BIOGRAPHY

A graceful and effervescent performer, Amara has studied the art of Middle Eastern dance since 1999. She is a founding member of Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theater and was a member of the former Ammala Middle Eastern Dance and Music from 2003-2007. Amara is currently serving as Co-Chairperson of the Festival Committee for the Guild of Oriental Dance.

Amara teaches weekly classes (in Coon Rapids and Inver Grove Heights) and offers workshops and private lessons, and performs at Afghan Restaurant (formerly Crystal Bistro), private parties, cultural events, charity events and more. Amara has danced at Arab World Fest in Milwaukee, WI; at Women's Expo's in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hastings, and more; the Minnesota Renaissance Festival; the Minnesota Fringe Festival; and many other theatrical performances venues. Amara's primary dance styles are Egyptian Orientale/Raks Sharqi and American Cabaret. She also has extensive experience with many props, such as Veil, Double Veil, Isis Wings, Zills (Finger Cymbals), Sword, Raks Assaya (cane), Raks Shamadan (candleabra), and Veil Poi. Amara also has experience in many dance styles and folkloric dances, such as Eskandarani (Melaya Leff), Haggala, Karsilama, Ghawaazee, Turkish Pot, and Nubian, as well as other styles of belly dance and folkloric dances.

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