The professional dancers associated with Authentic Belly Dancing Entertainment are some of the most talented and in-demand performers in town. Winners of the 2006 International Ahlan Cairo Nights troupe competition, the experienced belly dancers of the ABDE Performance Troupe keep up a demanding schedule, performing regularly at many area restaurants including Stratos Greek Taverna in addition to private parties and showcase events.
Neenah
Neenah is the owner of Authentic Belly Dancing Academy and director of its professional troupe. Hailed by the local press as the “Queen of Quarters and Shot Glasses” and “Dallas’ Favorite Belly Dancer,” Neenah is total entertainment and in constant demand for her performances as a soloist. With her energy and love for the beautiful art of belly dance, Neenah continues to focus on the retro-style form of entertainment which she refers to as Vintage Style. She received early training from Angelika and Zeyna, who were star performers in Dallas during the 1980’s and 90’s, well known for their stage presence, excellent musical interpretation and unmatched dance style. In addition to teaching classes and directing the troupe, Neenah performs and teaches seminars around the country, and is preparing to take on more opportunities to perform internationally both as a soloist and with her troupe.
Zaira
Zaira is a professional belly dancer and instructor specializing in classical Egyptian Oriental, American, and Turkish Cabaret dancing. She has over 14 years of experience and teaches workshops around the US. She engages in performances both domestically and internationally and is featured in several magazines, newspapers, and DVD’s, including “Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition” and “Ahlan Cairo Nights” produced by Little Egypt. She has also studied with the world’s premier instructors such as Fifi Abdo, Aida Nour, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Farida Fahmy, Morocco, Artemis, Neenah, Dina, and among many others. Zaira is a former teacher for numerous dance studios, universities, and the prestigious Authentic Bellydance Academy in Dallas, TX, Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX and Broadway Bound Studio’s in New England. She offers Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro lessons. She was the co-director and choreographer of the Academy’s professional group who are 1st place winners of the US 2006 Ahlan Cairo Nights Troupe Dance competition. She is very excited to be a part of the academy and is now teaching classes on Saturday’s!
Jenaviva
Jenaviva has been dancing since the age of four. Her background includes training in many dance forms including classical ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, drill/dance team and in more recent years, Middle Eastern dance. Jenaviva joined the Authentic Belly Dancing Academy in 2005 and was a member of the Academy’s Professional Performance Company, Troupe Hareem, performing regularly at various venues and community events around the DFW area. Jenaviva is a natural on stage, with a graceful and vibrant personality that captivates and allures her audience. Skilled in the use of zills, sword, candles, wings, and veil, Jenaviva has passion and dedication for the dance and continues to improve her skills and technique by participating in advanced level workshops and studying with world-renowned instructors and performers. As the owner of Limelight Design Studio, Jenaviva developed the Academy’s website and acts as webmaster and designer on special projects. She is also the owner of Belly Dance Classifieds, a popular website among the belly dance community. She is excited to be back at the Academy as an instructor offering beginner and intermediate classes on Wednesday evenings!
Tavita
Tavita started dancing in Russia where she worked tirelessly to perfect the movements that are the foundation of a good dance routine. Often seen as a bundle of energy and excitement her shows elicit a smile from patrons clapping along. Having had musical training from a young age and graduating from Musical School she then chose a different path, by gaining her advanced degree in Education, English. Tavita discovered Belly Dancing when Eastern Culture became popular in her home country. Fascinated that belly dance was perfect for all women, big or small, tall or short, young or old; no matter what Belly Dance seemed to be the perfect dance for any woman. Further, with the glamorous outfits and graceful beauty in the dances she had seen it became a passion that lasts with her to this day. Tavita invites you to come to a class, see what you have been missing, empower yourself and discover that well of creativity you never knew existed!
Fatinah
Fatinah’s experience with Belly Dance started with attending classes at ABDE just for fun, but it only took a couple class performances at Harem Night before Fatinah realized that her interest in the dance form had evolved into full-scale passion, and that she wanted to be a performer. From there she began dedicating herself to the continual improvement and expansion of her dance repertoire. Fatinah’s signature style is characterized by a variety of Latin-fusion inspired pieces, which integrate and combine traditional Belly Dance techniques alongside elements from popular Latin dances. Fatinah loves that Belly Dance incorporates many natural movements that, with the right training, can be developed into graceful, intriguing, and beautiful dances. She also enjoys that belly dancing allows her to be expressive in a variety of ways, from dramatic to playful, and everything in between. She encourages you to explore where a few dance classes may lead you, whether it be to a new, exciting way to stay active or even straight onto the stage!
