Aimee is an international performer and teacher, and has had a lifelong passion for dance. Born and raised in Hawaii, she began dancing Hula at age six, Okinawan Dance at age ten, and Belly Dance at age sixteen. She performed throughout her high school years as part of the Shifting Sands Belly Dance Troupe under the direction of Mercedes Foster, student of legendary Karen Barbee Adkisson.

Aimee's formal Odissi Dance training began at age eighteen, when she moved to Seattle and met Guru Dr. Ratna Roy. A year later, she joined Guru Dr. Roy's Urvasi Dance Company, and began performing around the Pacific Northwest. In 2005, Aimee traveled to Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India to perform in the 21st Konark Dance & Music Festival. There she trained in Odissi under the watchful eyes of Smt. Aruna Mohanty and Madhusmita Mohanty, senior dancers of the Orissa Dance Academy. In 2007, she returned to India again to perform in the Int’l Odissi Dance Festival, and upon returning to Seattle, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. As one of Guru Dr. Roy's senior dancers, she taught as one of the student instructors at Urvasi Dance Academy. In 2008, Aimee made her debut as a professional Odissi dancer in an hour-long solo performance at the Kirkland Performance Center in Kirkland, WA, sponsored by Ragamala, the foremost organization for the promotion of Classical Indian Dance and Music.

Aimee now has over 27 years of dance experience, ten years training in Odissi Dance, and over 10 years experience teaching dance. She has performed around the world including India, USA, Italy, Costa Rica, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Japan. Aimee currently lives in Okinawa where she teaches Oriental Belly Dance and Indian Belly Dance Fusion.

Follow Aimee on Facebook:

facebook.com/aimee.bellydance.okinawa

Dae is grateful to all the teachers she has met and learned from. The most influential to her is Guruji, Sri K. Pattahbi Jois.

Yoga has changed her life and has improved the way that she experiences her life everyday. A motorcycle accident, and being hit by a car while jogging years before, left her in chronic pain. She tried many different therapies and methods to heal, but nothing seemed to 'really' work.

She decided to try Yoga and searching thru a number of schools and methods, finally found Ashtanga. It was truly the hardest physical activity she had ever experienced, yet the only one that left her with a feeling of peace and contentment.

The healing benefits from this Ashtanga helped her overcome the physical limitations she once lived with. And the other benefits, such as relieving mental and emotional stress, were also very liberating.

Dae has experienced different styles of yoga since she was 16, but started Ashtanga practice in 2001. She became a ceritfied teacher in 2004, and studied with Guruji and Sharat in 2005. In 2009, she was able to go to Mysore, India to attend KPJAYI.

CLASSES:

Ashtanga Primary Series: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9-10:30AM

Ashtanga Half Primary Series: Monday and Wednesday, 6-7PM

Private instruction available upon request.

Please email abeautifuldae@yahoo.com for reservations at least 2 hours before class time. If Dae does not receive reservations for a class, she may cancel the class at her discretion.

http://lotusyogahonolulu.com/

Dayl is the creative director of Sahara Spirit Tribal Belly Dance and the current 2019 MEDAH vice president.

Dayl fell in love with ATS® belly dance during her first class in January 1999 and has been performing and teaching ever since. Dayl has performed with several professional troupes in Oklahoma (Gypsy Fire), Texas (Tribal Evolution, Wild Sky Tribal) and Sydney (Urban Turban, Tribal Spirit) She has studied the dance form extensively in the USA and Australia, taking classes from such greats as Carolena Nericcio-Bohlman and Megha Gavin of Fat Chance Belly Dance, achieving her Teacher Training Certificate in 2016.

Dayl incorporates zills, sword, veil, flags, fire fingers, poi/ fire poi, and fire lotuses in her performances, classes and workshops. She also facilitates mask making workshops working with dance related themes.

Dayl’s passion for tribal belly dance extends to the love of community, bringing people together to move and dance the same “language”. She believes that creativity is a vehicle for good health, and what better way than to express it than through the art of dance! Dayl creates a great space in which to learn, injecting humour and encouragement in the class environment whilst catering for all learning styles.

Dayl is also a Spiritual Minister who specializes in creating a tailor-made marriage or commitment ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple for your special day.

www.celebrationsbydayl.com/

Haunani began Bellydancing at the age of 20. In her early Bellydance years she studied Egyptian Cabaret from a local teacher, Shadyia. She also began taking Tribal Fusion classes from Kalae Kaina at a dance studio near her home. She went to see Shakti Dance Movement perform at a local hot spot and was totally captivated. There was fire, beautiful fluid bellydance, and a community of women on the stage.

