About usBelly Revelations
Belly Revelations is a group of talented and fun-loving dancers who bring smiles and spirit to this exciting Middle Eastern art form. We believe that bellydancing, like all parts of life, should be approached with happiness in your heart and a shimmy in your shake.

Ankhara at the North Carolina Museum of Art's opening reception for the Egyptian Exhibit, 2007


Ankhara has spent most of her life as a musician and enjoying dance. Over the years her interests have included yoga, Reiki, and theatrical performance. Now bellydance is her main artistic focus.  She firmly believes (as Martha Graham stated) "Dance is the hidden language of the soul."


. Qadria dancing with her cane at Heritage Assisted Living in Raleigh

When Qadria's children left home several years ago, she finally had the time and money at the same time to take dance classes. The first dance teacher she met taught bellydance. Mariel's view of bellydance is that it's an expression of spirituality, a way of establishing community while establishing your personal power, freedom, and joy. It's made all the difference in Qadria's life, and as she passes along the dance to new folks, she hears them say the same thing. Who knew dancing, and especially dancing in community, could be such an uplifting experience? She's been lucky enough to have a supportive and devoted spouse, Jeff, who describes himself as the wind beneath her wings. Her grown children Steve and Valerie are likewise supportive, and proud of their mom the bellydancer.

 

 

Some of the many former members of Belly Revelations
(more photos coming as soon as Q figures out how to make that happen) Jaleelah on the float at Raleigh's Christmas parade 2004


Jaleelah came to bellydancing after suffering a knee injury during a game of Jaleelah and Erik, born since the previous photoindoor soccer. A former tomboy and jock, she likes bellydancing for the strength and coordination required. In addition to being a bellydancer, Jaleelah is mother to her boy, Erik, and president of August Editorial, a biomedical writing company.
 
Kalista at the Darfur benefit, 2007


Kalista is a single mom who has been dancing for the pure joy of the movement since she was a child.  She is a full time environmental consultant, an instructor of Aikido, a practitioner of Hot Yoga, and a priestess of the Divine Spirit.

Last updated August 3, 2009

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