ShimmyUSA (BellyDanceGR)

From a young age Sarah studied ballet, swing, ballroom and Latin. She was introduced to Middle Eastern Dance in 1999 which led her to become a pioneer in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She founded BellyDance Grand Rapids in 2003 and the Ambrosia Theater in 2014. Sarah has studied extensively with Yasmina Ramzy and attended workshops with other artists such as Dina Talaat, Randa Kamal, Sahra Saeeda, Camelia of Cairo, Artemis, Mohamed Salah, Tayyar, Mohamed Shahin, and Dr. George Sawa. Sarah is an instructor and choreographer from 2003 to present, directing Delkash Dance Co. and Allspice Dancers. Sarah furthered her Middle East dance studies by attending Yasmina Ramzy's Planet Egypt Tour in 2017. She has hosted several international dance masters in Grand Rapids in order to enrich the local dance community. In 2018, Sarah co-founded and now manages the Yasmina Ramzy Arts Mentorship Program. Also in 2018, Sarah performed with Arabesque Dance Co. at the CNE and Carassauga Festival. She also performed with Mohamed Salah's Folklore Ensemble at the Bellydance Blossom Festival opening for Dina Talaat.

I began my studies of Egyptian/Arab dance at BellyDance GR in April 2015. I was immediately hooked and knew I wanted to take my dancing to a deeper level, so I began to maximize every opportunity for a higher education. I have studied with Yasmina Ramzy, Tamalyn Dallal, been a part of the Toronto BellyDance Blossom Festival’s exploration & collaborative project, studied with Mohamed Salah of the Reda troupe, Dr. Moe Geddawi and participated in improvisational workshops with Dr. George Sawa, among others. I look forward to accompanying Yasmina Ramzy in October 2018 to an intensive 2-week exploration in Cairo Egypt. I became a member of Sarah Mayne's Professional Performance Troupe, the Delkash Dance Co. in July 2016. Outside of BellyDanceGR, I am a full-time registered nurse and I enjoy playing with my puppy, running half-marathons, drinking wine, practicing yoga and traveling.

Jenn is our fearless Office Manager, who always has a bright smile on her face and a shining personality. She joined the Allspice Dance Performance Troupe in June, 2016. She also takes advanced Aerial Arts classes with Audria of Audacious Hoops and Rachel of Bangarang Circus. She often participates in performances with these groups for festivals and celebrations.

Mina is a dancer currently based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, though originally hailing from the exotic, mysterious land known as Florida. As a dancer, she performs both Vintage Orientale and American Tribal Style BellyDance.