This fan page is dedicated to creative Canadian ladies who amaze and inspire. Their generous support and encouragement has opened the door for me to a whole new world of artistic expression, and friendship. These dancing divas are a diverse group – entertainers, teachers, artisans, craftspersons, small business owners, musicians, and costume wizards. They give a lot of their time, talent, and considerable energy toward community efforts for fund-raising events, and promoting the arts in our fair city of Ottawa…bravo ladies!
I’ll be posting their pretty pictures here, along with tantalizing bits of information regarding their accomplishments, classes, performances, and websites, so you can become a fan too!
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Norma Tebcherany – In memory of a lovely spirit; Norma was one of my students, and loved to shine on stage at Halyma’s Ottawa Community Class Party. She generously donated her time to come out and dance at local outdoor fundraising events, like the Breast Cancer Action “Stroll For Our Goal” and “Weekend to End Women’s Cancers.
Norma
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Rosemary Corfield – This lovely lady invited me to my first outdoor fundraising event, at the “Hike For Hospice” at May Court. She was a member of the Ontario Middle Eastern Dance Association, volunteer, performer, and drummer.
Rosemary
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GEE GEE ROBINSON – In fondest memory of a truly exceptional creative spirit, the dance community mourns the loss of this dancing diva, in her 77th year, who passed away March 28th, 2012. Gee Gee was born and raised in Iowa, and became a professional dancer at an early age. She moved to Canada in 1958 and opened her own dance studio, becoming one of the founders of the Ottawa dance community. She was a driving force with the Ontario Middle Eastern Dance Association; although retired in 2006 from her instructor position with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, she remained a fixture at local fundraising events, and has taught, encouraged and influenced many dancers to give their time and talent for a good cause. I had the priviledge of meeting Gee Gee at my very first class in 2007, and wanted to hide, so shldn’t see what a klutz I was; but her welcoming smile and kind encouragement made me realize I could and should dance; I was thrilled to later be included and invited to perform at charitable events with her group of “Shen” dancers. As a tribute, the dance community will be holding a Haffla on Saturday, April 7th, 2012, at the Heron Road Community Centre, from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend, share memories, bring snacks, photos, music, and we’ll dance the Bellygram in her honour.
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ZEEVAH This lovely lady “brings the party” with her fun, clever choreographies and mischievous smile. Her original hand-crafted costume creations dazzle the eye with exquisite hand-beading. She’s been generous in sharing her extensive music library, to encourage me to get cracking on my own dance routines. Check out her class schedule, video, and other info at http://zeevah.wordpress.com
photo by Siddiqah
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VERA This petite, ethereal professional performance artist and instructor embodies the exotic spirit and sensual nature of the art of Middle Eastern dance. She’s been kind and patient enough to try and teach me the more delicate, subtle aspects of movement, and continues to lend her support, expertise and advice to my attempts at creating original choreography. For more information, please contact me, and I’ll pass along your inquiries.
photo by Lainie Cambria Visit her site at www.pbase.com/lainiec
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HALYMA My mentor and teacher! This brilliant performer, costume designer and eco-conscious entrepreneur is the heart and soul of our dance community. With her generous nature and extraordinary organizational skills, she provides dancers the opportunity to perform at a large variety of venues, and hosting fabulous “class parties” to bring teachers and students together from all over the area to celebrate and support one anothers’ achievements. She appears regularly on local TV, You-Tube, and her instructional DVD’s are available for sale. These days, she’s branching out to offer Bollywood and Bellywood lessons, as well as traditonal belly dancing. Her weekly on-line newsletter is a “must” for the latest information on classes, teachers, and events. Please visit her web-site at www.tav-creations.com and join in the fun!
photo by Lainie Cambria www.pbase.com/lainiec
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WENDY This successful, self-employed executive is a gracious, elegant dancer, who befriended me early on; offering invitations to group practices, great parties, and introducing me to new teachers. We take classes and dance together often. She recently offered assistance to my class during the fall session, teaching veil technique. Her generosity, style, and ease with students helped me develop self-confidence to work with a large group.
