal style. This should prove very useful, even as a cabaret dancer. I'm thinking of duets and the like. Carolena is a top notch instructor - very clear and concise and eager to answer questions!
Aziza Sa'id
Aziza Sa'id, wonderful instructor, wonderful person.What can I say? Aziza's knowledge is well researched, her classes are informative and fun, and she is a very real human being! If you have an opportunity to take a class from her - don't miss it!
Fahtiem
Fahtiem and myself at ANAS 2005.The legendary Her warmup routines are legendary - a cardiovascular workout you won't forget! Her classes are very informative, and I really like how she gives each and every student individual attention - I've never experienced anything like it! She has everyone practicing the move de jour while she moves around the class, making eye contact with each student in turn, and corrects any problems. I like that, a very effective teaching technique.
She is, in every sense of the word, a true class act. Not only an excellent artist and technician, but very gracious and humble as well. I cannot say enough in praise.
Natasha
My wife and I took a cane workshop from Natasha of Santa Cruz on 8 January 2005. A lovely lady who really helped with my cane technique - although I now have LOTS of practicing to do! She taught us stuff I hadn't seen elsewhere, and the workshop was particularly timely as I've been working on cane a bit, getting ready to bring Nadia's cane back to the stage!
Artemis
Artemis - no-one else even comes close!I've had many instructors in my 5+ years of learning this dance form. Many of them are fantastic, and I've learned lots. Then there's Artemis - of
I'm currently taking occasional privates with her, and learned so much at my first session with her that I'm awestruck! Now I just have to practice, practice!
Reda Darwish
When you talk about middle eastern drumming, two names always come up, Reda Darwish and "Uncle Mafufo". The buck stops here with these guys! My wife and I both took drumming workshops with Reda - not only does he know his drumming and how to teach it (very well!), but he is also a real sweetheart of a guy!
Zahra Zuhair
Zahra Zuhair knows her Egyptian dance!My wife and I both took Egyptian dance workshops from Zahra on the 2005
You can catch up with her latest classes and events on
DaVid
DaVidI took a Sai'idi stick workshop from DaVid on 12 February 2006. He knows his stuff! In addition to being a wonderful dancer in his own right, he also just happens to be an excellent instructor! Don't miss him if he comes to perform or teach in your area!
Check out
Sahar
SaharI took regular classes with Sahar of Santa Cruz for about a year. A very friendly, outgoing lady, Sahar's class is a lot of fun, and is challenging! She teaches Egyptian cabaret style - which is a challenge to this American cabaret style dancer.
You can read her impressive resumé on
Janelle
JanelleI took an Egyptian style workshop from this dynamic Santa Cruz teacher on 6 August 2006. Although the workshop was a bit over my head, I still managed to come away with several new ideas and moves - including layering a Maia over a Grapevine Flip. She's a great teacher and a great dancer!
You can visit her at
Nourhan Sharif
The famed Nourhan Sharif.Nourhan Sharif is one of Wiggle Woman's heros. Similar dance style and similar teaching style. I took a five hour workshop with Nourhan on 21 August '06, and what a workshop it was! She likes to drill students - which I like far better than choreographies I'm not going to remember anyway! Highly Recommended!
She has several WebSites:
Her's:
Her line of dance clothing:
Her husband's, noted male dancer and choreographer Yousry Sharif:
And their dance school in New York City:
John Compton
John Compton.Not Cabaret, not quite Tribal; John Compton is one of the best known Belly Dancers around, male or otherwise. He is universally loved by dancers and the public alike for his quick wit and his superb dancing skills. My wife and I took a combos and Zills class from him on the 2006 ANAS cruise, although I knew him as an acquaintance for several years prior. He is co-director of the famed
Aradia
Aradia of Las Vegas.Aradia is a very skilled and knowledgeable dancer who studied under Janette many years ago. I took two classes from her on the 2006 ANAS cruise, and they were excellent. She had me doing her combos and taqsims right in class - which is always an accomplishment for any teacher! Highly recommended.
You can visit her on her
Mahalia
MahaliaMahalia teaches a henna class and "something tribal" every year on the ANAS cruise. I FINALLY was able to take her henna class on the 2007 cruise, as well as a folkloric basket dance workshop on the 2006 cruise. She is a fun teacher, and the dance was fun as well!
Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan
Ma*ShuqaI took a Isis wings and veil workshop from this talented instructor on 24 September '06. She has a beautiful studio, and has a nice, friendly, informative teaching style. Like myself, she likes Organza as a veil fabric!
Ma*Shuqa's prolific workshop schedule can be found on her
Aziza
Aziza!I first saw Aziza at the Luna Gitana festival a few years ago where she did an utterly amazing veil dance with a bright red silk veil - and gave me a severe case of veil envy! Janette, myself, and two dance sisters attended her "Quality of Movement" workshop on 13 April 2007. It was a lot of fun and very informative! She's a sweetheart as well! You can catch up with her on
Cory Zamora
Cory Zamora.Cory Zamora and I have had an ongoing email relationship for the last several years, as we share similar dance philosophies and a disdain for those who would besmirch our dance form with skanky dancing. So on 2 June 2007, when I finally met her in person, she was like an old friend. I have now taken two workshops from her.
She has an easy going teaching style that nonetheless covers a LOT of ground quickly. I really enjoy her descriptive names for moves, veilwraps, etc. You can catch up with her on
Helena Vlahos
The legendary Helena Vlahos.I took a "Cabaret Belly Dance" class from Helena at ANAS 2007. She's a wonderful person, and a great teacher! I loved her combinations and her technique is great. But I especially liked her spiritual connection with the dance.
See more beautiful pictures, and find out her latest news on
Angelika Nemeth
Angelika Nemeth.ANAS '07 - I took a Taqsim class from Angelika. She gave me a new perspective on the Taqsim - that will help me in dancing them. I find the Taqsim to be the hardest aspect of our dance, Angelika built on Aradia's Taqsim class that I took last year - the result of that class helped me actually do my first Taqsim, Angelika's class will help me do more and better!
Angelika's
Paulina
Paulina!I took two classes from Paulina at ANAS 2007, "Zills & Frills" and "Soul Dancing". Both were excellent. Paulina's the gal who narrates the
She does indeed have
Naheda
Naheda!I took four workshops in Seattle from this dynamite teacher, 8 & 9 March 2008. She's a Turkish gal living in Germany, and she teaches at Rakkasah every year. She's way cool, high energy and lots of fun! She likes to put little yips in her dance. She kind of reminds me of a cross between Fahtiem and Janette!
Her
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