INSTRUCTORS
| Portia |
Portia’s high-energy performances are absolutely captivating; a spectacle of grace and femininity, making her one of the most sought after artists of today! Her heart felt interpretation of music, her tremendous ability to engage and entertain her audiences, and the sheer elegance of her dance are what won her first place in the Nile Group’s International Oriental Competition in Cairo, Egypt in June 2008; a prestigious honor held by an elite few. Portia earned the love and respect of many of the industry’s most celebrated stars. Aida Nour, Freiz Zayed and Tito all proclaimed, “Spectacular performance!” “Portia is simply amazing!” Cairo’s very own superstar Asmahan said, “Who knew someone from outside of Egypt could dance like this! Portia has incredible talent and heart.”
This visionary artist and entrepreneur is the founder of Belly Motions, Inc., overseeing all of the company’s operations. In addition to her duties as an instructor and the Artistic Director at Belly Motions, Portia has performed around the world and entertained celebrity superstars such as Gloria Estefan and Shaquille O’Neal at their special events. Portia has shared the stage with global musical sensation The Gypsy Kings and also with the rock group Atom Smash, revealing her incredible diversity working with other genres of music and yet maintaining the authentic flavor that is Belly Dance! This internationally renowned performer, instructor and choreographer of Middle Eastern Dance has tailored a teaching method that is effective and exciting. |
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| Belly Motions and the ideals it represents, have spread like wild fire across South Florida. With an extensive background in health, fitness and education, Portia has taken students to the next level of Belly Dance technique while simultaneously delivering a low impact, total body workout. Thousands of students have studied this life changing art form under her instruction. Portia has gathered a wealth of education from the world’s best such as Tamalyn Dallal, Yousry Sharif and Mahmoud Reda, and is now mentoring many of the industry’s up and coming instructors and stars. Portia has been featured in high profile publications and frequently appears on television promoting the art. She has devoted her life and every ounce of energy to Belly Dance; bringing together the best instructors and performers to ensure Belly Motions’ students receive quality instruction within a nurturing environment; and by setting an example and raising the standard for the stars of tomorrow! Portia will not cease from these many endeavors until the world has a greater appreciation for it. |
| Hanan |
Tiffany Madera, M.A., known in the Arts community as “hanan” has been a leader in her field for over a decade. Specializing in contemporary folkloric styles of Egypt, Yousry Sharif wrote “[Hanan] can easily pass as a native dancer of Cairo….this is no easy task”. The Miami Herald describes hanan as “boundary crossing”, “bold” and “a dominant force in contemporary dance”. Hanan is a world renowned protégé of Tamalyn Dallal and Yousry Sharif. Her teaching manifesto is based on community empowerment and service. Hanan spent several years teaching Belly Dance at battered women’s shelters, women’s prison and inner city community centers. She created the Dance Empowerment Project with The Arts at St. John, originally targeting adult survivors of sexual abuse. She then expanded the program focusing on creative unblocking and psycho-spiritual artistic empowerment through Belly Dance. Hanan did her graduate studies focusing on Arabic Dance and Identity in Cuba focusing on a Political Science and Diaspora theory analysis. She is the founder of Cuba’s first Belly Dance Troupe and band; Aisha’ Al-Hanan. Hanan is a prolific and avant-garde dance theater artist and is a critically acclaimed director and producer of the Habibi Trilogy (Hip Hop Belly Dance Opera) and Hanan with Other Friendly Gods and Goddesses, which made the Miami Herald Top 10 Performances of the Year. |
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| In addition to training talented dancers of Miami, hanan is a Professor of Performance Studies at the University of Miami, a Theater Director and the newly appointed Executive Director of the Mid Eastern Dance Exchange, 501C3. To learn more about hanan please visit: www.hanan4peace.com |
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| Jennifer |
Known for her fiery and exhilarating performances, Jennifer absolutely sizzles on stage! Jennifer’s flair and charisma, along with her endless passion and love for dance has made her one of the most sought after performers in Florida and throughout the United States. Brilliantly combining her two loves, Belly Dance and Salsa, Jennifer has created her own unique style of “Miami Spanish Fusion” that is sexy and distinctive.
A powerful and inspiring performer and instructor, Jennifer has shared the stage with The Gypsy Kings, Will Smith, Portia and Ansuya; and has appeared on many television programs throughout the Americas. Jennifer recently had the great privilege of producing her first Instructional DVD flavored with her exceptional Belly Dance and Salsa Fusion. To learn more about Jennifer please visit: www.mambonita.com |
| Kamila |
Kamila is an exquisite theatrical entertainer who has fused her extensive background in many genres of dance including Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Oriental Dance to create thrilling and spectacular performances. Kamila’s graceful and exotic interpretations of music, combined with her unique specialties with Fire Dancing, Snake Charming and Shadow Dancing have made her an instant favorite with Belly Motions’ clients everywhere!
