|
Anita (Rhiana) Looking to find something for herself, a friend saw in the Chesterfield Parks & Recs a class for Belly Dancing. She laughed at first but said what the heck….that was in 2001 and she is still hooked! In early 2009 Anita started classes with Ann and shortly thereafter was approached about becoming a “Queen”. It took her a little bit to feel worthy but she is so glad to be a part of this troupe. She has been asked to teach a truly beginner class in Emporia…. but she is still thinking about that one!
|
|
Ann Ann Elliotte is a local Middle East dance teacher and dancer. She has been performing up and down the east coast for a number of years. Ann became interested in Middle Eastern dance when she saw a local dancer perform. She soon became mesmerized by the movements and the power of the music and stayed to learn more!! Middle Eastern dance has taken Ann to Egypt and around the country to visit and to study this beautiful dance form. She has had the opportunity to study and learn from master teachers and dancers from around the world. Ann was a member of the Richmond area, Women of Selket Middle Eastern dance troupe when she decided to branch out and start her own dance classes and troupe. The wonderful result was The Queens of the Universe " dance troupe, a group of student dancers who love to dance and to perform. The troupe name came about because during class, Ann would admonish her students to stand tall, be proud, and dance like they were the queens of the universe. the name stuck!!
|
|
Barbara (Vavara) One of the founding members of the Queens of the Universe (QOTU) Dance Troupe. I began belly dance lessons in Germany from Satania (Sharon Weiss of San Diego). When we moved to Richmond, I took lessons from Sheva. After performing in my first recital, I was hooked on the dance and the costumes. I danced at the Phoenicia and the Palisades. During that time, I attended belly dance seminars with well-known teachers such Ibrahim Farrah, Phaedra, Horatio, Morocco, Elona, and others. I took belly dance lessons from Heidi in Nurnberg on our second German tour. I continued attending belly dance seminars there though at times the language was a challenge. In Nurnberg, I had the wonderful opportunity to dance on a regular basis in several local restaurants featuring belly dancers. Since returning to the U.S., first to New Jersey and ultimately back to Richmond, I have been able to continue my belly dance education through local teachers and seminars; and perform in Colonial Heights and Richmond.
|
|
Deborah (Zahirah) I started dancing in 1982 with the great Lettie Abdelaziz stage name Mish Mish D'Amira at the YWCA in NYC. I danced for 5 years in NY before moving to Germany where I continued dancing on and off for several years. Upon my return to the US and moving to Virginia, I studied with Alice Warner for 2 years, Heather Merrill for a year and have been a member of the Queens of the Universe for the past 5 years studying with the fabulous and extremely talented Ann Elliotte.
|
|
Jeannie (Hana) I was introduced to belly dancing purely by chance when I signed up for a beginner class at the Colonial Heights Recreation Department in June 2004.
I have always loved to dance, get dressed up and enjoy making people smile. It has been a full-blown love affair with belly dancing, the costumes and the dear friends I have met. Belly dancing is indeed one of my greatest passions. I have the honor of being a member of the dance troupe Queens of the Universe and I have chosen Hana as my dance name in honor of my granddaughter.
|
|
|
|
Joyce (Ameena) Joyce started taking a belly dance class for exercise, which turned into a passion. She started in 2004 and have been dancing ever since and plan to keep going till She cant dance anymore. When the Queens were formed Joyce was one of the oringinal dancers who helped Ann make the decision to create the troupe.
|
|
Kara (Gaia) I decided to start belly dancing after a trip to the Virginia Renaissance Faire in 2007. Since that time, I've taken lessons with three different teachers and decided to start performing after attending a Queens of the Universe hafla. I love belly dance because it has grown my confidence tremendously and makes me feel happy. I enjoy the ability to express myself in my own unique way and love bringing creativity and drama to my dance. I chose to join the Queens of the Universe after seeing what a wonderful group of ladies they are and wanting to get more involved in the bellydance community.
|
|
Patty (Lahna) She joined a belly dance class on a dare with some co-workers in the late 70's and continued taking classes for several years. Then she decided to try martial arts and after 10 years and a 3rd degree black belt, she returned in 2002 to her first love - belly dancing. An original founding member of the Queens of the Universe troupe, she participates in classes taught by other local teachers, workshops as well as Latin Dancing.
|
|
Rosemary (Rya) Rosemary saw a sign advertizing a bellydance class and thought it sounded like a fun thing to do, so she signed up! The instructor asked her where she wanted to go with her dancing and she responded "I am only doing this for the exercise and the fun of it. I never want to perform for an audience!" That was in November 2004, Rosemary has been taking classes and dancing ever since. And yes she has performed for an audience too! She has been a QotU since the troupe formed, "What a great bunch of ladies. Let's shimmy!!!"
|