Nizana's M.E. Dance Site     

                                                                                                          mailto:nizana@att.netemail me here!

      Upcoming Performances: either solo, or with troupe, or band:                                                                See News Below!! And links to events!  

                            June 28-29 Ye Merry Greenwood. Tri-Cities. Band.
                            July 19 Medfest. Seattle. Solo.
                            Sept 14 Spokane Co Fair. Troupe.
                            Oct 25 Wenatchee Halloween Hafla. Duet.
                        
                        Many pending 2008 engagements, watch here for updates!

            More upcoming performances to be announced soon!

                                    Desert Silk Dance Company 2006 Desert Silk Dance Company 2006

                                         Instruction:
Nizana will be teaching a three class "Belly Dance Basics & Beyond" session in Moses Lake on June 7th, 14th, and 21st  (12-1:30.) NOTE: The time changed on 6/14 from 10:00-11:30 to 12-1:30. All 3 classes will run from 12-1:30 each Sat. Register through mlrec.com or 509-766-9240. (Bring water.) Nizana teaches an Intro to Belly Dance Workshop each year at the annual Spokane Fall Folk Festival at the Spokane Community College. She teaches quarterly workshop sessions in Moses Lake, and occasional four week sessions in Spokane.

Nizana is available for private and semi-private lessons, consultation, and workshops. She can travel to you, or set this up in Spokane. Contact Nizana for details. Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Company are available for local and regional performances.
6/08 Nizana is teaching a 3 class belly dance Basics and Beyond session in Moses Lake the first three weeks of June. Register through mlrec.com or 509-766-9240. Nizana will also drum with Band du Soleil at Ye Merrie Greenwood Festival in Richland the last weekend of this month, to support Troupe du Soleil. This is a great Ren Fairre that typically has three local belly dance troupes performing, and Magic City Costumes vends, so if you're in the area, check it out! Nizana's articles have been posted in the June edition of Belly Dancer Magazine at ishimmy.com. DSDC is accepting applications for troupe members and associates. Contact Nizana for info at nizana@att.net 
 
5/08 Nizana and Zahra of Desert Silk Dance Co will be performing at the Powers Conference in Yakima on May 16th. Nizana is a staff member of that event, and will also be performing a solo live with the Scabland Band. Kerrie, the senior HS student Nizana has been mentoring in dance, is scheduled for her final presentation of her project this month. Nizana is so proud of her, and will be attending the presentation. Watch for new articles by Nizana soon in the Belly Dancer Magazine at ishimmy.com. Nizana has scheduled classes in Moses Lake in June. Register at 509-766-9240 or mlrec.com         

4/08 Nizana is teaching the last of a 3 class dance session in Moses Lake this Sat- you can still register at mlrec.com as this class is good for new and review, and the first 2 classes are not pre-reqs for this class. We have all ages, colors and sizes in this group! Nizana will set up summer classes there later this spring. Nizana will be soloing at Parizadah's Fundraiser hafla on April 12th at Leonardo's in Spokane. Nizana and Kerrie are working on polishing up Kerrie's solo- almost time for her project completion and graduation from HS!  Happy Spring everyone! NEW ADDITION: MEAI is fundraising with an April Shimmython! As a MEAI volunteer, I would like to share this link with everyone as MEAI sponsors some top notch events!!!     http://www.middleeastarts.org/shimmython_information.html

3/08 The Desert Silk Dance Co is honored to be performing in Saqra's prestigious show featuring Naheda of Germany on March 8th in Renton. The show begins at 6 at the IKEA Performing Arts Center. Nizana is scheduled to teach a workshop session in Moses Lake beginning March 22nd. (See top of page for details.) Nizana's articles are posted on ishimmy.com, & she is still working with Kerrie. She has also signed up to perform a solo in April at the Benefit Hafla in Spokane. One of Hasnah Hadiyya's dancers, Parizadah, is battling cancer, and this hopes to help with some medical bills.     

2/08 Nizana and the DSDC have sadly had to turn down February performances due to one reason or another, but their new costumes are mostly done! New skirts, tops, pants and beledi tops to add to their troupe wardrobe! Nizana has scheduled spring Belly Dance Basics classes in Moses Lake on 3/22, 3/29 and 4/5. Nizana will keep mentoring Kerrie with her project through May, and DSDC is prepping for their performance in Renton next month. Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy President's Day to all!

1/2008 Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy dance-filled new year! The DSDC is scheduled to perform a set at the 3rd Annual Belly Fest in Spokane on Jan 19th, featuring Sonia of the BDSS in a workshop and local performers at the 5 pm evening hafla.  Nizana is helping Nadiyah with the event. Nizana's mentoree, Kerrie, has got her senior project in order and will continue to work on it through May, when she is expected to perform. Nizana submitted two articles this month to Belly Dancer Magazine, (at ishimmy.com) of which she is a staff member, so take a look for them and read her archived articles while you're there, too!

