Introducing...Troupe Hareem!

The professional dancers associated with Authentic Belly Dancing Entertainment are some of the most talented and in-demand performers in town. Winners of the 2006 International Ahlan Cairo Nights troupe competition, the belly dancers of Troupe Hareem keep up a demanding schedule, performing regularly at area restaurants including Stratos Greek Taverna, Café Istanbul, Istanbul Grill and Shish, in addition to parties and showcase events. Let’s get to know these lovely ladies who form the troupe:

Neenah is the owner of Authentic Belly Dancing Academy and director of its professional troupe. Hailed by the local press as the “Queen of Quarters and Shot Glasses” and “Dallas’ Favorite Belly Dancer,” Neenah is total entertainment and in constant demand for her performances as a soloist. With her energy and love for the beautiful art of belly dance, Neenah continues to focus on the retro-style form of entertainment which she refers to as Vintage Style. She received early training from Angelika and Zeyna, who were star performers in Dallas during the 1980’s and 90’s, well known for their stage presence, excellent musical interpretation and unmatched dance style. In addition to teaching classes and directing the troupe, Neenah performs and teaches seminars around the country, and is preparing to take on more opportunities to perform internationally both as a soloist and with her troupe.

Zaira has been belly dancing and teaching for over ten years. She teaches      intermediate and advanced students at the Authentic Belly Dance Academy, belly aerobics at 24-Hour Fitness, and workshops around the U.S. She also performs as a soloist featuring advanced veil, sword, candle, and zill work, and has had the pleasure of performing with live Middle Eastern bands. Zaira is a specialist in Egyptian Raks Sharqi, American Cabaret, Turkish Cabaret, and folkloric Egyptian.  Inspired by past and present brilliant and beautiful teachers, Suhira and Neenah, Zaira continues to advance her studies, traveling around the U.S. taking seminars and dance lessons from world-renowned professional instructors. With the encouragement and support of her peers and students, Zaira has started to perform and compete in major national events. ”For the love of the dance” ~ Zaira

Aliki has been with ABDE since 1998, dancing in cultural events, private functions, festivals, and promotional venues, as well as teaching at the school. From the age of 7 until the age of 16, Aliki focused on gymnastics, which included weekly classical ballet training.  Closure of her gymnastics career allowed her to focus next on learning and perfecting Middle Eastern dance, which she had been involved in informally since childhood. She celebrates her Greek-American heritage by bringing the Greek folk dances she learned as a child to ABDE, adding to the other Middle Eastern dance styles taught at the academy.  She enjoys the expressiveness of belly dance and believes that it is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. She invites you to take a few classes and discover what dance will do for you. “Me agapi” ~ Aliki    

Jamila is a principal dancer with Troupe Hareem and a regular entertainer at Stratos and Café Istanbul. She performs often for private functions, weddings and cultural events, where her ladylike dance stylings and knockout appearance make her an audience favorite. Jamila’s American Cabaret dance training began six years ago, with private lessons and workshops with award-winning dancers. Jamila is skilled in the use of a variety of props, including veils, candles, canes and swords. Zills (finger cymbals) add old world depth to the performance. Jamila invites you to be swept away to another, mysterious world through the movements of belly dance.