Our Instructors

Zahavah Noor:

When not dancing, Zahavah is a public relations consultant, and lets the media know when we are up to something! When not writing and editing, she performs not only cabaret-style Middle Eastern dance, but also many types of folkloric dance, including guedra, ghawazee and debke. In June, 2008, she attended Egyptian dance classes in Cairo. In February, 2010, she received the Al Massraweya dance/study certification from Faten Salama. In 2010 she also studied in Turkey. She is also our accredited yoga instructor.

Malak:

A certified zumba trainer, Malak is also a Middle Eastern Belly Dance performer. In February, 2010, she received the Al Massraweya dance/study certification from Faten Salama. She also has her 200 RYT in yoga and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Her experience at restaurants and special events, as well as her extensive dance classes, give her a superior understanding of how the body moves. She also coaches belly dancers who want to improve their technique.

Flamenco: Cherie Scillia

Cherie studies with visiting flamenco artists from Spain including Rosario Montoya ("La Farruca"), and Miguel Vargas of the Centro de Arte y Flamenco de Sevilla. Cherie, who has a background in physical and health education, has also studied with flamenco masters in the US: Teo Morca, Joaquin Encinias, Magdalena (NYC) and Melinda Hedgcorth (based in Sevilla), and attends the annual Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque.

Our Staff

Tim Seitz:

Tim has a PhD in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, and an executive MBA from Harvard. So what does he actually prefer? Call him Dr. Tango. He teaches Argentine Tango at the studio. He also is the webmaster for this site, and runs Safira's business. Tim also enjoys several forms of ballroom dance, including the smooth, rhythm, and swing forms.

David Staples:

David says he's a "technician," but he raises technique to art by meticulous attention to detail. For instance, what a sacrifice last summer, when he spent 2 hours photographing women with a snake! When not photographing belly dancers, he's a wedding photographer. See David's photos on our home page and show gallery as well.

Elaine Kinder:

Elaine's career is Massage Therapy, and her avocation is playing doumbek in the Big Bad Bagdad Band with Jayla and many Middle Eastern dancers from our area. She's there to greet students the first day of class and help them enroll, and she keeps our tuition orderly and organized. We are very grateful!

Jayla:

Jayla teaches Middle Eastern dance through the Parks and Recreation Department, and takes many classes at the Park Board and at Safira's. She is also a member of the Big Bad Bagdad Band, and dances with Johari and the Pussycats. At Safira's, she manages ticket sales, consignment goodies like zills and hip wraps, and helps Elaine welcome you to class! (She's pictured with a friend at the Renaissance Festival.)