My passion is Middle Eastern dance, also known as belly dance or bellydance, or the correct Arabic term, "Raqs Sharqi", sometimes spelled "Raks Sharki". It started on a lark, September of 1996, my sister and a friend wanted to see Sheva's beginner class, and I tagged along. I've always been interested in belly dance having seen performances at the local International Bazaar as a 6-7 year old child. As soon as I saw the class, I knew it was for me, so I signed up for Sheva's class and Scheherezade's class!! Why take just one? Currently I am a member of the "Jewels of the Oasis" dance troupe and in October 2007, my own troupe was formed, "Zafira's Diamonds in the Rough". My dance bio contains more information about my dance background.

I teach beginner belly dancing and intermediate belly dancing classes in Richmond, Virginia. Belly dance classes are scheduled at the following location . Our 2009 recital will be on August 22, 2009.

Group lessons and/or performances are available for your Bridal Shower, Girls Night Out or In, Bachelorette Party as well as private parties and events.

My specialty is sword! It is not a true Middle Eastern dance genre, but it is an American Cabaret style, it shows off my great balancing talents! Maybe I should take up shamadan?

Local Middle Eastern Belly Dance Troupes

Women of Selket

Jewels of the Oasis

P.U.R.E.

Tribal Fusion Dance

Richmond, VA and Regional Belly Dance Events

There are many benefits to taking belly dance classes, some of these benefits are: