Bellydance Instructor, Performer, And Organizer
Self Employed
In Minot, ND and Kansas City area, I taught and performed Arabic and American bellydance in professional settings. As an Instructor, I started out teaching at a local dance school in Minot, North Dakota. This was because the owner of the dance school saw talent in my dancing and wanted to add it to the school's variety of dance styles. She taught me how to be a dance instructor, format classes, see to dance safety and posture, and work with individual students. Once I started teaching on my own, while still promoting and assisting the former dance studio, I learned basic entrepreneurship. This was a difficult time at first and there were many hurdles I overcame. The marketing and accounting were the hardest part for me during that time. If I had to do it over again, I would find someone that specializes in those areas and pay them. I have learned that one person cannot be great at everything and it is best to network with those who have already traveled that road. As I grew in my skill set I went on to teach basics, bellydance fitness, intermediate bellydance, veil and double veil, zills, balancing, and tabla. In Kansas City, I taught at Kansas City Community College as a contractor for the Maya Zahira school of bellydance. I have choreographed for individuals, duets, and groups.My most public performance as a professional dancer was at Kaufman Stadium. Although, my favorite performances were for family haflas for women from Arabic countries. I have performed for recitals, fundraisers, paid gigs at private residences, paid gigs at public venues, and more. I have performed for audiences that range from American, Persian, Egyptian, Saudi Arabian, Jordanian, Iraqi, and others. I focus on Egyptian or American styling depending on the venue. I have danced Khaleegi and Debke alongside others although they are not my forte. I enjoy dancing with sword, asaya (stick), veil, and double veil and zills.