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.
Aliki
Aliki has been with ABDE since 1998, dancing in cultural events, private functions, festivals, and promotional venues, as well as teaching at the school. From the age of 7 until the age of 16, Aliki focused on gymnastics, which included weekly classical ballet training. Closure of her gymnastics career allowed her to focus next on learning and perfecting Middle Eastern dance, which she had been involved in informally since childhood. She celebrates her Greek-American heritage by bringing the Greek folk dances she learned as a child to ABDE, adding to the other Middle Eastern dance styles taught at the academy. She enjoys the ex-pressiveness of belly dance and believes that it is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. She invites you to take a few classes and discover what dance will do for you.
Aicha
Aicha received training in ballet, jazz, tap, drill team, kick line and lyrical dance from some of America’s top choreographers and performers. As a teenager, she was a member and officer of Varsity Drill and Dance team and Kick Company member. Awards throughout her dancing career have included being twice elected as a member of the Garland All-City Dance Team, three times elected National Cheerleading and Dance Association top performance team resulting in invitations to perform twice at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Orange Bowl half time show and the Rose Bowl half time show. In addition she has twice performed at Texas Stadium with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in NFC championship games. After discovering belly dance in 1998, she has honed her technique with sword, veil and zills by training with Authentic Belly Dancing Academy as well as attending workshops and seminars. As a member of Troupe Hareem she also enjoys performing as a soloistand looks forward to many more years on stage.
Reynah
Reynah has been with ABDE since 2004 and is ABDE’s Program Coordinator for big events such as Harem Nites, the State Fair, and many Featured Galas. Her dance background also includes country western and push dancing. In 2004, she found her new passion in belly dancing. Skilled with zills, sword, veil and candle trays, Reynah serves as a substitute instructor with ABDE while the teachers are traveling throughout the country teaching and dancing ABDE’s popular format of Belly Dancing. As a supporting dancer she performs at the Harem Nites, featured the first Thursday of the month at Dallas’ popular venue, Stratos Greek Traverna; and other private functions. Reynah invites you to join a class and bring out your inner “Belly Dancing Goddess” in a fun and nurturing atmosphere with some of the greatest people you will ever meet.
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!
Michelle
Michelle is the absolute Elitist of MCs for Harem Nites on the first Thursday Night of every Month. Come and enjoy a fabulous night of belly dancing and Michelle’s rich Texan accent as she gives every belly dancer a taste of fame. Michelle’s full bio is coming soon!