12/07 Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Company wish everyone a Happy Holidays! Nizana performs a solo at Troupe du Soleil's Annual December Hafla on Dec 8th in Kennewick, and then plans to take the rest of the month off to just practice with the troupe for early '08 performances. The troupe plans their annual holiday gathering to close out the year.    

11/07 November starts off with the Desert Silk Dance Company performing again at the annual Spokane Fall Folk Festival at 1 pm at the Cafeteria Stage at Spokane Community College on Nov 3rd. Following that at 2 pm is Nizana's Intro to Belly Dance workshop in the same location. Nizana has taught that workshop at the festival for several years. Nizana has had four more articles published in the fall issue of ishimmy.com of which she is a staff writer. DSDC is making plans for 2008, and has already purchased material for a new costume, and has plans for a new choreography after the holidays. Happy Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving to all!    

10/07 October is a busy month for Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co! The first weekend of Oct finds DSDC performing two sets at the Tempest show at 7pm, Oct 6, at Taste of India Restaurant on N. Division in Spokane.  Nizana plans to take both of Tempest's workshops to expand her dance horizons. On Oct 13th & 20th, Nizana is scheduled to teach dance workshops in Moses Lake. Also on the 20th, DSDC travels to Wenatchee to perform a set at Sabah's Annual Halloween Hafla. DSDC and Nizana are prepping for the annual Spokane Fall Folk Festival right around the corner! Catch us before we take a holiday break!  

9/07 This month, Desert Silk Dance Co and sister troupe, Troupe du Soleil, perform at the Spokane County Fair on the Community Stage at 1 pm for a one hour performance! Admission is included in the fair admission ticket. Nizana is off on a short vacation, and then she and the troupe are back to work for a number of autumn performances (see list above.) Nizana has upcoming workshops in Spokane and Moses Lake this fall as well, and is continuing to mentor Kerrie, who is really coming along! Check out Nizana's events listings page for local and regional workshops, shows and other dance events.     

8/07 Hopes this finds everyone enjoying summer! Nizana is teaching belly dance this month in Spokane and Moses Lake, and has set dates for the fall quarter for workshops in Moses Lake.  Nizana is continuing to mentor Kerrie, her senior high school mentoree, and Desert Silk Dance Company is practicing up for a busy fall schedule. Nizana and Anyah's performance at Shish Kabob House on the 18th has been cancelled, but they are still scheduled for 10/27. Mark your calendars to see Desert Silk at 1 pm on the Community Stage at the Spokane County Fair on 9/16. They will be joined by their sister troupe, Troupe du Soleil. Nizana has two more published articles in the July issue of ishimmy.com! Check out Nizana's event listing page, which is freqeuntly updated with new events being added all the time!

                         

7/07 Happy Independence Day! Nizana is fresh back from Richland where she drummed in Band du Soliel for Troupe du Soleil at the Greenwood Festival. Nizana performs at 6:30 at Great Cuisine of India in Olympia, along with Kashani, on Sunday, the 8th. Join us, the food is really good! Nizana and Anyah perform again at Shish Kabob House on July 14th north of Spokane from 7-9 pm, and their food is good, too! On July 21st, Nizana solos at Medfest in Seattle at 11:12 am on the outdoor stage, and duets with Anyah at 4 pm Sat on the indoor stage. Then, on July 27th, Nizana and Anyah again team up for a scaled down local version of RenFairre at Fairchild AFB. Nizana is mentoring a new student, a high school senior who has taken belly dance on for her senior project! Nizana has scheduled a summer session in Spokane of four one hour classes starting in July, and running all Saturdays in August except Aug 11, when she teaches a workshop in Moses Lake.   

6/07 Nizana and Anyah are dancing at the Shish Kabob House in Colbert/Mead on June 2 where each of them will dance a set during each dinner hour. Reservations are required and last word was the first hour is sold out, but call and see, and join us!  They will perform there again on Father's Day. Desert Silk Dance Company and Nizana perform at the 2nd Annual Spokane Belly Dance Festival on June 9th. Nizana has also worked on the Steering/Planning Committee for this fun and event-packed festival, and also is co-emcee for the evening. DSDC is scheduled to model in the ethnic fashion show for that event as well. Nizana teaches a workshop on June 16th in Moses Lake through the Moses Lake Park and Rec Dept. This is the only belly dance instruction in the immediate area. On June 30th-July 1st, Nizana will play in Band du Soleil in Richland, Wa at the annual Ye Merry Greenwood Renaissance Fairre. Watch for another article or two from Nizana when ishimmy.com gets updated soon!  