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ZAMIRA A true renaissance woman of remarkable artistic accomplishments, with an independent spirit I admire very much. She’s a talented painter, costume and haute couture hat designer, professional performance artist and teacher, with a penchant for the engineering and technological marvels of the “Steampunk” movement. For more information on her innovative weighted veils, classes, and bio, please visit the website: theveiledeye.com
photo by lainie cambria
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SHIBORI BOREALIS Inspired by the magical illusion of the northern lights, she’s the visionary creator of amazing one-of-a-kind artisan quality hand-dyed silk veils. These works of art are investment pieces, highly sought after by dancers wishing to present visually stunning colourful effects on stage. Indulge your desire for ravishing silks by checking out her site at http://shiboriborealis.com
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ROXANE This fun-loving artistic entrepreneur combines an extensive fashion background with her love of dance, to craft a wide variety of custom costumes and accessories. Her stunning collection includes historical garments, made with meticulous attention to authentic period detail; she combines rich textures, colours and fabrics, to give tribal and traditional folkloric or cabaret costumes true splendour. Several years ago, I purchased my very first bellydance costume pieces from her ready-to-wear inventory, and recently experienced the thrill of being fitted for custom creations. From medieval duchess to mad-hatter, her imagination knows no bounds. Learn more about her at www.creativeclothingbyroxane.com ************************************************************
ANDREA This funky feminina is an avid gardener, fellow shoe-aholic and cat-lover. With impressive discipline, power walking in all weather, she recently trained and took part in the fall New York City Marathon. We’ve performed together at various outdoor events, and I always look forward to admiring her wonderful costumes and learning from her graceful, serene style of dance.
photo by Lainie Cambria
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REBECCA With her mega-watt smile, and joyful outlook on life, this dance-buddy inspires me to think positive and find the good in others. Dancing with a youthful, exuberant style, she has recently become addicted to training in Tribal movement. We practice and perform together regularly, and I feel blessed to have her friendship and support.
Photo by: Marc-André Guérin Visit: Darkstone Photography on Facebook, or www.wix.com/darkstonephotography/port-folio
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BAHIYA A stunning, skilled performer and instructor, with a dance background that includes jazz, ballet and tap, she “raqs” every crowd with her flowing mane of flaming hair and dramatic, sweeping movements. Compelling to watch, I’m always inspired by this divas’ confident style and superb stage-presence. To read more about her bio, philosophy, and class schedule, go to: http://bahiyadances.wordpress.com
Photo by Marc-André Guérin at www.wix.com/darkstonephotography/port-folio
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SHADE Quite the most unique performer in Ottawa, this exotic, buxom beauty maintains a busy dance schedule of cabaret, tribal, Bollywood For Fun, and guest appearances at a variety of local nightclubs and shows for the Rockalily Burlesque and Capital Tease troupes. She also happens to be one of the sweetest young ladies I’ve ever met; her guest-solo at my fall-session class recital really “wowed” the students. They loved her, and so do I.
