I had been browsing through a dance magazine when an article
written by a famous dancer called my attention.  The article was well
written but its message is one that all dancers and anyone looking for
an entertainer should consider.   The message was this:  It does not
matter, necessarily, how long a dancer has studied.  It is more
important to know who the dancer has studied with,  what the
student has taken away from the experience and how they practice
the techniques that were taught.

I am happy to give credit to those who have taught me what I know
today.   I first learned from two instructors that had studied with
Marika-Kate and Shadia. Then I took several seminars with:
Z-Helene- TX, Valerie Rushmere- Philadelphia, Fleur Frascella-
Philadelphia, Azhia, Eva Cernik-CO,  Nursel- Turkey, Yasmin- D.C.,
 Drago, and  Melina and Piper from daughters of Rhea. I have
studied privately with and performed in Greece with Rhea.  I have
been working intensively with Artemis Mourat the last ten years and
about a year ago, have begun to work privately with Anahid
Sofian-NY. I have been studying this dance form for the last twelve
years.

Each of these women have defined who I am as a dancer today.  I am
grateful to have had the opportunity to study with each of them.
Belly Dance By
Helena Zahra

Check out my  
articles that have
been published in
Zaghareet! magazine
in August/September
08 and
October/November
08.  The articles are
enhanced with
pictures taken by
Audra Evans.