She has been a dedicated member and student of Shakti Dance Movement for over 10 years. Tribal Fusion Bellydance has been an array of life experiences for her--an expression of art, empowerment, health/wellness, the learner/the teacher/the performer, a spiritual practice, but most importantly the gift of sisterhood and feminine wisdom. She is so grateful for all the love and support from her family and all who support her love of dance.

www.shakti808.com

Holly Rudin-Braschi is a highly experienced group fitness/dance instructor certified by American College of Sports Medicine, SharQui, and Zumba® (all formats).

SharQui, which means “East” in Arabic, is for any shape, size and skill level. With its easy-to-follow breakdown and repetitious format, everyone comes out a winner! There’s no other bellydance workout program like it in the world. Check it out at www.Sharqui.com

Here are 9 benefits of doing SharQui® the Bellydance Workout:

1. It’s fun! You’ll want to come back for more!

2. It’s low impact and great for ALL ages and body types

3. Builds stamina

4. Burn over 300 calories in a 1-hour class

5. Increase strength and muscle tone

6. Increases your seratonin! Makes you feel happy and alive!

7. Increases bone density

8. Boosts self-esteem!

9. Defines the waist

Born and raised in Hawaii of native Hawaiian ancestry, Kalae has developed a deep love for belly dance. She is the Artistic Director and lead choreographer of Shakti Dance Movement, Honolulu’s premier Contemporary Fusion Bellydance Company. She has been studying Belly Dance for over 20 years and teaching dance for 13 years based in Honolulu.

Shakti Dance Movement has emerged from the underground club scene to the mainstream, performing regularly at nightclubs, community events, dance concerts, and private parties. Kalae Kaina is also proud to be sponsoring workshops and producing shows in Honolulu, celebrating dance and supporting the arts within her community. Kalae’s approach to belly dance is rooted in strong technique, drills, and proper execution of movement. She firmly believes in dance as a vehicle for mind body connection.

Kalae's Fusion Bellydance step by step tutorials, movement breakdowns, creative combinations, drill lists, re-caps of her weekly Honolulu classes, and choreographies can be found on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/kalaekaina

ONGOING CLASSES:

Mixed Level Intermediate w/ Kalae Tuesdays 7:30-8:30pm

NEW LOCATION!

Kaimuki Studio- 3030 Waialae Ave

$15 drop ins, or $50 for class card, good for 4 classes.

www.shakti808.com/.

Katalyst Bliss has performed dance since she was 5 yrs old. She has taught many styles of dance and is a Registered Movement Therapist. She teaches meditation and therapeutic movement classes, for seniors, at UH Manoa.

Since 2002, her focus has been fluid movement and cultural dance. Her mentors include Alcina, Anna Halprin, Angela Farmer, and Emilie Conrad.

CLASSES:

Belly Dance Fusion out of the Kalihi YMCA on Mondays from 4:50-5:50 PM.

Classes are ongoing and beginner-friendly.

www.katalystbliss.com/

www.facebook.com/katalyst.bliss

Lynette Day has been a student of many styles of belly dance since 1998. A former member of Seattle’s Troupe Hipnotica, her interests have ranged from classical and folkloric dance of the Middle East to synchronized group improvisation and American fusion. Lynette has completed all four phases of study in Rachel Brice’s 8 Elements™ approach, of which she is a recognized official Datura™ Style teacher.

She has worked as an occupational therapist since 2005 and enjoys using a therapeutic approach when teaching her students. She finds it important to educate her students on how belly dance can decrease the effects of the aging process.

She currently is the director of Maui Belly Dance Company and has developed an improv vocabulary with her collaborator, Andria Perkins, on Maui. This improv vocabulary includes cued combos with complex and dynamic zil patterns.

Belly Dance and Occupational Therapy are Lynette’s passions and she’s excited to be integrating them!

www.lynettedaybellydance.com

Hawaii’s premier belly dancer is an acclaimed professional performing artist, instructor and choreographer based in Honolulu Hawaii. She has been showcased in countless corporate and private events, television, theater and concert stages throughout the US. Her performances have been described as "Elegant” “Passionate” and “ A Timeless Expression of Belly Dance”. Malia’s enduring professionalism, dependability and engaging presence have made her a sought after performer and choreographer.

