Donna - Professional Belly Dance Artist - Philadelphia Belly Dancer

I have been a professional Belly Dancer in the Northeastern states for many years. I appear regularly at Casablanca Restaurant located in Warrington and Little Marakesh located in Dresher. I have always been captivated by the different styles of dance. The more unique the style the more intrigued I became. I had various lessons/classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Irish dancing, Ballroom and Latin dancing. I was introduced to this unique and graceful style of Belly Dancing first by my grandmother, who had been a Belly Dancer with a strong concentration in the Turkish style. She taught me many movements and choreographed dances when I was young.

As my love for this style of dance grew, I began to take classes from an Egyptian style Belly Dancer. I learned to incorporate both styles into my dance as well as Lebanese and American Cabaret dancing. I started to perform for private parties and benefits, and later began working in restaurants where I was able to interact closely with the audience. As a dominantly freestyle dancer, I love to be with the audience and incorporate them into my dance.

I let the music guide me in my choice of artistic expression through the dance. There can be a lively energetic mood that flows through the music or a soft and sensual grace. As a freestyle dancer I rarely choreograph my performances.

I began teaching classes, private lessons and workshops to anyone who was interested in either learning the dance or perfecting their skills. I continue to further my studies by attending workshops to keep learning new styles and techniques and also to attain a better knowledge of the dance. I have always loved Belly Dancing and hope to continue to dance, teach and learn all new, as well as, old aspects of the various styles.

Performances can include veil, zils, fan, sword, cane, Isis wings and floor work. All performance are designed to accomodate designated venue and participants and are always suitable for families.