Known for her intense and breath-taking performances, Kamila has performed for many celebrities including P-Diddy, Vin Diesel, Missy Elliott, Jamie Foxx and Andy Garcia. She has performed at the MGM Grand, Barton G, Nikki Beach and The Opium Group for corporate clients such as Absolute Vodka, Ocean Drive Magazine and Nieman Marcus. An accomplished choreographer and instructor, Kamila has immersed herself in dance as an art form, constantly striving to set the best example for her students as a professional and well-rounded entertainer. To learn more about Kamila please visit: www.kamileonproductions.com |
| Roshana |
A soulful and versatile artist with a flair for drama, Roshana displays strength, grace, elegance and fluidity in her dance. Her diverse background in various styles of Middle Eastern Dance evoke brilliant and exciting performances, full of emotion and passion; and with an incredible connection to her audiences. Specializing in Classical and Modern Egyptian dance, as well as Tribal Fusion and folkloric dances of the Arab world, Roshana seamlessly infuses traditional and contemporary dance elements into a delightful and engaging presentation.
Born of Cuban parents with Spanish and Lebanese background, Roshana started belly dancing under the instruction of Tamalyn Dallal at the Mid Eastern Dance Exchange, and continued her training with many world renowned dancers both locally and abroad. Roshana has performed internationally in Asia, Canada, and Egypt and was the first American belly dancer to perform Tribal Fusion style in Cairo. Roshana is the First Place Winner of the 2008 Miami Bellydance Convention's Professional Raks Sharqi Competition, and has appeared in local and international media, such as television, magazines, and music videos. To see Roshana perform in Atom Smash's music video "Sacrifice" please visit: www.myspace.com/atomsmashmusic. To learn more about Roshana please visit: www.roshananofret.com |
| Vanessa |
With every performance, Vanessa creatively presents her classic and elegant style of Belly Dance. She exudes grace and fluidity while expressing her great passion and appreciation for this ethereal dance to her audience. A vivacious and luminous artist, Vanessa is known for her warm and sensitive nature, which she translates beautifully into her performances, and communicates artfully to those who have the opportunity to see her perform!
Vanessa began her studies in Oriental Dance at the University of Miami, later continuing her dance education at Belly Motions with many of South Florida’s favorites. As a member of the Dreams Bellydance Company, Vanessa performed in many large-scale theatre productions, further developing her skills as an artist and choreographer. Seeking the authentic Egyptian experience, Vanessa has pursued her advanced studies locally and in Egypt with Mahmoud Reda, Yousry Sharif, Farida Fahmy, and Raqia Hassan, and continues to immerse herself in this beautiful art form. As an instructor, Vanessa aims to build a sense of community between women, while allowing them to discover what the dance means to them individually. She is easily approachable and thrives off the excited energy of her students. She finds Belly Dancing to be an inclusive and spiritually transforming art form and is devoted to sharing this amazing dance with others! In addition to performing and her teaching duties, Vanessa is also part of Belly Motions’ Management Team. |
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| Xiomara |
Xiomara’s masterful performances are both riveting and enchanting. Her breathtaking and elegant style is a harmonious fusion of classical Egyptian Oriental with flavors of Flamenco, Gypsy, and other Latin inspired dances. An expressive and passionate artist, Xiomara is an internationally renowned performer, instructor and choreographer of Middle Eastern dance, and is one of the most sought after artists of today.
Xiomara's professionalism and authentic Middle-Eastern style continue to capture the attention of many media services, both in print and television. Her most recent appearances were featured on Miami’s own Deco Drive, the David Letterman Show (CBS), Univision, Telemundo (NBC), Mega TV and People Magazine. Xiomara has been featured as a guest on TV shows such as "Seguro que Yes" and “Contigo Miami” on American TV. She has also performed in various music videos with Salsa singer Tito Nieves and Egyptian pop recording artist Tarek Muhanna. |
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| In 2007, Xiomara performed for a Royal Wedding in Dubai (UAE), sharing the stage with Nancy Ajram one of the most famous Lebanese singers of today. She has studied with industry recognized Master Teachers from all over the world including Mahmoud Reda, Dina, and Tamalyn Dallal, just to name a few. Xiomara has dedicated her life to learning and sharing the art of Belly Dance; studying and performing throughout the Americas, Egypt and the Middle East. To learn more about Xiomara please visit: www.BellyPassion.com |
| Alexandra |
Alexandra is known for her elegant and serene performances. She is a true natural on stage with a dazzling and genuine presence that can be felt by every member of her audience. Alexandra began studying Middle Eastern dance at Belly Motions with Portia. Over the years, this young artist further pursued the art, studying with a wide variety of Master Teachers working with Belly Motions as well as others visiting South Florida.
