Debora

I was first drawn to Middle Eastern dance years ago by the lively and soulful music drifting out to the sidewalks from the clubs that once lined New York’s 8th Avenue. Though I was too young to enter, it was easy to peer inside the open doors to see musicians of Greek, Turkish, Armenian and other nationalities gathered together to play exotic instruments and drums, while beautiful dancers adorned in flowing skirts and finger cymbals performed for family and guests.

Years later, I had the opportunity to study “Belly dance” (according to many purists, a misnomer for the dance known as “Raqs Sharqi” or “Raks
Sharki,” literally, “Dance of the East”) with wonderful instructors – the foremost being Cory Zamora of Fresno, California, who teaches a “Freestyle Arabic” and “Cabaret” style of dance. I particularly enjoy this style of bellydance, because although it can be deep and intense as the dancer’s mood, it is largely a happy, social dance, and the audience is encouraged to interact and enjoy the music along with the dancer – clapping in time, tapping their feet, and sometimes even getting up to join her (or him)!

I have also had the privilege of taking classes and workshops with other wonderful dance instructors, including three local Fresno talents, also protégés of Zamora's: Bay'la Zena, Annette Federico, and Ely Buffin. Other past instructors have included Amina of San Francisco (Modern Egyptian Style), Morocco of New York (Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and Folk Dance), Artemis Mourat of Maryland (Turkish Style), Carolina Nereccio of Fat Chance Belly Dance in San Francisco (American Tribal Style), and John Compton of Hahbi ‘Ru in San Francisco (Old World Folkloric Style), and Joe Williams of New York (Del Sarte Technique), among others.

Agency Dancer, Studio Instructor