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Alyssa took her first American Cabaret bellydance class with Tamra Tahira when she attended Penn State University. She was new to the campus and wanted to become more involved in culturally diverse activities. Middle Eastern dance stood out to her because she was interested in non-traditional dance forms and had a fascination with the history and culture of the Egyptian people. Having had no prior experience or formal instruction in any kind of dance, Alyssa was a bit apprehensive to sign up for the class and only did so because a friend registered with her. After only two classes, Alyssa found it to be a very comfortable and fun atmosphere and she was “hooked.” She had no idea that what started as a non-credit college class would later become such a big part of her life.
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After graduating from college, Alyssa moved away from the area, but she was able to find a new dance instructor, Tahya. Tahya's class focused on the dance rhythms of Middle Eastern music and she taught Alyssa how to play the frame drum. Tahya also helped her improve her technique with the finger cymbals.
Alyssa moved to southern Florida in 2007 and studied with Na’ila, who introduced her to Tribal Fusion. While in Florida, she had the opportunity to attend many Haflas (Arabic dance parties) and to perform. Florida is a very unique area because the dance community is very involved and tight knit, providing her with many incredible opportunities for development in dance. Alyssa was involved in putting together a choreography and performance at the Manatee Community College Day of the Arts Festival and she was also provided with her first opportunity to perform in restaurants, Zorba’s Greek Restaurant and Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro, in Naples.
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That same year, Alyssa took her first workshop, “The Magic of Bellydance,” with an original Bellydance Superstar, Ansuya. Ansuya's workshops are often extensive, involving the commitment to long hours over several weekends. She completed all three of Ansuya's certification courses and earned an Elite Graduate Certificate in Ansuya's unique style of dance, referred to as "Cabaribalusion." This dance style is a fusion of American Cabaret and Tribal style bellydance, with hints of Indian, African and Flamenco movements. Alyssa has trained more extensively with Ansuya than any other instructor.
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| Over the last few years Alyssa has also taken workshops and individual classes with Alexandra King, Ava Fleming, Helena Vlahos, Angela Prato, Sahra Saeeda and another original Bellydance Superstar, Tamalyn Dallal. Alyssa is most excited about continuing Sahra Saeeda's "Journey Through Egypt" certification, which will include a period of study in Egypt. Each instructor has her own unique style and has contributed a lot to the American bellydance scene. |
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| Alyssa loves learning as many different styles from as many different instructors as she can because doing so makes her an educated, well-rounded dancer. She believes it is important to take every possible opportunity to learn from as many diverse dance instructors as possible. It is Alyssa's goal to pass on her knowledge and to help continue to develop as strong a bellydance community in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area as she has found in Florida and other parts of the country. |
Alyssa has received several certificates from original
Bellydance Superstar Ansuya & Sahra Saeeda:
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