5/07 The Desert Silk Dance Company performs a set at 10:45 on May 12th at the Parrot Rescue Festival north of Spokane in Clayton, Wa. (Just past Deer Park.) They will open the entertainment at the festival, which is for a good cause. On May 5th from 1-2 pm, Nizana has added another dance class following the completion of another four week session. At this time, due to other obligations, Nizana isn't able to start another session in May. However, watch here or stay in touch to see what happens for June/July.... Nizana is teaching a workshop in Moses Lake on June 16th, and registration is via mlrec.com. On the weekend of May 18th, Nizana will be performing and stage managing at the 21st Annual Powers of Belly Dance Conference as she has for the last several years. Nizana is on the Steering Committee for the Spokane Belly Dance Festival. Contact Nadiyah@nadiyahs.com for June 9 performance, vending and volunteer opportunities. Lots going on! Check out Nizana's events page!

4/07 Nizana is teaching another four-class session of belly dance lessons that are good for beginners, as well as a review for other levels. These will be held in Spokane each Sat in April from 12:30-1:30. (She has added a class on May 5th!!) Nizana just completed the Moses Lk spring session, but watch for the summer brochure for a workshop or two! Nizana is busy working on the Steering Committee for the Spokane Belly Dance Festival on June 9th, which is shaping up to be a great event. Nizana continues to be a staff writer for ishimmy.com/ Bellydancer Magazine. One of her three current articles is temporarily off the site while Zaina works out computer crashing issues, so check back, and hopefully she will also be able to include a couple of pictures that go with the articles!! DSDC performs next month at the Parrot Rescue Festival (spokaneparrotfestival.org) Come join the audience for a good cause!   

3/07 Spring is almost here! Nizana is teaching dance classes in Spokane and Moses Lake (mlrec.com) this month; check above or events listing for dates and locations. DSDC is practicing and lining up some performances; and we welcome Adara, who joined us last month, to our troupe! Adara has danced off and on for years, and we are happy to see her getting back in to the dance community! Nizana is on the Planning Committee for the Spokane Belly Dance Festival this June, which should be a lot of fun! Look for three articles Nizana has written in the debut of the on line ishimmy.com Belly Dancer Magazine!! Nizana has been a long time staff writer for the in-print mag, which on 3/11, turns in to an e-zine!

2/07 Happy Valentine's Day! Nizana is teaching a four week intro to bellydance class session starting this month. This is a chance for  beginners or those who would like to refresh basic skills. There will be two sessions in Feb (10th and 24th) and March (3rd and 24th) from 12:30-1:30. Contact Nizana for more info-drop ins at any point in the sessions are ok. Nizana is also scheduled to teach two mixed level workshops in Moses Lake on March 10th & 31st. Contact mlrec.com for more info. Nizana & Anya are attending the Kami Liddle workshop this month; unfortunately, DSDC has to pass up two performance opportunities this month due to scheduling conflicts, but are looking forward to opportunities coming up.
 
1/07 Happy New Year! Nizana is back from Maui, where she studied with Kajira Djoumana (Black Sheep Belly Dance) to learn first hand from one of the best in "true" tribal. Nizana had a fabulous time and really enjoyed and got a lot out of the lessons. Desert Silk Dance Co is back to practicing after a holiday break and are working on updating costumes for the new year. Nizana has scheduled two workshops through Moses Lake Parks and Rec on 3/10 & 3/31. Register at mlrec.com You will find two articles by Nizana in this quarter's issue of Belly Dancer Magazine!  Nizana has also just scheduled Spokane classes for Feb/March, registration has begun.

12/06 Happy Holidays! Desert Silk Dance Co celebrates the season with their annual holiday get together and to do some planning for the next year. Nizana will be heading off to Maui this month, and has been lucky enough to set up some dancing fun and lessons while she is there! Check out the events page, which is updated many times a month. Merry Christmas to all!  

11/06 Nizana, Anya and Tehfat Malak perform at the Spokane Fall Folk Festival at SCC on Nov 4, followed by a workshop by Nizana with assistance by Anya.  This is an annual event for Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Co. Nizana has submitted 2 more reviews to the Belly Dancer Magazine for an upcoming issue, so keep an eye out! Happy Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving to all! 

10/06 Nizana teaches workshops in Moses Lake, both through Parks and Rec, and following those, private workshops this month on the 7th, 14th, and 21st. Nizana has been published in this month's issue of the Zaghareet (Belly Dance) Magazine! In addition, you will find two articles she wrote for this quarter's issue of Belly Dancer Magazine, of which she is a regular staff writer. Nizana is teaching an Intro to Belly Dance workshop at the Spokane Fall Folk Festival on Nov 4th at 2:30 in the Dance Room, 109E, at Spokane Community College. Nizana and Anya, of Desert Silk Dance Company, along with Tehfat Malak, will also perform that day before the workshop (in the same room) at 2 pm. 

9/06 Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co are performing at 3:55 at the Spokane Co Fair on Sun, the 17th, on the Community Stage. This is the last day of the fair, and Tehfat Malak will join them again for one dance. On the 22nd, Nizana heads to Vancouver, Wa for the Double Crown competition as she will be a Judge. The following weekend finds Nizana and Anya at the Hollywood Hafla in Wenatchee, performing a brand new dance Nizana choreographed just for the event. Contact Moses Lake Parks and Rec (509-766-9240, or mlrec.com) to register for the Oct workshops Nizana is scheduled to teach on the 7th, 14th and 21st. Registration is taking place now. Nizana will be teaching a workshop on Nov 4th at the Fall Folk Festival and Anya and Nizana will perform. (Times TBA.)  