Her experiences training, teaching and performing with Belly Motions have taught her how much the art of Middle Eastern dance has to offer, and she welcomes the opportunity to share this art that inspires her every day! Alexandra has a second passion for the arts and is currently studying Art History and Fine Arts at Florida International University. In addition to performing with Belly Motions, Alexandra is also a Belly Motions Associate where she assists students and works in the Boutique. |
| Andrus |
A strong stage personality; Andrus is richly expressive and uniquely inspiring. An extremely talented dancer and choreographer, Andrus enriches the movement and music of both Folklore and Classical Oriental with his powerful and innovative flair, creating his own Oriental "Sharqi" style with the same great passion that has made him an audience favorite!
Andrus has studied various styles of Belly Dance with many local and internationally recognized performers, and also appeared with the Dreams Bellydance Company further building his skills as a seasoned entertainer. Andrus recently completed his Teaching Certification and looks forward to sharing his vision and passion for the dance with students and fellow artists. |
| Artemis |
Artemis is an exquisite professional performer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance. Her stylish and fluid performances mix the flavors of her Greek Mediterranean heritage with the Classical Oriental style of Egypt. After studying Belly Dance in the United States, Egypt and Greece; she began performing in Athens, Greece.
Artemis travels to Egypt every year with Belly Motions “Caravan to Cairo” to continue her extensive study of Middle Eastern dance, learning from some of the best known Master Instructors in the world. Now based in Atlanta, Artemis performs with Belly Motions at venues around the globe; continuing to mold her dance by bringing her style to the United States, while fusing it with the expression and spirit of the Middle East. To learn more about Artemis please visit: www.bellydancebyartemis.com |
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| Bela |
Bela’s captivating and artistic performances are a masterful blending of the classical dance genres and Oriental dance genres. Bela’s creative ability to express the emotional nuances of this art is what won her First Place for the “Rising Star” category at the 2008 Miami Bellydance Convention. Bela began training at an early age with Classical Ballet, Salsa, and Cuban Dance and attended the Alvin Ailey School’s Summer Intensive Program in 2003. Bela also studied Spanish Dance for over ten years with world-renown instructors including Rosita Segovia, Rosa Mercedes, Cristina Masdueño, and Ada Linares.
She performed in the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker in 2002, the Harlem Ballet Theatre’s production of Firebird in 2003 and in Magic Kingdom and Islands of Adventure theme parks in Orlando, Florida. From there she continued to participate in several Ballet and Modern dance performances at the University of Miami with professors Gilberto Almaguer and Katherine Londono. Bela has studied belly dance with many internationally recognized performers, and performed as a member of the Dreams Bellydance Company appearing in many large-scale theatre productions, further developing her skills as a seasoned artist and choreographer. Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy, Bela is now working on an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She recently taught belly dance alongside Tony Catanzaro at the Ballet Academy of Miami, where she also worked as a choreographer for his annual recital. Currently, Bela continues to study belly dance and ballet weekly, teaching private classes and performing as often as possible. |
| Caitlin |
Caitlin is an expressive, free-spirited and inspiring artist. A studied and soulful dancer, Caitlin has beautifully integrated the graceful and classical lines of Egyptian Oriental with the strong, sharp elements of American Tribal to create her own unique, dramatic and sensational style. In her capacity as a teacher Caitlin is energetic and exciting. As a choreographer, Caitlin’s passion for this art is absolutely communicable and inspirational!
Mesmerized by the beauty of Belly Dance as a young girl, Caitlin has dedicated her time to advance in this art form. Her passion has driven her to study with many Master Teachers at Belly Motions as well as with Master Instructors of all styles including Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Jill Parker, and many more. As a member of the Dreams Bellydance Company, Caitlin has performed in many large-scale theatre productions, further developing her skills as a seasoned performer and choreographer. A recent graduate from the University of Miami with a degree in Neuroscience, Caitlin looks to complete her Doctoral Program there in the near future. |
| Kristina |
Kristina is a dedicated student to the Art of Oriental Dance currently studying at Belly Motions. As an emerging artist developing the skill sets required for professional performances, Kristina works as a volunteer at Belly Motions while she is completing her studies at the Design & Architectural Senior High (DASH) School.
