This means that we have two more classes at the current location – May 13 and May 20. Classes will resume at RISPA in July. At that time we will have both a beginning class (7-8pm)and an intermediate class (8-9pm).

Until then, I will be offering the same Tuesday night class at my home studio (325 Aqueduct Ct, Alpharetta, GA 30022) at 8-9pm – for the same $10 RISPA rate.
Please contact me to confirm your attendance in this class.

Please be considerate – This is my HOME studio and I need to know if people will be coming.

You may pay in advanced for these classes using pay pal for a cluster of 6 sessions:

Amani has a B.A. in Government & International Studies from University of South Carolina with a concentration in Middle Eastern studies. She has traveled and studied in France which is where she encountered Indian Bhangara as danced in the “Asian” clubs of London. But it was when she had the opportunity to travel and do research in Cameroon, West Africa, that she fell in love with the African people, their dancing and drumming.

After completing her B.A. she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to become a full-time dancer. She also entered Georgia State University where she completed her Master’s Degree in Anthropology in 2002. She presently works at the Middle East Center for Peace, Culture and Development at Georgia State University and is seriously considering earning her Ph.D. She is very interested in immigrant/refugee groups and their expressive and visual cultures. A few questions from my interview with her follows:

Ziva: Amani, when did you first get interested in belly dance?
Amani: Well, as you know, I have been a dancer my entire life. Being a dancer is “what” you are, not “who” you are. It truly is a part of your everyday being and a way for your spirit to express itself. So, strangely enough, I found myself at a point in my life where I was NOT dancing. So, thinking back, I was probably looking for something to fill that need. I happened upon a “belly dance” class that was being taught at the local recreation center and was hooked during my first class. I was totally infatuated and totally terrified at the same time. I supposed when you feel those two things at the same time, you know for sure that it is love.

Ziva: What is your other dance background?
Amani: Since I was a child, I have been involved in dance and theatre…thanks, Mom! My mom is an incredibly creative person and has always encouraged me towards new learning experiences as well as other cultures. I have been dancing since I was about 3 years old in either ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics and some modern dance.

My involvement with Middle Eastern dance (MED), opened the door for me to, in turn, engage and explore World dance and culture. Dancing a people’s dance has been an invaluable opportunity for me to get to know a people both socially as well as culturally. First, I began to explore the diverse people and dances of the Middle East. About the same time I came to MED I was introduced to, and immediately hooked on, Latin dance. After that came West African dance, then some popular Indian dances; Flamenco and Greek dance. My dance education is constantly growing and evolving. As I encounter new people and have new experiences, I dance them and they become part of me.

Ziva: Where do you perform regularly in Atlanta?
Amani: At the Taverna Plaka and the Persepolis restaurants. I have been at Taverna Plaka for about two years.

Ziva: Who would you say has been your most inspirational teacher?
Amani: Well, I’d have to say that Diana Corianni of Atlanta has been a true mentor to me. Diane is a classically trained dancer with a wide knowledge and experience of Orientale dance. She is truly inspiring and has helped me to “live the dance.”

Ziva: As you are aware, belly dance is making a huge impact on the country right now. It’s showing up in gyms, recreation centers, etc. What are your thoughts on this?
Amani: Certainly, I am happy when there is an interest taken in Middle Eastern dance and culture. It is my belief, and the focus of most of my work, that dance is part of our symbolic culture and expresses the values, norms and beliefs of a society. Dance, like many other arts, expresses what might not be able to be articulated through words. As such, it is a great way to introduce people to that culture. Certainly, this trend has meant more opportunities for professional dancers to work (in the way of classes and performances)…and all of us do seem to have this strange fondness for full-stomachs and secure, comfortable housing. That being said, the many dance classes and Middle Eastern themed events that we are seeing more of in American pop culture does give me pause. There are other aspects to this question, of course. I wonder whether or not this new fashion is the beginning of a genuine interest in Middle Eastern culture (and in turn, that that interest is being met with informed and responsible instruction) or if it is simply, what I have come to call, a ‘Pier 1 Multiculturalism’, which essentially is a superficial interest in other cultures aimed at the level of exotic novelty to be consumed, like so many souvenirs.

Ziva: You sponsor an annual event in Columbia, South Carolina, right?
Amani: Yes. It’s called “Evening in the Harem”. I originally cofounded this with two colleagues of mine. Currently, I am the Artistic Director and I wanted US to have a place to study, dance and promote (from within) new southeastern stars. We have been holding this event for five years now. I did it because I wanted to bring something back to my hometown. For more information on Amani’s vast experience please visit her website at www.amanijabril.com

The first stop: Café Amira – I thought this was a good omen, since my kitten’s name is Amira! True enough – this self-styled pan-Arabian hideaway boasts not only Fat Chance Bellydance, among their entertainers, but also Susu, Reda Darwish, May Ellen Donald and more! This evening Fat Chance was performing in trio. Though I had seen their videos, I was eager to see the real thing in action. True to form – there were the subtle hip movements, beautifully executed turns and powerful arm movements that remind one of a flamenco dancer – the signature FCBD style. As I watch this colorful performance I was reminded of what FCBD says about themselves, that “tribal draws upon the ancient and multicultural roots of the belly dance…” his brought me to my first lesson. FCBD’s style is a fusion of many influences just like San Francisco and, indeed, the U.S. itself. That’s the great thing about being an American dancer – we have a great deal of diversity at our fingertip. Look around! What do these different cultural and ethnic groups bring to share at the American table? Use it! FCBD put on a beautiful, well prepared, well presented show. I was very surprised that there was not a biggercrowd. There could not have been more than 17 peopl in the entire place – did they know what they were missing? Lesson 2: Even the big names play small venues. Encouragement for those, as yet, undiscovered talents dancing their hearts and hips out. Hang in there – keep creating – stay beautiful! On to the next adventure – the 99th Annual American Anthropological Association Conference. Yep, there are anthropologists who dance!