8/06 Nizana and Desert Silk (Duet) (Nizana and Anya) will be performing at Center Stage in downtown Spokane with the Brothers of the Baladi! Show time starts at 8 pm on Friday, Aug 18th, and this is a good opportunity to experience live Middle Eastern music and dancing. (spokanecenterstage.com) Nizana has scheduled 3 different Intro workshops in Moses Lake in Oct through Moses Lake Parks and Rec; contact Nizana, or watch mlrec.com for details- their brochure usually comes out the end of Sept. Check out the new bonus section at the end of the events listings, which is updated many times a month. 

7/06 This month finds Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Co at the annual Seattle Medfest. DSDC performs a set, including a new choreography they haven't performed yet on Sat, July 15th at 5:40. Nizana performs a solo that same day on the second stage at 2:48 pm. Nizana will be presenting a semi-private workshop in Moses Lake on July 8th, and plans to teach a fall workshop series there. Nizana's articles are published each quarter in the Belly Dancer Magazine; this quarter she focuses on event reviews. Next issue, watch for a special article she wrote.....

6/06 Nizana started out the month with what has become an annual event- a participatory presentation for Imagination Celebration at Audubon School, accompanied by Tehfat Malak and Megan. The kids loved the dumbek and zils, and especially the zaghareet! Later this month, Nizana joins Troupe and Band du Soleil at the Tri-Cities Renassaince Fair to play in the band. Catch event reviews by Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine coming out soon!

5/06 Desert Silk has back to back performances in May. First, they perform at the Powers Conference in Yakima on 5/12, where they will perform one set, and then at the Spokane Eva Cernik event on May 20th, where they will perform a completely different set, in different costumes. Nizana is also soloing live to the Scabland Band at the Powers Conference on the 12th. Nizana is Evening Program Manager and Back Up Emcee for the Spokane event. She is also the Stage Manager for Powers, and has been Stage Manager at Powers for going on three years now. Nizana will be reviewing the Eva show and workshops (Eva is a fantastic dancer and instructor; we are lucky to have her in Spokane) for the Belly Dancer Magazine, for which she is a staff writer. Nizana has announced a summer workshop series for Moses Lake; contact Parks and Rec to register.       

4/06  Nizana was featured in the Columbia Basin Herald this month in an article and pictures regarding her interest in Belly Dance and her instruction in Moses Lake. It turned out very nice! Nizana will be doing an Intro to Belly Dance Presentation for a large mother-daughter group in Moses Lake this month. Spring quarter is in full swing with 16 students. Stay tuned for summer quarter instruction information. Nizana and DSDC have been preparing for two upcoming May events, after a busy March. Congrats to Magic City Costumes for their grand opening in Wenatchee! See below for other relevant info about Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Company.

3/06 March finds Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co performing and sponsoring a mini-hafla on 3/4 for Nizana's Moses Lake class to end the quarter! The students have worked really hard, and have two choreographies to perform for their families and friends. Then, DSDC heads over to Seattle to see "Beyond the Orient," which they are really looking forward to. Two weeks after that, they get even more inspiration from Belly Dance Superstars in Spokane, and taking Bozenka's workshop. Nizana starts spring quarter classes in Moses Lake on March 18; registration is taking place now-fall and winter sold out, so contact Parks and Rec asap!   Volunteers (free show admission!) are needed for set up and take down at the Eva Cernik event in Spokane on May 20th. Please contact Nizana if you are interested. Look for another article or two by Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine; Nizana is a regular staff writer.  (zainahart.com)

2/06 February finds DSDC rehearsing their five part Turkish routine that Nizana choreographed for their upcoming performance in the "Turkish Delight" event in May in Spokane. DSDC will join Nizana's class in Moses Lake for a mini-hafla at the end of winter quarter. They are planning on attending a show together in Seattle in March, and also seeing Belly Dance Superstars in Spokane. They are also making plans for the rest of the year as there are so many wonderful events to attend!  Don't forget  the events page is updated multiple times monthly; the home page monthly! the links page is updated when I find time....    but it does have some great links!!!! 

1/06  Happy New Year! Nizana's winter quarter classes begin Jan 7th in Moses Lake and has sold out again! Nizana will also be teaching classes in Yakima; see above for details.  Nizana continues to present articles in Zaina's Belly Dancer Magazine (note: Zaina is making some big changes and this quarter's issue will coincide with Rakassah); is assisting Nadiyah with the May Spokane Eva Cernik event as Evening Program Manager, and is rehearsing with her Spokane troupe Desert Silk Dance Co. They are scheduled to learn two new short routines Nizana has just choreographed.