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| Liliana |
With each performance Liliana exudes a sultry femininity that is absolutely alluring and completely entrancing. Liliana has created her own sensual style, which is a beautiful blending of Classical Egyptian Oriental seasoned with the “Latin Flavors” Miami is famous for!
Liliana has studied many styles of Belly Dance as well as other dance genres both locally and in Egypt, and has also performed with the Dreams Bellydance Company further developing her skills as a seasoned performer. Liliana has taken all the energy and passion this dance brings to her, and translated this into a divine and enjoyable fusion that is uniquely Liliana. To learn more about Lillian please visit: www.lilibarrera.com |
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| Luisa |
Luisa is known for her beautiful, charismatic and magnetic performances. A thoroughly studied artist, Luisa is sensational with both classical Oriental and Folkloric styles of the dance; beautifully and easily translating the music into her dance! Her warm-hearted enthusiasm carries through her dancing and into her teaching style, and is also evident in her exquisite and richly textured choreography.
Luisa began her studies at Belly Motions and continues to be a dedicated student to the Art of Oriental Dance. In addition to working as a full time Architect, Luisa is a member of the DIVA Foundation; she proudly donates her time and talents working with various charitable organizations, including the Beautiful Shimmies Project. Luisa takes most pleasure in the act of sharing with audiences and students the self-discovery, respect, awareness, and overall love this art form offers a lifelong journey that begins and lives in the heart. |
| Michelle |
As an up-and-coming artist Michelle has been studying and performing with Belly Motions Student Productions for several years. Michelle’s graceful and confident presentation of this art has allowed her to perform with several other large scale theatre productions in South Florida. Michelle loves sharing her dedication and passion of Oriental Dance. Michelle is also a Belly Motions Associate where she assists students and works in the Boutique.
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| Monica |
Monica is a friendly and upbeat teacher with lots of energy! She loves the creativity and empowerment of Belly Dance, and beautifully translates this into our Children’s Program. Monica began her journey with the art of Oriental Dance at Belly Motions. Monica has performed with the Dreams Bellydance Company, Directed by Nathalie and with Belly Motions for many community events.
In addition to being a recent University of Miami graduate, Monica is pursuing a career in medicine. Monica is also the founder of the Beautiful Shimmies Project, a volunteer-based program offering her time as the Belly Dance teacher at the Cancer Support Facility at the Wellness Community of Greater Miami. The volunteer program aims to increase physical strength and general wellness among recovering cancer patients, while the cross cultural influences of the dance help heal the mind through discovery and empowerment. |
| Samantha |
Samantha has been studying Oriental and Folkloric Dance with Belly Motions for many years. As an aspiring performer Samantha has also performed with the Belly Motions Student Productions, developing her style and technique, as well as her exceptional flair for entertaining!
Samantha has completed her Teaching Certification and looks forward to becoming a Belly Motions dance instructor and performer. She recently became a Belly Motions Associate, assisting students and working in the Boutique. Samantha is also currently working to complete her Associate of Arts at Miami Dade College with a focus on Marketing & Finance. |
| Valarie |
A vivacious and dynamic artist, Valarie’s performances are exhilarating and charming. Her style is an ethereal blend of Classical Egyptian Oriental Dance seasoned with the graceful fluidity of Ballet. Having studied various dance genres, theatre arts production and choreography for over 40 years, Valarie is an innovative choreographer and a master of musical interpretation; easily translating her vision to her audience, and to dancers of all levels.
Valarie began 23 years of training in Classical Ballet at age 4 with Anneliese Von Ottingen, continuing her training at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM), one of the most prestigious American Performing Arts Schools in the United States. Valarie also studied Modern Dance at the Martha Graham School of Modern Dance in NYC. There she was also exposed to such great dancers as Merce Cunningham, a member of Graham’s Dance Company and world renowned choreographer, as well as Mikhail Baryshnikov who was there studying the Graham Technique. Valarie further studied with Frank Hatchet and Shamil Yagudin of the Broadway Dance Theatre. Adding Oriental Dance to her repertoire in 2000, she has studied locally and abroad with many internationally renowned Master Teachers including her favorites Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy. |
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| In addition to coordinating the Performance Schedule for Belly Motions, Valarie is also part of Belly Motions’ Management Team. She is also the Founder and Managing Director of The DIVA Foundation, coordinator for the annual Caravan to Cairo, and a member of the Middle Eastern American Professionals Association (MEAPA). Valarie’s love of this art and great pride in her Egyptian heritage is evident in every project she works with and with every artist she meets! |
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