Zamira's Belly Dancing

A Brief Dancography

Zamira has always loved dancing and took her first dance lessons at the age of four. Throughout her life she has been a dancing fool. She performed with a group in a high school play at the age of 15 and loved it. Discovering dance clubs in her mid-teens opened up great opportunities to become lost in the moment and dance all night on dance floors everywhere she went. She is still a dancaholic who takes any opportunity to dance.

Zamira started Belly Dance classes in 2000 and quickly discovered the "Goddess of Dance" within. Her first performance was a duet with a friend which was the start of a new way of looking at herself... the Belly Dance Diva. She has been a soloist ever since and feels great joy each and every performance.

She has continued lessons with her first teacher, Halyma, as well as taking classes with Hala. She has participated in workshops to improve technique and explore different styles. There is always so much more to learn and she will continue to develop her style and technique. Her latest challenge has been Tribal Fusion classes with Leslie and various Tribal Fusion workshops that Leslie sponsors in Ottawa.

Zamira was invited to join Halyma's Belly Dancing For Fun!!! Dancers in 2005 and has enjoyed going out with the troupe to perform for adoring crowds at several fundraisers in and around Ottawa.

In the Spring of 2006, Zamira started teaching Belly Dance Level 1 (beginners) and has expanded her classes to include Level 2 (intermediate). There are 2 opportunities each year for students to perform a choreography they learn in class. Classes are held at the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex with workshops at various locations in the Ottawa area.

The most exciting new venture is to bring this graceful and exciting dance form to a younger group of students. Youth Beginner Belly Dance for girls 13-17 years of age will teach young girls the strength, control, grace and posture that will stay with them throughout their lives. They will develop a greater awareness of their bodies and the power within, building confidence and self-esteem.

Zamira has a strong and extensive art and fashion background. She enjoys designing and making costumes for her own performances and for other dancers. Her latest venture, creating custom weighted veils, Zamira's Flying Veils has been a great success and they are now being sold and shipped to dancers all over North America. She also conducts Workshops to teach the proper use of these dynamic props in order to enhance your favourite choreography.

Zamira is a current member of OMEDA (Ontario Middle Eastern Dance Association).