Belly Dancers and Troupes
Musicians
Photographers
Costuming
Organizations and Festivals
Belly Dance Competitions
Vendors
Webzines and Magazines
Miscellaneous

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Belly Dancers and Troupes

Adry Svraka
Professional Dance Artist and founder of UniTancz. Performances and Instruction globally. www.AdrySvraka.com

Ahava
She is a multi award winning performer with numerous titles under her belt, including 2006 Queen of Raks Sharqui.
http://www.ahavadance.com

Alyne
The queen of double veil and leader of the beautiful Jewel of Opar troupe.
http://www.alyne.biz

Amanda
Has studied a wide range of styles including American Belly Dance; Oryantal and Romani dance from Turkey; raqs sharki (Oriental dance) and raqs shaabi (people's dance) from Egypt; folk dance from Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia, and Greece; women's khaliji dance from Saudia Arabia; and classical dance from Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan.
http://home.earthlink.net/~amandabaer/dance.html

Amel Tatfsout
http://www.ameltafsout.com

Amina
www.aswandancers.org

Anisa
Anisa’s Danse Orientale A Women's Dance Taught by Anisa Sahhar
http://www.anisa-danseorientale.com

Ansuya
Bellydance Superstar Ansuya is one of the most talented and accomplished performers, choreographers and instructors in the bellydance world today. Her style is unique, blending the best aspects of bellydance with Indian, Spanish and African moves. Energetic, sensual and innovative, Ansuya is a master of improvisation, musical interpretation, emotional expression, original moves and costume design.
www.ansuya.com

Ariellah
Tribal Fusion dancer.
http://www.ariellah.com/index.html

Ascend Tribal Dance
http://www.ascendtribaldance.com/

Azura
http://www.azuradance.com

Bahira
Dancer, designer, and dance director of Troupe Nambah and Indigenous located in the South Bay.
www.Bahira.net

Celena "the Killer Ziller"
The queen of finger cymbals and teaching in Fremont
www.celena4dance.com

Colleena
Odissi Dance, Belly Dance and Rajasthani Dance
www.collenashakti.com

Crystal Silmi
Belly Dancer out of Santa Cruz
http://www.crystalsilmi.com/

Danse Maghreb
Danse Maghreb formed in 2003. The company members have many years of performance experience, and share a love of North African dance. We are dedicated to presenting the music and dance from the region in culturally authentic and respectful performances.
http://www.dansemaghreb.org/index.html

Davina
Reknowned costume designer and President of MECDA.
http://www.davina.us

Dunia
Since 1976, Dunia has professionally performed and entertained crowds at night clubs, festivals, and charity events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. A teacher in the art of Belly Dance, she has taught this Middle Eastern Dance art form to all levels of students; from beginners to the most advanced, at various community centers to master classes and workshops offered throughout the state.
http://duniadancer.com

Estara
An internationally acclaimed performer and educator   started   her  magical  relationship
with dance at age 11. Since then she has performed and taught worldwide, on national television and at events and conferences such as the World Festival
of  Sacred Music,  initiated  by the Dalai Lama.
http://estaradance.com

Freyja
www.freyjafusion.com

Ghanima Gaditana
has performed and taught Oriental Dance professionally for many years.
Formerly a student of Jamila Salimpour and Aida Al-Adawi and choreographing member of Bal-Anat, she is a specialist in ethnic/folkloric styles, and in proper usage of the body in Oriental Dance.

Elizabeth Strong
Elizabeth Strong grew up in a tradition of dance and music. As a young girl she was inspired by the music and dancing of the Middle East. Her amazingly emotional and personal style has captivated audiences in the Bay Area and abroad.
http://www.bellowhead.com/Lizzy/home.html

Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance
Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance is currently Artistic Director Palika Benton, Debra Lopes, Ellice Apostolos, Cheryl Graham, and Jaden Espinosa as well as all of the wonderful women who create the Heavy Hips dance class community. Santa Cruz, California.
http://www.heavyhips.net/

Helené
Helené is an international solo dance performer and is also director, performer and choreographer with her dance company, The Sisters of the Desert Sky. Since 1986 Helené has been a producer of Near Eastern and North African Dance Events which have been received enthusiastically by the public and caught the eye of the media. As one of the leading innovators in her area Helené works regularly with top local and international musicians and dancers, most recently with Amel Tasfout from Algeria and Salah Sidi Ben'mm, and popular band Sirocco. Based in the Santa Cruz area, CA.
http://www.mountainartcenter.org/dance.htm