Performance photo by Lainie Cambria
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EURIKA This lovely shining personality is a versatile professional performance artist and instructor, with a background in ballet, jazz, and ballroom dance. She’s addicted to Shibori silk veils, and uses them to create glorious, romantic choreographies. She was kind enough to include me in a performance with her group last year, in which the veil work was too strenuous for my poor neck to endure. She created my role as candle-bearer, just so I wouldn’t be left out. That showed true kindness and generosity of spirit. A regular performer with Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun, and Bollywood For Fun, you can read more about her at http://eurikadance.ca 
Eurika photo by Jake Morrison www.withflare.org
Siddiqah photo by Lainie Cambria www.pbase.com/lainiec
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SHA’VEGA MALIBU A gifted musician, professional dancer, tarot-reader, and pottery artiste extraordinaire, she’s one of my former teachers, whose classes and workshops were filled with an exhilarating , folkloric flair, and a stompin’ good time was had by all. Her beautiful, practial hand-crafted pottery wares are displayed and sold at her home-studio, in a picturesque lakeside setting. Find out more about this feisty, fascinating female at www.lablanchepoterie.com
Photo by Jake Morrison www.withflare.org
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JAVANIKA This diminuitive dancer and instructor resides in the countryside, raising chickens, and creating beautiful works of art. With a background in fine arts, her prolific portfolio includes wickedly witty sketches, paintings, unique hand-tooled leather bags and accesories. In her “spare time”, she’s a Medieval re-enactor, formidable archer, and kicks butt with her karate skills. A member of Dr. Kabooms’ Mini Mobile Circus, she entertains children with face-painting, balloon animals, and puppet shows. Last year, this lovely lady was kind enough to hook me up with organizers in her community, so my ‘knight in shining armour’ and I could participate in the Osgoode Medieval Festival. Read more about her at http://willowbird-designs.blogspot.com
Barbs’ photo by Siddiqah
Medieval costumes for Sir John and Lady Alice by ‘Creative Clothing by Roxane’ 
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ANDREA & NATALIE These two lovely ladies are delightful bellydancers, who’ve recently become hooked on the Bollywood style. Although I don’t know them well, I’ve had the pleasure of performing with them at several events in the last couple of years, and find them to be friendly and fun. Andrea is a prairie gal, who enjoys drumming, and I love to watch her incredibly graceful arm and hand movements, and majestic goddess form on stage. Natalie is a yoga instructor, who dazzles the eye with her regal bearing, , Nordik beauty, and flowing motion. To find out more about Nat’s passion for the art of yoga, visit www.yogamakesmehappy.com
Photo by Siddiqah
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KALYANI Recently graduated from Ottawa University, this slender young Speech Pathologist has danced her way into everyones’ hearts with her beautiful smile, balletic grace, and delightful personality. Her rapid progress from beginner bellydance to Bollywood has been remarkable, as are her veil handling skills – be they delicate Shibori silk floaters to Zamira’s whirling weighted wonders. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to perform together, and she’s definitely one to watch in the coming years!
Photos by Lainie Cambria www.pbase.com/lainiec 
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FARASHA This amazing woman holds a very special place in my heart, as a spell-binding professional performance artist, and as my first instructor. With an impish smile, and delicate precise movements, she has the swan-like ability to effortlessly glide and float across the stage, literally creating the illusion that she just might decide to fly. When we first met, her incredible patience, kindness, and ability to share the love of dance inspired me to keep taking classes, even when I got discouraged by physical limitations and lack of self-confidence. This is the rare gift of a true teacher. Over the years, she’s become a mentor and friend; helping me create choreographies, practicing and performing together, kicking my butt when required, and generously offering advice to help me be a better teacher. Her special guest-solo performances at my student recitals have been dazzling, and I can’t wait for the next one!
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ZENA This luscious raven-haired beauty is a dazzling performer and local bellydance teacher, with a strong background in Egyptian and Tribal styles. She’s featured regularly at Bellydance For Fun events, class parties, and private bookings; and has a way of mesmerizing audiences with her magic. I’ve had the priviledge of attending one of her workshops, and was so inspired by her genuinely warm, friendly, fun teaching style. To read more about this divine diva, go to www.orientaldance.ca/zena
Photo by Jake Morrison
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Zenna 
The latest exciting new talent to join the Ottawa dance community is a professional pastry chef and one busy Mom. While providing a breakfast program and hip-hop dance lessons to school children in her rural community, she also volunteers with the Breast Cancer Action office for administrative and fund-raising efforts. She attended my class last fall, and it was immediately apparent that this young woman had that “certain something” to develop as a true performance artist. Currently studying the art of tribal dance, she brings a dramatic, electrifying presence and sinuous grace to the stage. Recently, she made her solo debut at the Treasured Chests Fundraiser, in support of Walk For The Cure, along with Halyma’s Bollywood/Bellywood For Fun Group, Fat Cat Bellydance students, and various professional guest soloists. Zenna’s remarkable performance highlighted the evenings’ purpose, since she herself is battling breast cancer. Such strength, character, and artistic expression is truly inspirational. And let’s not forget her other talents..anyone yearning for sinfully delicious hand-crafted pastries, cakes, and other special-occasion works of culinery art, check out her website at: http://www.mszennasbakery.com
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Fat Cat Belly Dance 