I’ve been looking forward to taking classes at the Rhody Center for a while. I finally signed up for what will hopefully be the first of many classes. Yesterday I was excited to take my first belly dance class. Kristen was very friendly and helpful. She took the movements slowly, broke them down and explained the mechanics. In addition, Kristen sought our input and geared the class toward our needs, making it indivialized. The added benefit was the small class size of wonderful, like minded people. I love the music, the dance space (colorful), the instructor, and the variation in styles (Arabic vs. Egyptian, etc.). Thank you for an amazing first experience and thank you Julie for hooking me up with a coin hip scarf. Can’t wait to spend next week learning more with everyone!
As a youth, Inara’s world was immersed in the arts. She
studied and performed Irish Step Dance for six years, participating
in numerous competitions. As an adult, she studied karate and was
working toward her level II Black Belt when she discovered belly
dance.
Inara began taking belly
dance classes on whim in 2012 and was instantly swept up by the
glitter and sound of coin belts. Her love of movement and laughter
are what makes classes with her so enjoyable. Students learn new
ways to move as they have fun and create new connections to music
and the space around them. As a teacher, she strives to show women
that they can learn a new skill while building confidence and
enjoying themselves every step of the way no matter their age or
ability.
In addition to teaching in Rhode Island, Inara is Assistant
Director of Beledi Dance Company, which performs an array of
colorful, artistic dances, representing the many facets of Middle
Eastern culture. The BDC regularly performs for appreciative
audiences throughout southern New England. Recently Inara has
appeared as a featured soloist at Efendi’s Mediterranean Restaurant
and The Continental Restaurant, two of Rhode Island’s premier
Middle Eastern dance venues. She has also performed at Nara
and a number of runway shows and festivals including Fashion RI, RI
Comicon, Revel Fest and most recently Providence Pride Fest.
When not dancing, Inara spends her time teaching music to
children and adults of all ages, designing costumes, and creating
colorful hand-dyed silk veils for many performers in our area.