Untitled Document

Ahmileena

One of my life’s absolute passions began in 1997 with my first Belly Dance class. Thinking it would be a great way to get fit, I soon discovered a unique body/mind connection had been stirred within me. Through dance I experience a deep connection with some part of my soul that nothing else moves in quite the same way, it grounds and centres me while also giving me an unparalleled freedom of movement and creative expression.
Since joining Raks Almeh Dance Troupe in 2002, I’ve discovered the magic of dancing, as part of a group, with other women equally inspired by the joy of dance. Having the opportunity to share in that magic, joy and creativity with my troupe sisters has been a wonderful gift! As a Belly Dance instructor I find it truly inspiring to share in the energy and enthusiasm of students, who are entering into and exploring the beauty and mystery of Belly Dancing, each in their own ways.
I’ve had the great good fortune to study differing styles of Belly Dance with such fabulous teachers as Latefah, Tonje, Tamara, Sue, Sabura, Saqra, Neena & Veena, members of Gypsy Caravan and other teachers at Tribal Quest NW, Sharon Moore and Genevieve DuPuy of Infusion Tribal Belly Dance

In the year 2000 I ventured down to the Chilliwack Art Centre to volunteer my services. At the desk was a very tall elegant woman with a little dog. Somehow we started talking and she said she was teaching Middle Eastern Dance and invited me to join. I was thrilled. It turned out to be quite an adventure when you have been raised to be as invisible as possible, never drawing attention to your body, infact maybe you don't even have a body! With persistance I was able to overcome this distorted belief and really get into it. The dance instructor was Lateffa and she is amazing and so patient. In 2001 to my amazement she invited me to dance with the Bellywarriors and this was to me unbelievable. As the love of the dance continues to grow so does the love of costumes and shinny, slinky things that make noise take over your mind. It quickly became my newest hobby. In 2002 Raks Almeh was formed and I have the honor and privilege of dancing with these 6 beautiful women friends. Shimmy on!!!!!!!!

I began belly dancing in 2003 taking lessons through the Mission Leisure Centre. What started out as a form of exercise for me soon grew into a passion for belly dance. I became enthralled, loving the music, the costumes, the culture, the history, the sense of sisterhood, and the feeling of well being that belly dancing brings. I joined Raks Almeh Dance Troupe in December 2004. Being a member of the troupe has brought me many blessings, among them the opportunity to share the art of belly dance with so many people, giving them a glimpse of an ancient culture, and communicating traditional and non-traditional dances through performances. Although my heart beats to the Tribal dance rhythms, I am interested in all other genres of the belly dance and through attending weekly classes, and numerous workshops with belly dance instructors in Tribal Fusion, Egyptian, Gypsy, Spanish, and Bhangra styles of dance, have developed a strong foundation of dance skills and techniques. I am now an instructor of belly dance in Mission, focusing mainly on Tribal Fusion where a variety of dance styles are blended with the earthy tribal dance moves of the ancient Middle East to create a unique style of belly dance.

	Raks Almeh Women Of Dance
	About Us
	Ahmileena One of my life’s absolute passions began in 1997 with my first Belly Dance class. Thinking it would be a great way to get fit, I soon discovered a unique body/mind connection had been stirred within me. Through dance I experience a deep connection with some part of my soul that nothing else moves in quite the same way, it grounds and centres me while also giving me an unparalleled freedom of movement and creative expression. Since joining Raks Almeh Dance Troupe in 2002, I’ve discovered the magic of dancing, as part of a group, with other women equally inspired by the joy of dance. Having the opportunity to share in that magic, joy and creativity with my troupe sisters has been a wonderful gift! As a Belly Dance instructor I find it truly inspiring to share in the energy and enthusiasm of students, who are entering into and exploring the beauty and mystery of Belly Dancing, each in their own ways. I’ve had the great good fortune to study differing styles of Belly Dance with such fabulous teachers as Latefah, Tonje, Tamara, Sue, Sabura, Saqra, Neena & Veena, members of Gypsy Caravan and other teachers at Tribal Quest NW, Sharon Moore and Genevieve DuPuy of Infusion Tribal Belly Dance Merebah In the year 2000 I ventured down to the Chilliwack Art Centre to volunteer my services. At the desk was a very tall elegant woman with a little dog. Somehow we started talking and she said she was teaching Middle Eastern Dance and invited me to join. I was thrilled. It turned out to be quite an adventure when you have been raised to be as invisible as possible, never drawing attention to your body, infact maybe you don't even have a body! With persistance I was able to overcome this distorted belief and really get into it. The dance instructor was Lateffa and she is amazing and so patient. In 2001 to my amazement she invited me to dance with the Bellywarriors and this was to me unbelievable. As the love of the dance continues to grow so does the love of costumes and shinny, slinky things that make noise take over your mind. It quickly became my newest hobby. In 2002 Raks Almeh was formed and I have the honor and privilege of dancing with these 6 beautiful women friends. Shimmy on!!!!!!!! Skarlatt I began belly dancing in 2003 taking lessons through the Mission Leisure Centre. What started out as a form of exercise for me soon grew into a passion for belly dance. I became enthralled, loving the music, the costumes, the culture, the history, the sense of sisterhood, and the feeling of well being that belly dancing brings. I joined Raks Almeh Dance Troupe in December 2004. Being a member of the troupe has brought me many blessings, among them the opportunity to share the art of belly dance with so many people, giving them a glimpse of an ancient culture, and communicating traditional and non-traditional dances through performances. Although my heart beats to the Tribal dance rhythms, I am interested in all other genres of the belly dance and through attending weekly classes, and numerous workshops with belly dance instructors in Tribal Fusion, Egyptian, Gypsy, Spanish, and Bhangra styles of dance, have developed a strong foundation of dance skills and techniques. I am now an instructor of belly dance in Mission, focusing mainly on Tribal Fusion where a variety of dance styles are blended with the earthy tribal dance moves of the ancient Middle East to create a unique style of belly dance.