Growing up in Hawaii, Malia was surrounded by music and dance and it was this influence that allowed her to find her passion in the performing arts. Her introduction to Middle- Eastern Culture came in 1999, since then, she has studied with some of the top instructors in the world and has performed with award winning belly dancers world-wide.

When Malia isn’t performing she is teaching beginner to advanced dancers from around the world. She is known for her intrinsically motivating teaching techniques bringing energy and fun to each of her classes. You can take one of Malia Delapenia’s belly dance classes here locally in Honolulu or at one of her numerous touring workshops through out the US.

Malia has designed an exciting lesson format. She fuses all styles of belly dance techniques into one, creating a unique style that will keep you coming back for more. Her classes are welcoming, supporting, and nurturing as you learn about your body and how it moves within the different body planes and beyond.

www.maliadelapenia.com

Mandira thinks of life as a dance, with each person dancing to the tune of a different drummer.

Born in 1965, brought up and educated in India, Iraq and the US, Mandira turned to healing with alternate therapies, about 20 years ago. She found her calling through this work in transformational healing and went on to complete extensive trainings in Reiki, Counseling with Transactional Analysis, Meditation & Movement modules, Colour and Crystal Therapy.

Over the years she has experienced and trained in various meditation techniques , along with understanding the importance of dance and movement to energy. She is professionally present as a facilitator for those who wish to find their own unique rhythm. She also serves as a Vaastu Consultant – the Indian form of Feng shui.

Find Mandira's classes at Still & Moving Center.

Experience the energy and grace of Gypsy Caravan Tribal Belly Dance® (GCTB) in a creative, colorful atmosphere.

This earthy form of dance, developed by Paulette Rees-Denis of Portland, Oregon will stretch, tone and give you a head-to-toe workout, as well as improve balance and coordination! Immerse yourself in rhythm, motion and smooth synchronization as we dance.

Styles come from a spectrum of cultures and geographical areas ranging from India, Egypt, North Africa and Spain. This mesmerizing form of belly dance will draw you in, lift your spirit and add a drumbeat to your day. Join our circle!

It is Melinda's passion to create a strong community of Tribal Belly Dance here in the islands. She was born and raised on O’ahu and began studying GCTB in 1993 while living in Portland OR. She eventually had the honor of being invited to perform with the Sister Caravan Troupe there a truly rewarding experience! After moving to the San Francisco area, she branched out and tried American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion.

Years later, she found herself moving back home to Oahu. She then became certified to teach the form of dance she knows and loves the most: GCTB. She is still studying, expanding her knowledge and looking towards higher certification levels, loving every minute of it!

Join her circle of Tribal Temptresses in Kailua every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for Tribal Belly basics, combos and technique. Her private space, Kai Studio is open and jammin’. Just wear comfy stretchy clothes and jump in to the shimmy fest! Donation requested but not required

www.islandtribalhawaii.com/

Murat Demirtas has trained at the well known Michael King Pilates and with Roxy Menzies. As an instructor he brings a remarkable sense of body awareness and enjoys sharing his knowledge with students. He hails from a background of dance, gymnastics, pilates and aerobics. He has taught dance and various movement modalities for the Turkish educational system, professional dance companies and artists. He has performed for many big companies including the Women for Nike Tour.

Based on his belief that every individual is a healer. Murat’s mission is to create an environment that guides people to evolve into their full potential. His successful classes are a fusion dance and aerobics that helps to bring an awareness of an individual’s inner power. Murat is the perfect balance of creativity and business, Murat is a well rounded teacher + artist + athlete with a special aura, joyful vibration and spirit that conveys his love of movement.

CLASSES:

Murat teaches ongoing Turkish Belly Dance for Fitness and Belly Dance for Performance classes at the Still & Moving Center:

Wednesdays 5:45-6:45 PM

Saturdays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sammie is a belly dancer instructor and performer on the island of Oahu. She directs 4 performance troupes and is the current 2019 MEDAH president.

Sammie's love of belly dance began when she joined the student organization, Hill and Veil at Virginia Tech in Spring of 2007. For the rest of her time as an undergraduate, a Master's student, and a Doctoral student, Sammie remained involved with belly dance as a way to stay active, relieve stress, and make lifelong friendships - things that she hopes to bring to all of her dance students.