12/05 Well, it's almost the end of 2005,and Desert Silk Dance Co is working on their routines for the upcoming year. This month will find them doing a photo shoot. Nizana will perform at Tri-Cities First Night on 12/31 with Djimmah Karena, and Band du Soleil. She is also busy at work as Evening Program Manager for the May Spokane Eva Cernik event that Nadiyah and Bellydancers Unlimited are sponsoring. Watch for another article from Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine, coming out soon. Nizana is wrapping up teaching fall quarter,and is preparing for classes winter and spring in Moses Lake and Yakima. Don't forget to check the events, links, and home pages regularly for updates!   
11/05 Catch Desert Silk Dancers at the Spokane Folk Festival as they open the festival at SCC on Nov 5th at 11 am in the Dance Room (109E, the room on the far side of the cafeteria.) Nizana's Intro to Belly Dance Workshop (all festival workshops and performances are free! (Donations accepted) follows at noon in the same room.  Then, they rush off to Wenatchee to Sabah's event to perform that evening  (see Oct entry) in Act 2 of the Hollywood Hafla. They will perform a variety of styles of Middle Eastern Dance at these events. On Nov 15th, Nizana presents an Intro to Belly Dance Solo and Workshop for Beta Sigma Phi's monthly event. 

10/05 Nizana's Belly Dance classes start Oct 6, and registration is now closed for fall quarter, as the class is at full capacity!! Be sure to register for winter quarter as soon as possible. Nizana will be performing a solo at the Kalia Restaurant on Oct 9 in Lynnwood.  She is also performing a solo at Taste of India in Spokane on Oct 15th following the Aisha Ali lecture at Gonzaga. Nizana and Desert Silk troupe members are finishing their new costumes and polishing their new routine for Sabah's upcoming Hollywood Hafla on Nov 5th. The new routine is a beautiful number chorrographed by Nizana! The show starts at 7 at the Riverside Theater in Wenatchee, and Nizana will also perform as part of the duet "Fifi and Fatima Gamal," with the "Kairo Kats."

9/05 Nizana just returned from a well deserved trip to Hawaii, where she had a fabulous time! She and Desert Silk Dance Co perform at the Spokane Fair Sun the 18th at 1:45 on the Community Stage.  Nizana's fall Belly Dance class registration is under way, with the first class  starting the first Th of Oct. (Chk for specific class dates for fall quarter with Moses Lake Parks and Rec, the web info and catalog are now out!)

8/05 Nizana is performing and teaching a workshop Aug 6 at the Spokane Belly Dance Festival, and is joining Troupe and Band du Soleil in Tri-Cities on the 27th for their mini-hafla. DSDC is working on finishing up their new costumes, and getting ready for upcoming fall performances.

7/05 Some of the DSDC members performed a set on Sat 7/15 at Medfest in Seattle at 8 pm. They got great reviews, including one audience member who said we were the best dancers she'd seen all day! Next month, Nizana teaches an Intro to Kashlama workshop in Spokane; registration is taking place now. Join Nizana for a fun hour of dance! Hope everyone is having a great summer! Nizana announces fall classes in Moses Lake!!

6/05 Tehfat Malak joined Nizana in two class presentations at Audubon School in Spokane. Tehfat Malak is now an official DSDC troupe member. DSDC says aloha to Amasa who is moving to Hawaii. Nizana was part of Band du Soleil at Ren Fairre in Richland, playing dumbek, claves, and tambourine for Troupe du Soleil on 6/25-26.

5/05 Nizana had a great time performing a solo to live music by members of the Scabland Band and Tri-Cities Drum Circle at the Powers BD Conference, and handling Stage Manager duties. DSDC has started working on a new costume and routine, and will be performing two routines at Zaina- Ameera's wedding reception on the 28th, and will be joined by Zaina-Ameera and Perizad for this set. DSDC would like to welcome Khalisah to the troupe!!

4/05 This month finds Nizana, Anya and Amirah headed to Saqra's Showcase in the Portland area to take workshops, support the dancers, and shop the vendors. DSDC wishes the best to Perizad, who is taking a performing sabbatical, and Zaina-Ameera who has moved her wedding date up from Sept to May, as her fiance accepted a job on the coast and they will be moving there shortly after the wedding. Catch DSDC opening the EWU World Party at 2pm on April 30th!

3/05 Here's to Spring! Catch the troupe at the Spokane St. Patty's Day parade in the Belly Dance Mobile at noon on 3/12! Troupe members have been busy taking classes and attending shows. Nizana just got back from San Diego where she attended (and reviewed, check upcoming Belly Dance Magazine issue) a show in San Marcos with Dondi and John Bilezikjian!

2/05 Happy Valentine's Day! DSDC has added a new tambourine dance to their reportoir that Nizana recently choreographed. The troupe loved their night out to see the Belly Dance Superstars tour in Spokane. Very inspiring!