Helwa
Betsey Flood, whose stage name is Helwa, is a well-known performer and teacher of raks sharki (Arabic for “Eastern Dance” -- what we know as “belly dance”).   Currently an instructor of more than 60 local students, Helwa is also an active performer in Bay Area restaurants and clubs. http://www.helwa.biz/

Indigenous Dance
Four ladies who dance "outside the box" - world fusion style belly dance with a twist.
www.indigenousdance.net

Ireena
(Pronounced ear-'ee-nah) is a professional Middle Eastern dance soloist known for high energy moves and graceful style. http://www.ireena.net

Jannette Benedon-Brenner
Began studies of Middle-Eastern dance in 1971 and went on to study with more than 200 of the world’s leading Oriental performers and instructors. She is a ‘Master of Zils’ (finger cymbals) having studied with world renowned musicians.
http://www.33parkave.com

Jewel of Opar
Modern Egyptian dance is our foundation, but we blend innovation and other dance inspirations to create our joyful dancing.
http://www.jewelofopar.com/index.html

Jim Boz
http://www.jimboz.com/

Jizan
Jizan has been dancing since 1994, she teaches classes in San Jose, for beginners and intermediate. She has performed in different restaurants and events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose and other cities in the Bay Area. In 1998, she taught a workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
http://www.jizandancer.com

Kamille 
www.rockabellydance.com

Kamilla
Belly Dance performer and instructor teaching in Santa Clara, CA. Check out her new website!
http://www.kamilladance.com

Karri's Art of Belly Dance
"Little Package of Dynamite" teaching belly dance classes in Gilroy and Hollister. Also, the hostess of People's Choice and Desert Rose competitions.

Leesa
Lesa is a Middle Eastern dance artist that has been performing professionally throughout Northern and  Southern California for the past eight years. She is a dedicated improvisational dancer that specializes in Turkish and American style cabaret.
http://www.lesabellydance.com/

Lisa
Lisa is a versatile and expressive dancer who draws on her lifelong passion for music and dance to provide an emotional soul to her moves. An enthusiastic student, she continues to study with master instructors throughout the United States.
www.najila.net

Malia
www.bellydancer.net

Maria
Maria is a professional belly dance artist performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
http://www.orientdancer.com

Marie Soderlund
Belly Dance Instructor and Artist in the Bay Area http://www.dragonflymoon.com

Ma*Shuqa
The Professional Difference - Elegance of Style
Representative of Audrena's International Bazaar for costumes, music, veils, sagats, books, videos...
www.MaShuqa.com

Meera
East Indian dancer and belly dancer from Southern California and Las Vegas.

Melinda
Melinda is a second-generation belly dancer, and since the age of three, Melinda would sneak into her mother's closet to play dress-up with her coin costumes. Unfortunately, she'd always get found out when she tried to play the finger cymbals! Melinda is a little older now, but still loves to dance. She enjoys sharing her love of the dance with others and will be sure to add a touch of class to any special event.
http://bellydancebymelinda.com/

Mira
Professional Middle Eastern and Northern African dance.
http://www.miramania.com/news.htm

Mishall
http://www.mishaal.com/

Mizmar Madness
http://www.mizmarmadness.com/

Monica
As a soloist and with her dance company, Monica works hard to portray the dances in a relevant, contemporary and entertaining light. Monica also continues to study the traditional dances of the Near East and North Africa, as well as modern movement influenced by the region, with local, national and international master instructors. Once you stop learning for yourself, how can you possibly hope to teach others? Monica has traveled to Cairo and twice to Egypt to study Oriental Dance.
http://www.monicaraqs.com/

Naadhira
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her site!

Nanna
With a lifetime of dance training and performance experience, Nanna performs each time with exceptional grace and skill. She has been featured many times as a soloist, and with her troupe in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Fesival. She is a sought after instructor who also offers master workshops in the art of belly dance. She is the principle dancer on Saturday evenings at Amira restaurant in San Francisco. Regular classes are available in the East Bay. http://www.bellydancebynanna.net

Olu
Olu has been performing in and around the Los Angeles area for several years. This skilled and talented dancer has charmed and danced her way into the hearts of her audiences at numerous private parties and public events. Her love and passion for the dance is clearly evident whether it be on stage or in close relation with her audience.
http://www.olubellydance.com

Princess Farhana
http://www.princessfarhana.com/

Terry
Terry is available to perform for family gatherings to large sized productions. Live music and additional dancers can be easily arranged.  Whether you are interested in a small gathering
or a full evening of entertainment Terry’s tasteful enthusiastic style, captivating personality,
sultry good looks and contagious sense of humor will make your celebration a memorable one.
http://www.raksterayz.com/index.html

Troupe Nambah
Four lovely ladies from the South Bay. www.troupenambah.com

Parri
A Middle Eastern dancer and instructor located in Santa Clara, CA. Her dance styles include: cabaret, Persian, Egyptian, AfroBelly and New World Gypsy.

