This organization was started in 2001 by Nerissa and Zahirah. From the beginning, it was designed to be a service to the Middle Eastern dance community – an organization that would not promote just one belly dancer, but all belly dancers and all bellydance events in the Baltimore/Washington DC corridor. Over the years the organization has grown tremendously. In its first month, it had four teacher members and circulated just under 200 newsletters. It has had as many as 2000 newsletter readers and this 5,000 website hits per week.
In 2004 Zahirah left the organization and was replaced in 2005 by Lisa Zahiya, who has also now moved on to other ventures. In 2007 Nerissa left the organization to R'aina so that she could focus her efforts on Balance Photography LLC.
The site is now owned by MKM Entertainment LLC and operated by R'aina and the many helpful volunteers who help to make this organization a success.
Even with the many changes in the past years, Baltimore Bellydance remains committed to the mission of being a comprehensive resource for all belly dancers in the region. We hope to expand and fortify the Middle Eastern Dance community in the Baltimore/Washington DC area even more in the years to come.
This organization relies completely on its members (teachers, performers and subscribers) as well as many tireless volunteers for its existence. There is always a way to get involved and help Baltimore Bellydance keep growing as a service in this community! Please join our efforts and work with us to create a strong and supportive belly dance scene in Baltimore/Washington DC!
Mission Statement
Bellydance was created centuries ago as a celebration of womanhood and the rhythm of life. Baltimore Bellydance continues that celebration for all belly dancers and dance enthusiasts in Baltimore, Washington DC and the suburban Maryland area. As a comprehensive resource for performance information and educational opportunities about this beautiful, soulful art form, we hope to expand and fortify the Middle Eastern Dance community in our region.
About R'aina
As the director and choreographer of Meridian Dance Company, I have been responsible for the monthly hafleh performances at Minas in Hampden since we began in 2005. I also teach the open session belly dance class, Wednesday night at Homewood Friends Meeting House.
I am Lebanese by heritage, though I was born, and grew up in PA. I have a sister (also a dancer). We went to a Maronite Catholic church, with a priest from Lebanon. We always had belly dancers at church festivals and events. It was there I first started. My culture and family have always been influenced by Middle Eastern dance. I was inspired to start belly dancing by my priest. He told me that too many families loose old traditions when they become established outside of Lebanon.
I’m excited to work on Baltimore Belly Dance. Thank you, to all of the dancers who invested hours of their hard work, before me. I look forward to working with all of you.
To contact R'aina, email info@baltimorebellydance.com