1/05 Happy New Year! DSDC looks forward to another busy year, after a well earned rest in December! We logged a lot of performances in 2004! Wishing everyone the best in 2005!

12/04 Nizana & Desert Silk Dance Company wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!!!

11/04 Check out the DSDC at the Folk Festival in Spokane, where Nizana will perform a solo, (11:30 am); as well as teach a workshop at 1:30 pm in the same room. DSDC will also perform at Gonzaga Univ as part of Amirah's Doctorate's Level Leadership through Arts class on Veteran's Day.

10/04 See below to get a PNW Belly Dance Calendar that Desert Silk Dance Co is in! Some of the DSDC members will perform at Halloween Hafla in Wenatchee, which will include another new routine choreographed by Nizana! Nizana will perform a solo there, as well as at the Spokane show w/Dahlena 10/16. DSDC welcomes new troupe member, Heather!

9/04 Congratulations are in order for Nizana and her troupe, the DESERT SILK DANCE COMPANY, as they were selected as the "Dancer(s)" of the month of August in the first Emerald Rain Pacific Northwest Belly Dance Calendar, with proceeds benefitting their Competition in March, 2005. On sale now, through Emerald Rain!

8/04 Nizana is headed off to Seattle and Salt Lake City to dance this month! Check back regularly on the home page or events listing for updates!

7/04 Desert Silk Dance Company is super busy in July, and wishes to welcome new troupe member, Anya! Joining them on stage for the Neighbor Days Performance for the finale number is Special Guest, Tehfat Malak (Precious Angel.) Nizana has been busy choreographing and teaching the troupe new routines, and they're doing a great job! Check us out at local or regional events, with more dates to be listed soon!

6/04 Nizana's spring classes did exceptionally well this quarter and will celebrate with a class party! Nizana will be teaching an Intro to Veil Workshop June 12th. Nizana is a contributing writer to Belly Dancer Magazine, and she is now listed in the Staff Bios page on the website! check out zainahart.com

5/04 Nizana just "graduated" from "Teaching Intermediate Belly Dance" "School with Alwiyah", and is now a Certified Intermediate, as well as Certified Beginning Belly Dance Instructor!! ! Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company and Troupe du Soleil performed at the EWU Annual World Party, did a great job, and had a wonderful time! Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company, Ravisha & Djimmah Karena performed with the Brothers of the Baladi!! Desert Silk Dance Company members Nizana, Perizad, Zahra, Zaiina, & Amirah welcome new troupe member, Amasa!

4/04 Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company, Djimmah Karena and Ravisha join Brothers of the Baladi from Portland for a Middle Eastern/World Music Party at the Big Easy on May 6 at 8pm! Tickets available at all Ticketwest Outlets and are only $10! / www.Ticketswest.com / or call 509-325-SEAT. Both of Nizana's spring Belly Dance classes sold out!

3/04 Nizana's spring belly dance classes through Spokane Community Colleges IEL are scheduled for next month. The first class is full, and the second one only has a few spots left, so sign up quick before this one fills, too!

2/04 Nizana & Djimmah Karena took second place in the Troupe/Duet Category at the Emerald Rain Belly Dance Competetion on 2/7 in Everett!!! Desert Silk Dance Company debuted in Spokane on 2/25, and were well received! Great job!

                                                 

1/04 Nizana is proud to announce the formation of her new troupe, Desert Silk Dance Company!! Nizana is the Director of this new Spokane area dance troupe, and is looking forward to dancing with this group of dancers at local and regional events! Nizana has also been published in this quarter's edition of Belly Dancer Magazine with a DVD review!! NEW LINK! Nizana has added Zaina's website to her links page.

Congratulations to Djimmah Karena and her new troupe, Troupe du Soleil, for a successful dinner show in Kennewick on 12/11! The troupe debuted with a variety of dances, and featured special guests, Nizana, and Shenteela.

Happy New Year!! In Iran, the Persian New Year (No Ruz) is celebrated on March 21.


ABOUT NIZANA:  Nizana has been studying Middle Eastern dance, and dancing for several years. She started studying with Azura of Spokane, took a workshop from Tahia Ali Beck, and then started studying with A'isha Azar.  Since then, she has taken workshops or classes from a huge number of regional, national, and international instructors who have inspired her.  Those instructors include Nagwa Fouad, Mona El Said, Morocco, Dahlena, Dalia Carella, Nakish, Maleeha, Titanya, Dondi, Kajira Djoumahna, Aziza of Ca, Nabeela, Alwiyah, Shoshanna, Fatima al Wahid, Jamila al Wahid, Amaya, Aneena, Elizabeth Dennis, Yasmin of Wa, Delilah, Aziza of Portland/Montreal, Saqra, Tina Sargent, Ne-Kejira Janaan, Nerine Avital, Margo Abdo O'Dell, Bozenka, Kathryn Ferguson, Sabura, Sian and Saroya of the Babs, Zaina Hart, Roy Petit, Eva Cernik, Jim Boz, Paulette Rees-Denis, Sidonia om Dunia, Hala, Tempest, Sonia, Naheda, and many more wonderful instructors. Ongoing instruction is important to her, and she takes workshops as often as she can. Nizana has attended Rakkasah once (so far) and both International Conferences of Middle Eastern Dance in Costa Mesa, Ca.

