Raven Leigh
Raven Leigh didn't start belly dancing until her sophomore year at Susquehanna, but has made up for lost time by not stopping since. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Cabaret" among her troupe for her flirty and energetic dance style. She has taken workshops with Mimi Fontana, Fatima Al Wahid, and Luna of Cairo. Six years later, she's received her bachelors from Susquehanna and a masters from Drew University, but looks forward to performing with her Zaida ladies on the weekends. Her other hobbies include: baking, Zumba, reading, and quoting an unhealthy amount of movies and TV shows in regular conversation.
Ella Celeste
Ella Celeste began her dance career at sixteen when she took lessons with American Cabaret Dancer, Donna. She continued her study with Donna and also started studying under Vikki of Hipnosis Tribal Bellies Dance Studio. While at Susquehanna University, she cross-trained with ballet, tap, modern, and flamenco and she began teaching beginner belly dance classes and creating beginner to intermediate choreographies. Ella Celeste's other passions include teaching Spanish, Dragons and Disney movies.
Almitra
Almitra began her dance career at Susquehanna University and simply got hooked to the art of belly dance. She believes that dance is an expression of the soul, and a valuable tool for physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. While she continues to study and practice Middle Eastern dance and its many traditional and modern forms, she also studies Bharatanatyam under the direction of Guru Smt. Rachita Nambiar, founder of Rasika School of Dance. Her study of Indian dance and also her travels to India are a constant source of inspiration for her fusion belly dance pieces. When she is not dancing, Almitra continues to work in the visual arts through her career as a professional photographer, though on her downtime she loves to sit back and relax with a good cup of tea.
Leilah Moon
Leilah Moon is an upbeat and dramatic fusion dancer whose style ranges from Egyptian, Turkish, and American cabaret to tribal fusion and ITS. For the past 5 years, she has studied under MiaNaja al Sephira, Naimah of Baltimore, Viviana of Delaware, Piper of the Daughters of Rhea and is currently a student of Sahara Dance in DC. She has performed with Tribe MiaNaja. She loves that dance has given her the opportunity to travel and connect with dance communities all along the east coast, as well as a better understanding of and appreciation for her curvy body. It is her desire to combine a study of traditional bellydance with influences and innovations from Western dances such as hip-hop and Latin dance, with a splash of ink and bass.
Take classes with Leilah Moon at Sahara Dance Studio in DC!
Aleshanee
Like her name suggests, Aleshanee (or "ones who plays a lot") is full of child-like wonder. Beginning her dance career at Susquehanna University's Belly Dance Circle, she was recognized for her theatrical style in her performances, such as her "doll" performance in the Spring 2011 show.
Currently, Aleshanee is pursuing her Master's in Social Work at Widener University.
Salimah
Although her dancing career spans many genres including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and swing, Salimah began belly dancing at the age of 19 at Susquehanna University and hasn't looked back since. She has studied under Jennifer Tether through the Sahara Dance Raquettes Nadia troupe in Washington D.C., and has taken classes from Mimi Fontana and Luna of Cairo. When she isn't dancing, Salimah works as a writer for an international nonprofit and spends her free time working out, practicing Spanish, reading, and spending time with friends.
Antonina
Antonina began dancing her freshman year at Susquehanna University and has fallen in love with the art ever since. She has studied under Amala Gameela and has taken workshops with Mohammed Shahin and Kaeshi Chai. Always eager to learn, she is always excited about learning new moves and styles. When she is not dancing, Antonina is living the glamorous (read: smelly) life of a zookeeper, spending her time feeding, training, and cleaning up after big and small cats.