Willow Mahsati - http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/
Willow is my absolute favorite person to dance with. She is what you call my soul sister in the dance. She is a beautiful person and dancer residing in Upstate New York (Kingston area).
Kaeshi from Bellyqueen - http://www.bellyqueen.com/
Kaeshi is one of the most unpretentious dancers that I have ever had the pleasure of dancing with. She is such an accomplished dancer, having danced all over the world and with the Bellydance Superstars, it is amazing how down to earth and grounded she is. She is my current teacher and an absolute sweetheart. If you ever have the chance to take a class or seminar with her, I would highly recommend it!
Samara, NY, NY - http://www.samaradance.com/
One of the most graceful and beautiful dancers I have ever seen. It is unbelievable how graceful and fluid her dancing is! I had the honor of studying with this Master teacher for two years. Another amazing performer and teacher whom everyone should study with if possible.
Morroco, NY, NY - http://www.casbahdance.org/
Ok, what can I say about Morocco? She is an icon in the bellydance community. As well as being a plethora of information she is such an amazingly cool lady to boot! I love the woman! Not only was she one of my first teachers who gave me rock solid basic technique but she was the first teacher to give me an outlet to dance and perform.
Anahid Sofian, NY, NY - http://www.anahidsofianstudio.com/
One of the originals in the New York Bellydance scene. Known for her Turkish style of dance, Anahid is a wealth of knowledge and I have never ever seen anyone dance as beautifully with a veil than this woman. An absolute class act!
Sarah Skinner, NY, NY- http://www.bellydancer.info/index.html
What a beautiful woman and amazing photographer and costumer! She is the whole package. If you have never had the pleasure of watching this beauty dance you must make it a point to get to one of her shows! She is graceful and dances with such an amazing passion. I think everyone, male or female falls in love with her when she dances. Absolutely amazing performer and person!
Ansuya - http://www.ansuya.com/dancer.shtml
Another Bellydance Superstar that is an absolute sweetheart. I had the pleasure of sharing a room with her one year at Rakkasah East when we were vending together for Harry Soryan. She is an absolute trip! I think I nearly peed my pants she had me laughing so hard! Her dancing is out of this world and she is considered an innovator in the dance community.
Rachel Brice, CA- http://www.rachelbrice.com/
Okay, I have never had the pleasure to see Rachel dance in person but I have seen her footage on her website and her performances on the Bellydance Superstars DVD. One word - AMAZING! She is riveting to watch. I could not take my eyes off of her. She has these kickin' tattoos that accentuate her body really nicely. She moves like she has no bones in her body. It is amazing! And her stomach work is to die for. The girl is probably about 90 pounds soaking wet yet she is able to do all these stomach rolls and vibrations, it is unbelievable. Too bad she is in California or I would be studying with her in a heartbeat!
Zafira, PA - http://members.tripod.com/zafiradance/
Ok, this troupe is one half of the now defunct, Ghawazee troupe from Pennsylvania (I am still mourning the loss of that amazing troupe!) I have not had the pleasure of seeing this troupe perform but I know Christine Hamer and she is an amazing dancer and choreographer. Her sister Maria Hamer is also in the troupe and she is another amazing dancer! She moves like water, amazing to watch! With the two of them and gorgeous dancer Olivia on board I am sure they are absolutely amazing!
Khafif, PA - http://www.khafif.com/khafif/
This is the other half of Ghawazee complete with the amazing musicians! Again, I have never seen this troupe actually perform as a troupe but I have seen each of the dancers dance individually and they are all great dancers! I know the troupe leader Neefa has been taking a form of Indian dance and the last time I saw her dance she incorporated alot of the moves and feeling into her tribal dance which made for a really unique and interesting combination. Definitely looking foward to seeing them in action as a troupe.
Awalim, GA - http://www.tribalbellydance.com/
I don't really know these girls too well but the performances that I have seen at Pennsic were great. Check em out if you get the chance. They do some really neat things and are always breaking new ground within tribal dance.
Azziza, MI - http://www.azziza.com/home.shtml
Azziza is such a sweetie. We used to work at the same restaurant when she still lived on Long Island. She is a gorgeous woman and a great dancer. She often comes back to New York and dances at Tarkan Cafe. Do not miss her if you get the chance to see her. She is well worth it.
Music Links
Gypsophila - http://www.gypsophilia.com
This band is my absolute favorite band to dance to!. I met them about 7 years ago at a Renaissance faire in Pennsylvania. It was the Bellydance weekend and I competed in their little bellydance competition and loved the music so much that I followed them around the rest of the day begging them to play so I could dance. Well, I have been dancing with them every summer since then at various Ren. faires. Check out their website and music. You will NOT be disappointed.
Saroyan Zills - http://www.saroyanzils.com/
The only zills I will play. Not only does he make kick ass zills, he is one of the most generous and sweetest men alive! I had the immense pleasure of working for him 3 years in a row at the Festival of the East and Rakkasah. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know him and spend time with him!
Turku - http://www.turkumusic.com/
A must have for any tribal dancer! Absolutely amazing!
Solace - http://eventidemusicproductions.com/
Another must have! A different flavor than Turku but still amazing!