As a dancer, Sammie continually seeks to challenge herself through participating in workshops and classes with a variety of instructors, creating new choreography, and performance! She has had the amazing opportunity to take lessons and/or workshops with Thana Tarab, Karim Nagi, Elena Faye, Sabah, Victoria Teel, Moria Chappell, Bagoas, Madame Onca, Petite Jamilla, Bozenka, Mira Betz, Frank Farinaro, Zoe Jakes, and Kami Liddle - all of which have played a role in her growth and development as a dancer.

CLASSES:

Sammie teaches ongoing belly dance classes at Aloha Dancesport Center on Sundays, and on the UH West Oahu and UH Manoa campuses when semesters are in session. All classes are mixed level and open to beginners. The following reflects her typical schedule:

*Sundays - ongoing classes in belly dance technique with a special topic thrown in each month!

4-5 PM Belly Dance Technique at Aloha Dancesport Center Pricing - Cash, Check, Venmo, PayPal: $50/month or $15 drop in for non-students $35/month or $10 drop in with college ID.

***COMPLETELY new students get first drop in for $5! :)***

5-6 PM Blue Troupe Practice at Aloha Dancesport Center (a mixed level performance troupe that meets during the Fall and Spring semesters - please ask about packages that include both Blue Troupe and monthly technique!)

*Tuesdays when Fall/Spring semesters are in session - UH Manoa Belly Dance Raqs Practice in Hemenway 201

7:00-8:00 PM Belly Dance Technique

8:00-9:00 PM Belly Dance Choreography

*Thursdays when Fall/Spring semesters are in session - UH West Oahu Belly Dance Raqs Practice in D-151

7:00-8:00 PM Belly Dance Technique

8:00- 9:00 PM Belly Dance Choreography

***Please feel free to contact Sammie if you are unsure about start and end dates each semester***

Please feel free to contact Sammie for private events, lessons, and performances. She'd love to assist in making any event you host more special! To hire Sammie for your private event, please contact her at sammieinhawaii@gmail.com! www.facebook.com/SammieinHawaii/

Owner and founder of Red Door Dance Studio, Talia Soleil is the founder, sponsor and producer of Raqs Tiki Kauai Belly Dance Intensive. Dancing her way through life, she has enjoyed studying Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom, Hip Hop, Hula, and of course, Belly Dance. She is also a multi-award winning belly dancer, choreographer and fitness champion. ​

Talia studied theater, and has been involved in community and college theater, and loves to combine the skills of dance and dramatic arts in her art form. As a life-long student of movement and dance, and an instructor for over 30 years, Talia continues to learn and grow, often traveling worldwide to "fill her cabinets" with knowledge, passion, and new friendships. Performing internationally thrills her, as well as imparting information in her highly acclaimed and fun-filled workshops. ​

As artistic director, choreographer and director of Dansoleil Belly Dance Theater, she trains all levels of dancers to reach their highest potential. She has brought her troupe to their award-winning potential with her dedicated work ethic, eye for the artistic, and stylized technique. ​

She is also a member of Dangerous Beauties Belly Dance, a collaborative project made up of professional dancers who portray the strong women who have shaped our world through history, literature, art, and film. ​

Teaching Master Workshops around the world, and performing solos, and with her troupe are some of her favorite moments.... along with traveling with her husband and pup, Koa San Carlos.

www.taliasoleil.com/

Why Take Class: Fun, Fitness, skill development and to bring out the caged-in goddess!

Belly Dance Class designed to uplift Spirit!

Middle Eastern dance with friends & family. The way it is supposed to be! Teresa has created a fun hearted class to share her joy of Middle Eastern dance! Basic to advanced isolation movements will be drilled individually (including ¾ shimmies) and in combo format! The current dance series is always evolving with the students present. You will get an energizing warm-up that focuses on waking up the body, balance and mind! We always dive into the soul as we end class with some improv!

Teresa fell in love with the Art of Middle Eastern dance at a young age. Since then she has traveled and studied with a few diverse dancers. With every new teacher her heart grew with passion to move people emotionally with performances and instructional class. It is with great passion that she shares the love of Middle Eastern dance and enjoys inspiring others to empower themselves with this art form!

Teresa creates fun hearted classes to share her joy of Middle Eastern dance. She is also available for private lessons, events and performances.

Make you next girls day or family event special! Hire Teresa to teach your ohana some belly dance moves and maybe even add on a dance set for your enjoyment!!! Contact Teresa for more Details!!!!

Follow Teresa on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TeresaHarlowraqs/

www.facebook.com/bellydanceclasseswithteresa/

https://teresalynnharlow.com/