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Naiya started off in dance with the typical childhood ballet and tap classes and recitals. These doubtless inspired the series of (probably endless) home performances for the (very) polite neighbors. Her three ferocious passions in life are horses, dance and teaching. When she wasn't training for one, she was training for the other. |
Naiya spent most of her free time during her academic career dancing Salsa & Merengue. She continued these classes through college (while riding with the Equestrian Team and collecting degrees.) She became interested in Oriental Dance after moving to California. |
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Her belly dance training started with Leea Aziz in Walnut Creek. She spent weekends at local festivals and workshops. She began coaching lessons with Monica Berini of San Francisco, with Nanna Candelaria of Berkeley and with Sausan of Sausan Academy. Alyne Hazard of San José taught her the joy and beauty of Double Veils and the art of spinning. |
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Over the years Naiya continues to take workshops and private lessons to evolve her own personal style and to develop a solid foundation of American Cabaret, Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish dancing. |
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Naiya dances professionally as part of a male-female duet with Numa'ir and as a solo dancer in area restaurants and clubs. She also co-directs Troupe Sahar, a professional performing troupe. |
Teaching remains an important part of her life. Aside from language teaching, she has added belly dance classes, private coaching lessons and belly aerobics/pilates to her teaching schedule. | |
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"Dance, like all forms of language, is about communicating: reaching out to speak and to listen."
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