Raja
Raja is a passionate and spirited dancer in the San Francisco/San Jose area. A serious student of Oriental Dance, she takes several dance classes a week and has incorporated other dance forms to supplement her rigorous training, among them: Flamenco, Mexican Folklorico, and Jazz. www.rajabellydance.com

Rebekah
Rebekah discovered her love for belly dance when she was a child. Her first public performance was when she was 11 years old. Since then she has studied with numerous teachers from around the world.
www.redbekah.com

Roswood
www.Rozwood.com

Sabiba
Sabiba is a highly acclaimed belly dancer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Looking for entertainment that will spice up your party, festive gathering or special event? Sabiba's performance always enhances a celebration. Renowned for her creative choreography and high energy yet graceful performances, she has been teaching Middle Eastern dance and appearing regularly at Greek, Arabic and Persian dinner clubs, festivals and cultural events for many years. Sabiba dances in Hozkhouneh, Mountain View; and Menara, San Jose. Sabiba has been teaching belly dancing in colleges and workshops.
http://www.futurevisions.net/sabiba/

Troupe Sahar
Winners of the 2004 People's Choice Award: Best Troupe, 2^nd Runner-Up in the Troupe Category Belly Dancer of the Year 2005, 2nd Place 2006 People's Choice Award: Best Troupe, 2nd runner-up Troupe of the Year 2006
http://www.troupesahar.com

Setareh
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her site! www.setarehdancer.com

Shanna
The Beauty of Middle Eastern Dance. Shanna performs sword balancing, candle dances, veil.... Nightclub and folkloric style dances from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece and more throughout the bay area. She also provides custom tailored shows to meet your requirements. http://www.esmishanna.com

Shayna
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her newly revamped site! http://www.shaynaz.com

Sirens Insanity
Yasmine and Saiedeh of Sirens In Sanity dance troupe. Also, costume designers.

Siwa
SIWA, a lady of dance for over 20 years, enjoys bringing the people and stories of folkloric dance to life for all who wish to see, hear and learn. Using steps and styles from a time and culture when women owned the land and were the center of the community, Siwa strives to help each of her dancers find their own strength and grace through dance.
http://www.dcm-siwa.com/events.html

Soraya
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her site! www.sorayadance.com

Sorsha
http://www.sorshathesource.com/

Susan Frankovich
Susan Frankovich is a Tribal Fusion Bellydancer.
http://www.susanfrankovich.com/

Yolanda
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her site! http://www.yolandabellydance.com

Tatseena
Tatseena and the Good Vibrations, Annual Belly Dance Fantasy Festival in San Leandro. www.tatseena.com

Tempest
Dancer, Costumer, Designer... she does it all!
http://www.meddevi.com/

Unmata
Unmata is a professional, multi-award-winning, belly dance fusion troupe based in Sacramento.
www.unmata.com

Vashti
Vashti is an award-winning belly dance teacher, performer, troupe director and event promoter based in Santa Cruz, California. She has been dancing and performing since age four and was a member of a professional Filipino dance troupe at age twelve. Vashti has studied a wide variety of dance including ballet, Filipino folkloric dancing, Mexican folkloric dancing, flamenco, hip-hop and Polynesian dance. Vashti currently teaches Middle Eastern and "gypsy" style dance in Santa Cruz and San Jose.
http://www.bellydanceodyssey.com/

Yosifah Rose
Local Bay Area dancer, check out her site! http://www.yosifah.com

Zafira Dance
http://www.zafiradance.com/

Zahara
Zahara is a multi-award winning dancer from Brazil
www.zaharaharem.com

Zambalita
Bay Area troupe, specializing in Ethnic style. http://www.zambalita.com

Zorba
Zorba, male Belly Dancer, located in the Monterey Bay area of California, USA. At this site you will find all sorts of information regarding male Belly Dancers in general, tips & techniques useful not only to males, but to the gals as well, an on-line diary of my dance life, and plenty of pictures! So come with me into this magical and mysterious world of silk, chiffon, and shiny things that tinkle and clink!http://www.doubleveil.net/

Musicians

Fontain's Muse
World Music by the coolest peeps. http://www.fontainsmuse.com

Kekuja
Kevin and the gang providing good vibes and music for all. http://www.kekuja.com

Uncle Mafufo
www.unclemafufo.com

Meridian
Faraz leads up this talented group of musicians, visit their new site. www.meridianmajor.com

