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About Us
World Belly Dance Alliance is dedicated to the preservation and betterment of belly dancing and its practitioners throughout the universe!
Jenny - co-founder - Jenny@worldbellydancealliance.com
Jenny has always been passionate about dance. Her love of dance began with Hip Hop and over the years she discovered the world of Raqs Sharki also known as Oriental Dance, and more commonly known as Belly Dance in the United States. Jenny was fascinated by the beautiful movements of this style and enrolled in classes at a local studio. Within a few months, she was invited to join an Atlanta-based Middle Eastern dance troupe and within her first year, she was invited to teach for the studio.
Not only did her troupe experience prove invaluable as she developed her dance and performance skills; she was given the opportunity to develop her teaching skills as well. Jenny found teaching to be a wonderful way to reach students and she loved seeing the increased self confidence and sincere joy they felt as they explored their new passion for dance.
Jenny knows a dancer’s journey is never complete. Regardless of experience, the quest for knowledge never ends. She has expanded her dance studies to include other styles such as Bhangra, Tribal Fusion, Hip Hop Fusion, and ATS. Jenny received her General Skills certification in American Tribal Style taught by Carolena Nerricio of Fat Chance Belly Dance and Megha of Devyani in 2009. As she continues her training, she is honored to have had the opportunity to learn from other dynamic instructors such as Morocco, Anasma, Kaeshi Chai, and Alicia of BellyCraft. She also credits other teachers in Atlanta as well as the students she has had the privilege to teach for helping her continue to grow.
Jenny has a diverse background including business management, marketing and public relations. She credits martial arts training for giving her the mental and physical discipline demanded by intense dance study. She is also a certified personal trainer with the American Council of Exercise, also known as A.C.E. She loves the personal training aspect for the same reasons she loves teaching dance. For Jenny, the ability to create a positive impact on an individual through movement is a joy. She believes the mind and body work together and that true health includes not only the physical vessel, but also the mind and spirit. She encourages everyone to do what they love – frequently and intensely!
World Belly Dance Alliance was created as a way to give back to a community she feels has given so much to her. She believes dance is appropriate for anyone who loves it regardless of gender, race, age, or body type.
Nara - co-founder- nara@worldbellydancealliance.com
Nara began dancing and performing at the age of three studying jazz, tap and ballet. Through her dance studies, she discovered the world of Raks Sharqi, commonly known as Belly Dance. She developed a deep love and passion for this style of dance. She welcomed the challenge of learning a new style of dance and within her first year of serious study, she entered the local dance scene as a belly dance troupe member performing at charity events, restaurants, showcases and studio shows.
Dancing with a troupe allowed Nara the opportunity to become part of a sisterhood with other talented women who were equally passionate about this art form. As a performer, Nara is inspired not only by the joy of dancing, but also by the ability to tell a story and share emotion with the audience through dance. Through her years of formal dance training, she learned the importance of pushing beyond one’s limits, always seeking knowledge and growth, and mastering one’s area of study. Nara continues to develop her craft by studying with influential and talented instructors from around the world.
Over the last two years. Nara has had the distinct privilege of studying under icons such as Morocco and Artemis Mourat. And just as belly dance has evolved, so has Nara’s repertoire, which now includes tribal and hip hop fusion. She has trained with Gothic Fusion innovator Alicia Sparaco of BellyCraft and International star Anasma, formerly of Bellyqueen. Additionally, her adoration of multi-cultural dance has led her to include Bhangra, North African and Bollywood to her studies. Most recently, Nara completed Belly Dance Superstar Ansuya's dynamic Cabaribalusion Certification. While she is versed in a variety of styles, Nara favors the traditional elements of Raks Sharqi and folklore, born of her love for the Middle Eastern culture and people.
Nara’s professional background is in public relations, advertising and marketing. With World Belly Dance Alliance, she discovered a way to incorporate both her professional and dance backgrounds. She is passionate about Raks Sharqi and through World Belly Dance Alliance hopes to share her passion for this beautiful dance with others.