Nizana was previously a member of Raks El Beledi under the direction of Azura, and was also previously a co-founder of Nah'Joom Dancers, where she conducted much of the troupe business and choreography for several years. In both troupes, as well as her current troupe, she has performed at many various venues, often multiple times, including the Chewelah Chataqua, Spokane Co Interstate Fair, Spokane July 4 Neighbor Days, WAMPUM, Family Affair, the Spokane Folk Festival, Powers Conference in Yakima, Medfest, Sabah's Annual Alternative Hafla, and the annual Celebration of Colors event in Spokane (which she co-produced and directed), among other venues. Nizana was a co-founder of NADI (NW Asso of ME Dancers Int'l,) conducting much of the business, including co-producing events, and writing the newsletter and website for several years. Nizana has been Stage/Music Manager for the Powers of Belly Dance Conference since 2004, and was the Evening Program Manager and an emcee for the May '06 Spokane Eva Cernik event. She is also a member of the (now former) BellyDancers Unlimited Board of Directors, MEAI's Volunteer Committee, and on the Steering Committee for the Annual Spokane Belly Dance Festivals. Since Jan '04, Nizana is the founder and proud Director of the Desert Silk Dance Company, based in Spokane, and they perform locally and regionally. She choreographs most of their routines. Nizana is also a regular Staff Writer for "Belly Dancer Magazine" (now at ishimmy.com) out of Vancouver, Wa, and has been published in "Zaghareet!"  Nizana served as a Judge in the 2006 Double Crown Belly Dance Competition.

Nizana has logged many solo performances in festivals, restaurants, and other events. Nizana teaches private and semi-private lessons, and has taught Desert Silk Dance Company and others her many choreographies. She previously taught Belly Dance classes through the Spokane Community Colleges Institute for Extended Learning (IEL), and she is a Certified Belly Dance Instructor (Beginning and Intermediate via Sabah Performing Arts.) Nizana currently teaches through the Moses Lake Parks and Rec Dept and runs occasional four week sessions in Spokane. She also teaches advanced and specialty workshops, collaborates with regional dancers on various projects, and is a satellite member of Band du Soleil in the Tri-Cities. Nizana performs cabaret, fusion, and some folkloric styles.

Nizana plays dumbek, claves, and zils/sagat, and typically improvises her solos. Nizana sometimes performs with a variety of props, including veil, cane, baskets and skirts. She is known for her stage presence, expressiveness, and her beautiful smile when she dances. Contact her at above email, nizana@att.net or mail Nizana POB 756, Spokane, Wa 99210

                          
Recent Past Performances/Workshops/Events:

                     May 16, 08 Powers of Belly Dance. Yakima. Solo/Staff/Duet.

                    April 12 Benefit Hafla. Spokane. Solo.

                Mar 8, 08 Saqra's Naheda Show. Renton. Troupe.

                    Jan 19, '08 3rd Annual Belly Fest. Spokane. Duet w/Zahra. Staff.                    

                           Nov 3, 07 Fall Folk Festival. Spokane. Troupe. Cafeteria Stage. 1 pm
              
                    Nov 3, 07 Fall Folk Festival. Workshop. Cafeteria Stage. 2 pm.
                  
                    Oct 6, 07 Dinner Theater. Spokane. Troupe (2 performances.)

                    Oct 20, 07 Halloween Hafla. Wenatchee. Troupe.

                          Sept 16 '07 Spokane County Fair. 1 pm. Troupe.

                    July 27 Ren-Fairre, FAFB. Duet w/Anyah.

                    July 21 Mediterranean Fantasy Festival. Seattle. Solo/Duet w/Anyah.
                   
                    July 14 Shish Kabob House Restaurant. Solo.
                   
                    July 8 Great Cuisine of India. Olympia. Solo.

                    June 2, '07  Shish Kabob House Restaurant. Colbert/Mead. Solo.

                    June 9, '07  Spokane Belly Dance Festival. Troupe/Solo/Emcee.

                    June 17 Shish Kabob House Restaurant. Colbert/Mead. Solo.

                    June 23 Private Function. Spokane. Solo.

                    June 30-July 1 Ren Fairre. Richland. Band du Soleil.              
   
                    May 12, '07 Parrot Rescue Festival. Clayton. Troupe.
               
                    May 18, '07 Powers of Belly Dance. Yakima. Solo.              
   
                    11/4/06 Spokane Fall Folk Festival. Solo, Duet w/Anya.

                    11/4 Spokane Fall Folk Festival. Workshop.

