About Na'imah
Na'imah: comfort, tranquility, happiness, peace; blessed, fortunate
(pronounced "na-eemah", like Noxema face wash without the "x")
History
I started dancing in January 1999, after my doctor told me I needed to start exercising to ease my recently-diagnosed fibromyalgia. I hate aerobics classes and get bored on treadmills, so when I saw a sign advertising "Bellydance Lessons" I gave it a try. I love the music, the costumes, and the culture - and as time goes by my love for and involvement in this art form continue to grow. I've performed in venues from private parties, to corporate events, to nightclubs, to TV shows. I've traveled repeatedly to the Middle East to study and perform, most recently performing at a large society wedding & several elegant private parties, including the bride's henna night, in Cairo Egypt in 2007.
I began performing in 2000, started teaching classes in Grand Rapids, MI in 2001, and rented a studio space in summer 2003. In 2004 I was invited to become troupe leader, choreographer, and artistic director of the Dark Flower Gypsies. Also in 2004 I began performing weekly at Mezze with the At-Neemrah dancers as a featured soloist and troupe member, which I continued for 10 months until I received an invitation to audition for Lansing's prestigious Habibi Dancers. I jumped at the chance and soon was devoting my full energies to life as a Habibi. In mid-2006, performance and teaching opportunities in Grand Rapids and at Grand Valley State University drew me back to the West side of the state, although I continue to regard troupe director Yasmina Amal as my most important influence in dance training and inspiration and am honored to remain an inactive member of the Habibi Dancers.
Somewhere along the way I was introduced to the Middle Eastern concept of "Tarab" - a state of ecstasy and surrender one enters while listening, with body and soul, to music - and it has become my goal to bring Tarab to all my performances whether large or small. My performances are about communicating the joy and pain of the music to audiences, whether Middle Eastern or American.
Current
In 2006 I began a partnership with Sarah Mayne that has continued to the present, performing at Mezze with her troupe "The Sacred Dances of the Garbha-Grha" as a featured guest soloist throughout 2006 and part of 2007. Through her I also met fusion music group Ensemble Al-Asdeka and am honored to perform with them regularly. Together Sarah and I have been co-promoting haflas and belly dance shows bi-monthly since mid-2006, and in January of 2008 she opened a new dance studio "Dedicated to World Dance" in the charming East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids: The Mayne Studio. Together we offer Middle Eastern dance classes 6 days per week, workshops, dance parties & shows, Middle Eastern cultural events, and more. We welcome all dance students who are interested in moving and having fun, whether they're women, men, or something fabulous that transcends both. :)
My passion right now is to share my absolute joy in and love of this art form with others in the hope that they'll find the same benefits I have: improved self-esteem; positive changes in health, fitness, and emotional outlook; and a strong connection with my own strength and the strength of those around me. Together we can work miraculous changes in ourselves and our world.
Member of the Alliance for Women Entrepreneurs
Future
My projects for 2008 center around a common goal - outreach to women (and gay, trasgendered, & unconventional men!) of all sizes, shapes, and levels of fitness in the hope of building a supportive community with Middle Eastern music and dance as its nexus.
I've performed and studied with:
Cassandra Shore; Sahra Saeeda; Jillina, Rachel Brice, Bozenka, Kaeshi Chai, and Tamalyn Dallal of the Bellydance Superstars; Farida Fahmy of Egypt's Reda Troupe; Amel Tafsout of Algeria; Kay Hardy Campbell; Denise Enan of Egypt; Momo Kadous; Yasmina Ramzy; Nourhan Sharif; Sonya of Chicago; Yasmina Amal and the Habibi Dancers; Aida Al Adawi; Joette Sawall; and many others.
Coming soon: my "friends & teachers" photos
Something else I'm proud of:
I brought back a beautiful dahola (large doumbek) from Cairo last year and have been taking lessons with Kathy Roberts of Al-Asdeka, and whenever I can with super-fabulous drummer Nicole LeCorgne. Hopefully by the time I'm too old to dance any more, I'll be a fantastic drummer ready to torment young, new, whippersnapper bellydancers.
What don't I do?
 Bachelor parties, stag, or any other sleazy event. I do not date clients - I'm happily married and wish to continue to be. I'm most comfortable at family-friendly festivals, events, and parties, where Middle Eastern dance is an expression of joy and celebration.
For more information or to ask about my availability for your next event: email me.
Ma'a salaam!!
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