Adira began her love affair with dance at the age of 8 with the typical fare of ballet, tap, and jazz.  In college, her pallet blossomed to include modern, and to her delight, "Ethnic" dance.  The Spanish, African, and East Indian dances stirred the exotic passion in Adira and set her on the journey toward Middle Eastern dance.  When she discovered belly dance Adira was infatuated by the rhythms and costumes; however, it was the ancient and rich history of the art that kept her attention.  Adira enjoys the companions and exercise that belly dance provides, but above all, she chose belly dance because it celebrates womanhood in all its shapes and sizes and it makes her feel beautiful.  Adira works as a therapist in a local Mental Health clinic and enjoys leisure activities including yoga, the outdoors, and studying Spanish.  She is married and has two delightful daughters.  Adira is an Arabic name that means "strong and powerful."

You can email her at adira@meira-nawal.com

     Anala Rabari has always been fascinated with the history and culture of the Middle East.  While obtaining her degrees in Anthropology, she took many classes on Middle East culture and learned Arabic.  After finishing her Masters the chance to learn Middle Eastern dance came her way and she couldn't resist.  Anala has been belly dancing since 2002; performing with Meira Nawal at several community festivals.  She made her solo debut at Springfest 2005 and after substituting for Ngaio, she decided to take the plunge into teaching.  

In May 2006, Anala started Shimmy Cast an Internet based radio show about bellydance.  Anala felt this was an important way for her to pay back the larger bellydance community for all that she has received from it.  She has a background in ballroom and Native American dancing.  Anala Rabari is Hindi for "fiery gypsy."

You can email her at anala-rabari@meira-nawal.com

      Delilah started belly dancing in the Fall of 2004.  She has performed with Meira Nawal at the Jones Center International Festivals, Springfest on Dickson Street, and the Rogers International Festival.  She enjoys showing off her photo album of dance experiences.  Delilah loves belly dancing because it's fun and good exercise.  She's met some wonderful new friends and just has a lot of fun dressing up and having fun hanging out with the troupe.

You can email her at delilah@meira-nawal.com 

      Ilenia Melinte recently returned to Meira Nawal with her daughter, Samra Amar.  She started belly dancing because she likes to try new things and thought it would be a good way to get in shape.  Over the years that Ilenia has been dancing, she has realized the best aspect of belly dancing is the sense of self-esteem and self-acceptance she has gained from it.  She was proud to share this aspect with her daughter when Samra Amar decided to start dancing with her mother.  Ilenia has found dancing with her daughter to be a rewarding experience as this common love has brought them closer together.  Some of her other hobbies include sewing, stitchery, cooking, and crafting.

You can email her at ilenia@meira-nawal.com

      Ngaio started belly dancing when she was 17.  At 19 she took a brief hiatus of 17 years and came back to dancing in 1998.  She dances for the fun and creativity of it, as well as the exercise.  She has been teaching for 7 years and choreographs all her own solo routines, and some of the troupe group routines.  Her other hobbies include sewing and knitting which she puts to use making her own costumes.  Ngaio is a New Zealand Maori name that means "reflections on the water."

You can email her at ngaio@meira-nawal.com

      Amala Ramaa has always wanted to learn bellydance.  Her desire probably came from her older sister's bellydance videos, which stuck with Amala from a young age.  Amala loved bellydance from the first time she came to class, and even dragged her mom into it, too.
     She adores all shapes and forms of dancing, however bellydance has a special place in Amala's heart because it is not only good exercise but it also teaches you a positive way to reflect on the body.  It doesn't matter if you are a size 2 or 22.  She also likes the way bellydance is great for any age.  Amala started bellydance when she was 15 years old and plans to still be dancing at 85.
     She keeps bellydancing because of the wonderful instructors and fellow troupe members, and is appreciative that she has supportive friends who think what she does is fun and attend all the performances that they can.  Amala hopes to teach bellydance when she goes to college so she can share the art form with others.
      Besides bellydancing, Amala has a back ground in ballroom dance and loves to bead, ride horses, read great literature, hang out with friends, and listen to all kinds of music.

 Aziza's bio and photo coming soon!

 Khalila's bio and photo coming soon

   Leailah began bellydancing, because she was the "wheels" for her teenage daughter that wanted to take the class, as with most things she was game to try and thought it would be great exercise.
    From the first moment Leailah loved bellydance.  She has always loved all kinds of dance, enjoying the celebration of movement that dance creates, but she was amazed to discover that bellydance is the celebration of being a woman!  No one cared that she was middle-aged or no longer a size 10.  Leailah feels bellydance allows her to enjoy being herself and enjoy the acceptance of all women any age, size with their own individuality.
   Leailah is appreciative that bellydance provided a safe fitness and exercise program for her as she recoverd from a broken pelvis.  Leailah is also pleased with the creativity of costuming that goes with bellydancing as it permits her to incorporate her hobbies of sewing and crocheting into this aspect of dance.  Leailah believes the best part of bellydancing is the wonderful group of women she has become a part of.

       Samra Amar has always loved Middle Eastern cultures.   After seeing so many pictures of her mom, Ilenia Melinte, dancing, she finally decided to try belly dancing as well.  She enjoys now having something fun she can do with her mom in addition to the exercise benefits she gets from dancing.  Not being the type of person who likes to be categorized, Samra Amar's wardrobe is an eclectic mix of all the styles of belly dancing, thanks to her mom's awesome sewing skills.

On Leave.

       Shamsey's bio and coming soon

     Sultanah's love of music and dance started through her parents, a Hawaiian Hula dancer and a surfer who enjoyed a good tune! Watching the Hula and Tahitian inspired a passion for cultural dances that continues to this day.
     Sultanah's background includes ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, choir, and theater arts. After taking time off to pursue family life, Sultanah was introduced to bellydance, and from that moment on her heart and soul were captured by this wonderful dance form. Every aspect of the dance - the music, costumes, friendships, acceptance of body image - continues to inspire and motivate Sultanah on a daily basis to educate herself so she can one day help teach other women this unique dance that tones the body and strengthens self esteem and confidence.
     Sultanah is the feminine Arabic form of Sultan, meaning "Ruler."

       Treszka's bio and photo coming soon

Front row (L-R): Ilenia Melinte, Delilah, Anala Rabari, Ngaio, Gaylene and Darcy.

2nd row (L-R): Lizeth, Holland, name not available, G, and Erian.

3rd row (L-R): Fabiola, Sultanah, Amala Ramaa, Leailah, Ela, Christy, Kelly, and Lola.

4th row (L-R): Kheli, Llesenia, Kaurwaki, Alvilldr in fagra, and Angela.

Top row (L-R): Paulette, Gaile, Amal, Khalila, Shamsey, Samra Amar, and Aziza.

 Back row (L-R): Kelli, Lee, Christy, Kathy P., and Angela.

Center row (L-R): Callie L., Mandy, Callie E., Andrea, and Barbara.

Front row (L-R): Gaylene and Darcy.