                Oct 7, 14, 21 '06 Intro Workshops. (Parks & Rec) Moses Lake. Instructor.

                   Oct 7, 14, 21 Private workshops. Moses Lake, Instructor.                 

                    Sept 17 Spokane County Fair. Troupe/Solo

                    Sept 23-24 Double Crown Competition, Portland. Judge/Solo

                    Sept 30 Hollywood Hafla, Wenatchee. Solo.              
   
                    Aug 18 Center Stage, Spokane. Solo/Duet w/Anya

                    July 8 Intro to Belly Dance Workshop. Moses Lake

                    July 15 Medfest, Seattle. Troupe 5:40 pm Main Stage; Solo 2:48 pm Stage 2
              
                 June 2 Imagination Celebration, Spokane. Solo/Presentation                   

                    May 20 Belly Dancers Unlimited presents Eva Cernik. Spokane. Troupe/Evening Program Mgr
         
                    May 13, 06 Powers of Belly Dance. Yakima. Solo/Troupe/Stage Manager
                              
                    April 22 Moses Lake Team Presentation/Solo.                    

                    March 4, 06 Moses Lake Student Recital/Hafla. Troupe/Solo/With Students

                    March 16, 06 SFCC Class Presentation/Solo                     

                    Nov 5, 05 Spokane Fall Folk Festival Workshop Noon

                    Nov 5, 05 Spokane Fall Folk Festival Performance Troupe/Solo 11 am

                    Nov 5, 05 Sabah's Wenatchee Hollywood Hafla. Troupe/Solo-Duet 

                    Nov 15, 05 Presentation for Beta Sigma Phi. Moses Lake. Solo/workshop.

Oct 9, 05 Kalia Restaurant. Lynnwood. Solo

Sept 18, 05 Spokane Interstate Fair. Troupe/Solo

Aug 6, 05 Spokane's First Annual Belly Dance Festival. Spokane. Solo/Workshop

July 16, 05 Medfest, Seattle. Troupe

June 3 Audubon School, Spokane. Solo/Presentation.

June 25-26 Ren Fairre, Tri-Cities. Band du Soleil

May 13, 05 Powers of Belly Dance, Yakima. Solo/Stage Manager.

April 30, 05 EWU World Party, 2pm, Cheney. Troupe/Solo

Nov 11, 04 Gonzaga University Special Class Presentation. Troupe.

Nov 6, 04 Folk Festival at SCC Lair-Rm 109E. Spokane. Troupe/Solo. 11:30

Oct 16, 04 Nadiyah's Event w/Dahlena. Spokane. Solo.

Oct 23, 04 Halloween Hafla, Wenatchee. Troupe/Solo.

Sept 14, 04 Spokane Interstate Fair. Troupe.

Aug 28, 04 Kismet Belly Dance Festival, Salt Lake City. Solo.

Aug 8, 04 Kalia Restaurant, Lynnwood. Solo.

July 24 and 25th Allegro Royal Fireworks Festival and Concert. Spokane. Troupe.

June 3, 04 Spring Class Recital/Mini-Halfa. Spokane. Troupe/Solo.

May 1, 04 EWU World Party, Cheney. Troupe/Solo

May 6, Brothers of the Baladi at the Big Easy. Spokane. 8 pm. Troupe/Solo.

May 13, 04 Audubon Elementary School. Spokane. Solo Presentation.

May 14, 04 Powers of Belly Dance, Yakima. Troupe/Solo

May 24, 04 Girl Scout Presentation. Spokane. Solo.

April 11, 04 Himalaya Restaurant, Lynnwood.

Feb 7, 04 Emerald Rain Competition-Everett

Feb 25, 04 International Week, SFCC, Spokane.

Jan 24, 04 Private Dinner Party, Spokane

Dec 11, 03. Troupe du Soleil Premiere Dinner and Dance Show. Kennewick - Solos, Duet w/Djimmah Karena, and troupe number with Troupe du Soleil!!

Nov 1, 03 Spokane Folk Festival Sat,  Demonstration and Workshop

Oct 10 Azar's Restaurant, Spokane

Oct 18th, 2003 Sabah Performing Arts Alternative Hafla, Sat  evening at Wenatchee Museum-Duet and Solo performances. Duet to new choreography by Nizana and Djimmah Karena!!

Sept 14th Himalaya Restaurant, Lynnwood.

Sept 8th-9th 2003 Spokane County Fair  and on Q6 news on 9/9!!!!

Aug 10 Himalaya Restaurant, Lynnwood.

Aug 22, 03 Deer Park Fair, 1 pm.

Allegro Royal Fireworks at Riverfront Park, Spokane July 27, 03

Medfest, Seattle, July 19/20, 03

Renaissance Festival, TumTum, July 13, 03

Neighbor Days, Riverfront Park, Spokane, July 4, 03

Powers Conference, May 23, 03

Too many more to list over the years, locally and regionally!

                June '08  Updated Multiple Times Monthly!

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