BIOGRAPHY

A graceful and effervescent performer, Amara has studied the art of Middle Eastern dance since 1999. She is a founding member and the manager of Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theater and was a member of the former Ammala Middle Eastern Dance and Music from 2003-2007.

Amara teaches weekly classes around the Twin Cities (regular classes in Coon Rapids and Inver Grove Heights and occasional workshops and private lessons) and performs at Afghan Restaurant (formerly Crystal Bistro), private parties, cultural events, charity events and more. Amara has danced at both the Minneapolis and St. Paul Women's Expos, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and many other theatrical performances venues. Amara has experience in Egyptian Orientale/Raks Sharqi, Veil, Double Veil, Veil Poi, Zills, Raks Asaya (cane), Raks Shamadan, Eskandarani (Melaya Leff), Sword, Haggala, and many other styles of belly dance.

The bulk of Amara's training has been with Cassandra Shore and Margo Abdo O'Dell, but she has also had opportunities to study with Dina, Sahra Saida, Hadia, Aisha Ali, Tamalyn Dallal, Yasmina Ramzy, and others. Also a professional-level flute player, Amara holds a degree in music education.