The Ancient Art of Middle Eastern Belly Dance with Memie-Ayat
Every woman is a Goddess – Belly dancing connects, nurtures, and celebrates the feminine spirit within each and every women. Bellydance was originally performed as part of fertility rituals, and to celebrate Mother Earth.
About Memie
I became interested in bellydancing when I saw a friend of mine dance at a party in 1986. Her elegance, grace and beauty was amazing to watch as she danced with snake like motions. Come to find out she was a retired professional belly dancer named Farouz.
I started taking lessons in the fall of 1986 and continued studying for many years I danced mostly at charity events, benefits, fundraisers, bellygrams and recitals. In 1995 I was forced to stop dancing due to multiple illnesses and surgeries. Every time I got back up on my feet and started to dance + exercise I would find myself taking another 10 steps backwards.
Even though I could not dance I still bought books and videos and tried to do what I could that wasn’t painful. It was a long healing process and I took it slow and steady and the better I felt the more I was able to dance. I began teaching in the summer of 2004 after a few of my friends begged me to teach them all about the world of bellydance. I teach beginner and intermediate lessons 3 days a week and for myself I consider myself a permanent student as well. I am always taking workshops and classes becasue there is just so much to learn in this beautiful art. Although my floorwork will never be the same I have a grand ole time. I teach the Ancient Art of Middle Eastern Belly Dance in a fun inspiring way.
Modern Dance:
Early years to present: ballet, tap, jazz, latin, swing dance, salsa
Bellydance Training:
1986 Brendina Jalbert
1988 Charleena’s School of Belly Dance
2004 Alizah-Aft
2006 Subrina Kavitha of India
2008 Sabrina Tarulli
Tribal Fusion:
2005Tribal Fusion Jesi Alderman
2006Tribal Fusion Phoenix Avathar
Gothic Bellydance
2009 Aepril Schaile
Workshops with Aepril Schaile, Alia Thabit, Alizah, Amar Gamal, Amaya, Artemis Mourat, Dalia Carella, Faten Salama, Jillina, Katia of Boston, Mezdulene, Morocco, Nourhan Sharif, Phaedra, Sabrina Tarulli, Suhaila Salimpour, Suzie,Tarik Sultan, The Goddess Dancing, Xiante Iman. Hula with Hyetti
Artistic Director
Troupe Winddancer
Daughters of Sumaya
Styles of dancing & Props: Egyptian, Gypsy Romany, Cane, Feather Fans, Fire, Fusion Dance, Sword, Tribal, Turkish Rom, Veils, Veil Fans, Wings, Zills, American Traditional Style
Performance Experience:
Charities
Benefits
Fund Raisers
Recitals
Belly Grams
Student Showcases
NBDA Events
Teaching Experience:
Teaches Beginner Basic + Advanced Beginner Belly Dance
2 nights per week at Dance Class Salem
" "1 night per week at NorthShore Community College
Teaches Intermediate Belly Dance 1 night per week scheduling permitting
Event Sponsor:
12: 3rd NBDA Spring Equinox Rites of Rebirth
March 21, 2010
Masonic Temple
20 Washington St.
Beverly, Ma.
Hosted by Memie
11: Mistresses of Raqs (NH ^ Northshore Chapters of NBDA)
Nov. 1 2009
American Legion Hall
1314 Main St.
Haverhill, Ma
Hosted by: Ayla, Memie, Zahira Zuhra
10. NBDA Spring Equinox Rites of Rebirth
March 22nd 2009
Old Towne Hall Salem
Fundraiser Event: North East Animal Shelter Salem
Hosted by Memie-Ayat
9. Descent Dance of the Dark Goddess
Julie Ince Thompson Theater Cambridge
Sunday November 16th 2008
Stage Manager: Memie
8. NBDA "It's The Great Belly"
Unitarian Universalist Church Danvers, Ma.
October 26th 2008
Hosted by Memie-Ayat
7. Showcase and Workshop with Onca from Baraka Mundi
Magnolia Library, Gloucester, Ma.
August 10th 2008
Co-Hosted by Memie-Ayat and Jennifer Amero (Metamorphosis Studio)
6. Student Bellydance Showcase
Salem Moose Lodge, Salem, Ma.
July 20th 2008
Co-hosted by Aepril Schaile, Jahayra Flores and Memie-Ayat
5. Student Bellydance Showcase
Gloucester Stage Production, Gloucester, Ma.
March 16th 2008
Co-hosted by Jesi Alderman and Memie-Ayat
4. Contestant Coordinator for NBDA People's Choice Awards
George Dillboy Hall VFW Somerville, Ma.
March 2nd 2008 Hostess Erzulie
3: NBDA Belly Tricks and Treats
Veasey Memorial Park Groveland, Ma.
2007 October 28th
Co-hosted by Karina Kahn N.H. NBDA and Memie-Ayat North Shore NBDA
2: NBDA Rites of Spring Benefit for H.A.W.C.
West End Theater Gloucester
2007
1: NBDA Student Showcase
Georgetown Fire Dept.
Co-hosted with Alizah-Aft
2006
Bellydance Certifications:
Bellydance Trainer Certified 1/10
Bellydance A-Z Keti Sharif in process of:
Other Credentials:
Full time Paramedic
American Heart Association First Aid/ CPR Instructor
Certified Hypnotist
Certified Stress Management Consultant
Advanced Reiki Practitioner
Certified Laughter Leader
For more information, call Memie at 978-927-7317 or 978-790-1963
I am a proud member of the North East Belly Dance Association
Co-ordinator & Events Organizer of the North Shore Chapter