Photographers

Michael Baxter
Have belly dancers, Michael will travel...check him out on Tribe!
http://people.tribe.net/db3e6c49-1a22-4e5e-a0e5-46927ade9be2

Sid Jones
Check out his photography site!
Sid Jones - Photography

Scott Schappell
Photographer at large, he's at loads of belly dance events, hit him up for pix of your performance.
http://www.schappellphotographics.com

Duane Stevens
www.bellydancerphotos.com
Photographing Belly Dancers for over 10 years

Costuming

Arruba's Oasis
Beautiful Sandals
http://www.arubasoasis.com/

Bahira's Beautiful Bedlah
Custom designed bedlahs and then some!
http://www.bahira.net/

Belly Dance Gear
http://www.bellydancegear.com/

Black Lotus Designs
The Black Lotus clothing line is a collection of unique, hand-sewn pieces inspired by the SF Bay Area belly dance scene.
http://www.blacklotusclothing.com

Dancing Diva Designs
Designs by your truly
www.dancingdivadesigns.com

Dawn Devine Brown
A great place to look for costuming reference books, articles, useful links...more.
http://www.davina.org

Geisha Moth
Costuming and Clothing for belly dance and beyond.
http://www.geishamoth.com/

Ivy Knot
Local costume designer, contact her for costuming bra and belt workshops...check out her site for brassiers hints.
http://www.ivyknot.com

Layla's Locks
http://www.laylaslocks.com/

Madam X
Patterns galore!
www.madamexcostumes.com

Silk Road Tribal
http://www.silkroadtribal.com/

Tempest
Visit her Gypsy Goth Boutique. Unique!
http://www.meddevi.com

Tombo Studios
http://www.tombostudio.com/

Velvet Peacock Designs
Truly exquisite costumes
http://www.velvetpeacockdesigns.com/

Wicked Smileys
Hair accessories.
http://www.wickedsmileys.com/

Zora's Personal Seamstress
http://www.zoraspage.com/

Costuming - belly dance patterns

http://www.patternsoftime.com/products.asp?cat=23

http://www.folkwear.com/caravan.html

Organizations and Festivals

Associated Artist of Middle Eastern Dance
a Non Profit Organization Dedicated to Keeping the Heart of Danse Orientale Beating in All of Us.
...and you can register your dance name!
http://www.asamed.citymax.com/aboutASAmed.html

Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant
http://www.bellydc.com

Desert Dance Festival
A yearly belly dance convention, September. 
http://www.desertdance.com

Bhuz
Get the buzz on most current belly dance happenings, etc. Post your information.

The Giza Club
Exploring cultures of the Middle Eastern World. Based in San Francisco, CA formed in 1991 by dancers interested in Middle Eastern Arts. A mobile unit, the Giza Club features educational talks, films and social events. Seeking to foster respect and  understanding of cultures from the Middle East in a fun environment.

International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (IAMED)
IAMED is an international association of belly dancers, instructors, choreographers and musicians dedicated to promoting the art of belly dance.

MECDA - San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Support our local chapter, join today!
http://www.sfbamecda.org/

MECDA-The Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association 
"Proposes to develop unity to provide educational sources for the community of Middle Eastern Dance through close communication, sponsorship of workshops, dance parties and other events that ensure continuity of these arts."

Oriental Dancer
The Belly Dance Hub.
http://www.orientaldancer.net

Rakkasah
The biggest belly dancers convention happening on the West Coast in March. Be there or be square! Also home of Summer Caravan and Dances of the Winter Moon.
http://www.rakkasah.com

Tribal Fusion Faire
In San Luis Obispo in December
http://www.meddevi.com/tribalfusionfaire/

Belly Dance Competitions

Belly Dancer of the Year
May. Danville, CA
http://www.bellydc.com/

Belly Dancer of the Universe
February. Long Beach, CA.
http://www.bellydanceroftheuniverse.com/

Queen of the Bay
Oakland, CA
http://www.queenofthebay.com/

Wiggles of the West
July. Boomtown, NV.
http://www.wigglesofthewest.com/

Vendors

http://www.airandfire.com
A magickal shop located in beautiful Boulder Creek.

Artemis Imports
This vendor has done business within the belly dance community for over 20 years. They have everything you need from jewelry, costumes, scarves, music, videos and artwork.

Audrena's International Bazaar
Topkapi Designs Turkish costumes and Pharoanics of Egypt Egyptian costumes, beaded hip scarves, assuit dresses and costumes, silk veils, Khalegi dresses, Berber jewelry and face veils, music, finger cymbals, glitter makeup, gypsy skirts, leotards, choli tops, dance veils, Hagalla dresses, caftans, veils and dance books and videos. 

