Links & Resources
www.Shira.net
Shira's informative website includes everything from dance history to costuming tips, book & video reviews to belly dance jokes.
www.Tribe.net
Tribe.net is a social networking site popular with dancers.
Start on the "Belly Dance in Maine" tribe and branch out to learn about business practices, costuming, anatomy... and connect with other dancers!
MEDIM.org
Maine's belly dance resource
Message board, articles, performer & instructor directory
Aaminah Dance
Lorien - Performer & teacher in Bangor, Maine
Adira (Emma Holder)
Performer, teacher and workshop host in Portland, Maine
Jaiyana
Tribal style performer & teacher based in Portland, Maine
Jamileh
Jamilieh, one of my main teachers, has influenced nearly all dancers in the area throughout her years of teaching & performing.
Josephina
Teacher, performer, and Belly Ball host based in Bath, Maine
Katy
Performer & teacher based in Freeport, Maine
Naya's Trance
Belly dance troupe based in Portland, Maine
Paradigm East
Aonochi & Zanjibal, fusion performers & teachers based in Bangor, ME
Casco Bay Tummlers
Portland's fantastic klezmer band. Their alter-ego, Zhok Therapy, can also be seen at numerous area belly dance events.
Okbari
Portland's phenomenal duo playing Arabic, Anatolian & Armenian music
Jeannette Ross
Jeannette Ross is a photographer based in Portland, Maine. She took the photo used in the header of this website, among others on these pages.
Jon Reece
Jon Reece, a photographer based in Portland, Maine, specializes in architectural photography, as well as landscapes, portraits & dance. He has shot various recent dance events, much to the performers satisfaction!
Leigh Kelly
Leigh Kelly of Image Catcher, based in Harpswell, is an award-winning photographer known for her wedding, portrait and dance photography. She has taken many of the photos on these pages.
Sarah Skinner
Based in New York City, Sarah Skinner is one of my favorite dance photographers. Her use of lighting is stunning, and her experience as a popular professional belly dancer is evident to the graceful poses you see in her photographs.
I look forward to the day when I can schedule a photo shoot with her!
Hadarah
Silk veils & accessories hand-dyed by Hadarah of Portland, Maine
Remarkable Blackbird
Henna artist based in Grey, Maine, available for celebrations & events of all kinds.
Athena Najat
An American dancer who has made her home in Athens, pursing her love of dance to its farthest reaches.
Aziza
One of the first video clips I found online when I first started dancing featured Aziza, dancing to a song that asks, "Do you want to be a belly dancer?" It's somewhat of a comical piece, and and her elegance & generosity as a performer are unmistakable.
Bozenka
A dancer of grace & generosity, Bozenka is one of my very favorite performers & instructors. Based in Miami, FL, she tours solo and with Bellydance Superstars.
Josie Conte
No list by a Portland belly dancer would be complete without mention of Josie Conte. Currently on hiatus while attending medical school, Josie has had more of an influence on me than any other single dancer.
Michelle Joyce
Based in San Franscisco, Michelle Joyce is a performer, instructor, video producer & business genius. And her constume collection is without parallel!
Mira Betz
Mira's variety of movement style is incredible, but throughout she keeps the most clear yet... gooey!... sensation ever seen! Mira graced Portland, Maine with her presence in June 2008.
Morocco
The grand dame of oriental dance. More about Morocco coming soon...
Neon
This is a woman of inspiring fortitude. She is incredibly eloquent, writing on topics in a way that manifests the words I am always searching for. Her dancing is a wonder to watch, and her creation of World Dance New York is incredibly admirable.
Nour of Cairo
More about Nour coming soon...
Rachel Brice
No single video has inspired me more than the first clip I saw of Rachel Brice, from the forthcoming film, Tribal Style: A Documentary. While my style couldn't be farther from hers, if I'm in a slump all I need to do is take a look at this to revive myself.
Sarah Skinner
Just thinking about Sarah's Skinner's photography makes me work harder at my dance in order to justify a photo shoot with her one day. Her lighting is exquisite, and her ability to bring out the best in dancers is just stunning. Be sure to see the short video of a photo shoot she did with Athena Najat.
Suheir Zaki
My very favorite of the Golden Area Egyptian dancers. More on Suheir Zaki coming soon...
Raqs is the Arabic word for Dance. Ayperi is a Turkish name meaning Moon Fairy. Hence...
...Raqs Ayperi!