Z aira is a professional belly dancer that engages in performances both domestically and internationally to promote professional development and show the beauty of classical Egyptian Oriental, American, and Turkish Cabaret dancing.  She specializes in both choreography and improvisation.

Born and raised in southern Louisiana, she is truly a southern bell that has always been involved in the arts.  After graduating from college, Zaira moved to Dallas/Fort Worth where she joined a local bellydance class for fun and exercise.  Several years later, she emerged as an instructor and a popular entertainer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.    

Zaira is currently located in the New England area and teaches classes for The Paper Moon Dance Center in Merrimack, NH.  She is also teaching workshops all over the US. 

Zaira has over 13 years of specialized bellydance and instructor training.  She is featured in several magazines, newspapers, and DVD's, including "Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition" and "Ahlan Cairo Nights" produced by Little Egypt.  She has also studied with the world's premier instructors such as Fifi Abdo, Aida Nour, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Farida Fahmy, Morocco, Artemis, Neenah, Dina, and among many others.    

Zaira is a former teacher for numerous dance studios, universities, and the prestigious Authentic Bellydance Academy of Dallas, TX.  She offers Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro lessons. She was the co-director and choreographer of the Academy's professional group who are 1st place winners of the US Ahlan Cairo Nights Troupe Dance competition. She was also the Director of The Arabesque Dancers.

      

She also supports and encourages all bellydancers to participate in other organizations in the pursuit of fusing and nurturing the ethnic traditions that promote, present, and preserve this dance art in a positive light.  She is also a great mentor.  It is her goal to encourage each and every student to maximize their fullest potential, while having fun and enjoying this unique art.

Being a perpetual student herself, Zaira often participates in domestic and international workshops and seminars to futher her knowledge in this magestic art form. 

The name Zaira means "blooming flower" in Hebrew, "rose" in arabic, and "princess" in Irish.  All of these meanings describe Zaira and her "flowery" but welcoming smile and character.  

Professional Accomplishments:

2006 US Queen of Raks Sharqi Troupe Champion, Troupe co-Director

2007 Bellydancer of the Year Competitor, Soloist

Professional Teaching Experience from 1998-2011

- Authentic Bellydancing Academy

  Dallas, TX

- Annual Workshops, Louisiana, Texas, New England Area

- Broadway Performing Arts Center in New Hampshire

- Curves in Merrimack, New Hampshire

- Paper Moon Dance Studio in Merrimack, New Hampshire

- Scheherezade’s Fantasies Studio

   Fort Worth, TX

- Texas Christian University (TCU)

   Fort Worth, TX 

-  24Hour Fitness – Bellydance Aerobic Instructor, Certified

- Curves Bellydance Aerobic and Zumba Instructor