Bali Isle
Have festival, will travel! Look for their store in San Luis Obispo or at a festival near you.
Wendy and Danny
Bali Isle Imports
1037 Chorro St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544-7662
wendybalisle@yahoo.com
http://www.baliisle.com

The Belly Dance Shop
Your personal provider of authentic Turkish imports from professional costumes to zills, they are ready to supply you with everything you need for belly dancing.

The Lost Caravan (local on-line vendor!)
On-line shopping, supplier for reasonable prices student grade coined hip scarves.
408-268-2036
www.lost-caravan.com

L. Rose Designs
A great place to shop for cropped velvet tops. silk veils, skirts and belts.

Lunatic Fringe (local vendor!)
A local shop catering to the belly dance community.
Located: 182 S. Murphy Ave. Suite A, Sunnyvale, CA
408-732-2405
http://www.lunaticfringebde.com

Magic Circle Coin Belts
Heavy bra and coin belt sets

Masala Imports
Store and dance studio located in Santa Cruz
http://www.masalaimports.com/

Rhythm Fusion
Percussion shop located in Santa Cruz.
http://www.rhythmfusion.com

Sapphire Dragon Productions
Vendors of music
http://www.sapphire-dragon-productions.com/index.html

Saroyan Mastercrafts (THE supplier for finger cymbals!)
Saroyan Mastercrafts is in its fourth decade of providing the finest Middle Eastern dance accessories and Finger Cymbals available. From our humble beginning on the U.S. East Coast, to our current international marketplace, Saroyan has been dedicated to serving you with the latest in technology, yet remaining true to tradition. Our leadership is consistently maintained by supplying the highest quality merchandise with exceptional service.
http://www.saroyanzils.com/

Sugar Petals (THE supplier for practice leotards!)
Midriff mesh body suits, dance leotards,  costumes, sequin appliqués and trim...

Sunanda (see Lost Caravan)

Tribal Bazaar
Great place to go for heavy jewelry, they also carry home accessories and costumes.

Web Zines and Magazines

Bhuz
http://www.bhuz.com/

Discover Belly Dance
A belly dance web-zine, full of great articles and tips.

The Gilded Serpent
This is a great place on-line to read lots of information, via articles, letters and columns. There is also a calendar listing for belly dance events nationwide.

Habibi Magazine
Habibi Magazine is synonymous with both quality and quantity, each issue packed with substantive and stimulating articles. Each issue also contains book, film, video and recording reviews, international dance news, professional listings, a calendar of events, display ads for major upcoming productions and a cornucopia of products for the shopper. The in-depth and thought-provoking articles, enclosed in eye-catching, glossy covers, make Habibi a rich resource for the informed reader.

iShimmy, The Belly Dancer Magazine
http://www.ishimmy.com/

Jareeda
Jareeda is a friendly, quality publication whose subscribers range from professional dancers to students, and even non-dancers who love our art form and wish to know more about it. Jareeda has the largest known readership of any Middle Eastern Dance journal published in the United States, with 8 issues per year, it is the most frequently printed, has an international staff of writers, professional artwork, and great advertisers for all of your dance needs.
http://www.jareeda.com

Navel Magazine
New on-line bellydance magazine:

http://www.navelmagazine.com/

Miscellaneous

Ancient Explorations
Dancing Goddess Dance Trips to Morocco, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and Spain.

The Bay Area Belly Dance Page
This a a great site with lots of useful information: events, teachers, restaurants, vendors...check out the links page, too!

The Belly Dance Home Page (Oriental Dance)
An extensive links page.

Hassan and Nagwa Productions
Featuring El Raks Sai'd, Middle Eastern Dance Troupe based in PA. When the Melody Speaks, the Body Answers...

Joy of Belly Dance
Articles, jokes, reviews of videos and music, puzzles, a series of "spotlight" articles on dancers and troupes...and a lot more.

www.mozuna.com
music, lyrics to songs translated into English, a glossary defining more than 50 terms and other great content.

Oriental TV
WWW.ORIENTALDANCE.TV

Radio Bastet - Vintage Belly Dance
Vintage Music, Art, Album Cover and UTube footage....Listen to cool and funky music. Look at fun album covers...
http://www.radiobastet.com

Shira - The Art of Middle Eastern Dance
A MEGASITE with everything under the sun about belly dance. Spend some time here.

Yasmina's - Joy of Belly Dancing
Lots of resources and links at this site: recipes, vintage photos, belly dance artwork, costuming, henna...

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