Donia

Many years ago, I started taking belly dance classes to help reduce my stress level. I was looking for a dance or yoga class, and a coworker spotted a flyer for bellydance at his gym. I signed right up, and in addition to finding a way to manage my stress, I discovered an enveloping passion that has provided a multitude of other benefits. To name a few... new friends, exposure to new cultures, better self esteem, and (unfortunately) an unreasonable desire for anything that glitters, shimmers, or sparkles.

I dance for the joy it brings me.
I dance because I get such pleasure from it. I've always loved music and dance. But of all the styles of dance that I've tried, nothing has captivated me like the dances of the Middle East. I think you can practically see a person's soul when they dance this dance. It has such depth and so much room for individuality.

I dance to connect with others.
I've met so many wonderful people and I've been lucky enough to form some really close friendships. I love belonging to such a supportive network.

I dance to help others.
I wanted to share all the benefits I've gained through dance, so I started teaching. I love seeing students doing a movement they thought they'd "never be able to do." To see them realize that their body actually does "move like that" after all. I'm constantly inspired by the stories of body acceptance, emotional healing, and personal growth that my students share with me. This dance empowers women and I love to be a part of that.



I'm a member of:

  • ASAmed
    Associated Artists of Middle Eastern Dance Inc.

  • SABA
    The Syracuse Area Bellydance Association



    • I firmly believe that art is continually evolving and all artists (but especially teachers!) must push themselves and never stop learning and growing. I'm especially grateful to the following wonderful teachers for helping me blossom and find I own voice.


    Dancers I've studied with and deeply respect:

  • Aida Nour
  • Artemis
  • Bozenka
  • Diana Tarkhan
  • Delilah
  • Jill Parker
  • Jillina
  • Morocco
  • Nashwa
  • Randa Kamal
  • Sahra Saeeda
  • Tito



    • Other dancers I admire, but have only taken a workshop or two with:




    A Quick Thank You
    As I made the transition from student to teacher (and life long student), my good friend Ilya was a guiding light offering support, advice, and real world experience. Thank you, Ilya.



    Sampling of Recent Appearances
    2010
      Taught Mini-Workshop - Syracuse, NY
      Featured artist at Onondaga Community College - Syracuse, NY
    2009
      Featured artist at Onondaga Community College - Syracuse, NY
      Taught Mini-Workshop - Syracuse, NY
      State Fair - Syracuse, NY
      Selected to perform in Communiversity Festival - Binghamton, NY
      Sponsored Workshops with Diana Tarkhan and Ibrahim Turmen - Homer, NY
      Featured on Binghamton News Channel 34
      Performed with Ibrahim Turmen - Rochester, NY
    2008
      Performed with Raquy and the Cavemen - Binghamton, NY
      State Fair - Syracuse, NY
      WorldFest - Binghamton, NY
      Taught Mini-Workshop - Syracuse, NY
      Axis of Equals Show - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
      Rated R II - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
      Featured on TV show Expressions on WSKG (Binghamton's PBS station)
    2007
      Featured on Binghamton News Channel 34
      Westcott Festival - Syracuse, NY
      Performed with Raquy and the Cavemen - Rochester, NY
      State Fair - Syracuse, NY
      Featured on Binghamton News Channel 34
      Taught Workshop - Syracuse, NY
      Performed with Djinn - Ithaca, NY
    2006
      Westcott Festival - Syracuse, NY
      State Fair - Syracuse, NY
      Taught Workshop - Tully, NY
      Participated in program for children - CSMA's (Community School of Music and Arts), Ithaca, NY
      Sharing our Cultures - State Theatre, Ithaca, NY
      Taught workshop at SUNY Cortland - Cortland, NY
    2005
      Rated R When East Meets West - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

    I perform regularly at the Black Olive (Syracuse, NY), Turning Stone Casino and Resort (Verona, NY), Cafe Oasis (Binghamton, NY), Moghul's (Binghamton, NY), and Number 5 (Binghamton, NY).