Instructors 2024
Ahmed Hussien
Ahmed Hussien is an undeniably iconic figure and a source of inspiration for dancers and teachers alike in the world of Classic Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric Dance. Ahmed’s masterful and dynamic teaching method is the result of his absolute dedication to dance combined with his comprehensive experience in the area of performance and choreography. Ahmed is the ONLY Egyptian Dance Master to have Ballet, Belly Dance, Ballroom, and Broadway experience in his repertoire.
Gina Marie
Gina Marie is a highly accomplished and sought-after dance professional with a passion for the art of belly dance. With a career spanning almost two decades, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Since 2008, Gina has been teaching and sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers, helping them develop their skills and unleash their creative potential. Her dedication and commitment to her craft are evident through her certifications as a Certified FCBD (FatChanceBellyDance) Style Partner Studio and a certified SharQui fitness instructor, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of various dance styles.
As the director of four active troupes, Gina Marie showcases her exceptional leadership skills and ability to inspire dancers to reach their fullest potential. Her troupe has achieved numerous accolades under her guidance. Gina's mastery of fusion and character creation allows her to bring a unique and captivating energy to her performances. Her impeccable staging and choreography make each performance a mesmerizing experience for the audience. For those seeking to broaden their dance skills, Gina Marie offers a valuable opportunity to learn from her vast knowledge and experience in the world of belly dance.
Omaris
Omaris, "The Dominican Rose", is a multi-award-winning dancer and instructor. She will sweep you away with her passion, authentic spirit, and magical technique. With almost two decades of teaching and performing, Omaris is loved by studios, students, and audiences alike. Internationally sought-after, Omaris has captivated audiences around the globe with her graceful technique, impeccable musicality, and vibrant stage presence. With her BA in Advertising and a Professional Photography Technique Course, she has her own clothing line called RedButterfly by Omaris born with the true idea to communicate inspiring and encouraging thoughts through active and casual clothing and accessories. Omaris is one of the members of Kafkasso Mediterranean Live Music. She was the first dancer to be integrated into the band and one of the oldest members. Currently, she is based out of Tallahassee, Florida. There is no question why she teaches all over the world and is embraced in her local dance community and beyond. Many say Omaris is Art in Motion.
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Silvia Salamanca
Silvia Salamanca is an internationally acclaimed performer, choreographer and instructor from Mallorca, Spain. A life-long dancer, she graduated at the age of nineteen as a major in ballet and performed professionally as a modern dancer in major Europe festivals with the contemporary dance company of the University of Barcelona.
She started her career as a belly dancer in 2001, when realizing the enormous benefits that this art-form brings in both, body and soul. In her own studio, she keeps observing how women can get closer to their self identity and discover oneself in a new level, increasing self-esteem, and getting deeply in touch with the feminine essence in their soul through bellydance.
As a natural evolution in her journey, Silvia discovered tribal fusion in the USA and combined it with a deep research into her own cultural roots: Arabic and Spanish gitana. Hence with her work in the field of Zambra Mora (spanish gitano-oriental dance fusion), Silvia gained international recognition and is currently invited to teach workshops and perform as a headliner in major festivals world-wide. Silvia is also known for her work dancing with swords, which she feels depicts the strength.
Silvia is also the director of Shunyata Belly Dance, a nationally awarded tribal fusion company and a proud member of Urban Hips, Houston’s premiere ITS troupe.
Yana
Performing since the age of 4, Yana’s notable talent is strongly rooted and accentuated in her passionate and evocative expression as a professional artist and teacher. She spent the first part of her career in Russia where she cultivated her craft through various public performances, within studios as a choreographer, as well as within her community as a troupe organizer.
Internationally renowned, she relocated to Central Florida in 2005, which led to her playing a prominent role in the contribution to the local dance community in the form of teaching and performance. Through the years, she has traveled extensively sharing her mastery across various performance mediums, leading her to achieve multiple awards. Some notable examples of her award accomplishments are 1st Place in The Yellow Rose of Texas Professional Soloist as well as the Photographers Choice Ya Halla Ya’ll both received in 2013, and 1st Place as The Belly Dancer of The World Fusion/Fantasy award which was received in 2014. Her successes led her to co-create World Dance Orlando in 2018, where she has worked to showcase and unite many talented professional dancers, instructors, students, and local studios alongside one another in featured productions and performances.
Her knowledge and expertise of various dance styles and genres are quite extensive, both through performance and instruction, but her enthusiasm, discipline and refinement contribute to her dedication to excellence in the Art of Bellydance.
Najmah Nour
Najmah Nour is a fusion artist with a remarkable 30-year journey in the dance world. Her unique talent blends traditional and contemporary styles, influenced by Middle Eastern, Flamenco, and Central Asian dances creating captivating performances. Growing up in a creative Spanish/Cuban family full of dancers, musicians and singers, her home was a space held for rhythmic expressions, shaping her artistic path. As an educator, Najmah shares her knowledge with the intention for students to grow their artistic expression to their fullest. Strengthening Intuition and body connection is Najmah's main focus no matter what level the student is or the level the student intends to grow. She is an activist for personal empowerment and fosters a safe environment for all to grow.