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Parvana

Belly Dance Troupe

Dancers

Mahira, Artistic Director

A lifelong dancer, Mahira found belly dancing when she was pregnant with her first son.  Mahira began belly dancing with Majida Sahar’s Tiger Lily Tribe, then continued with Elodie Hebert’s Wandering Gypsies.  She made her professional debut as a belly dancer in 2005, and founded Gypsy Parvana in 2006.  Mahira has trained throughout the United States and abroad, with her favorite teacher being the incomparable Rachel Brice.   Mahira is a prolific and award winning choreographer, producing  new works regularly for Gypsy Parvana.  Her background as a professional ballerina, with training in modern, jazz, character, and hip-hop brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the troupe.  She is also trained in STOTT Pilates matwork and reformer, and teaches both group classes and private clients.  Mahira recently returned from a sabbatical following the birth of her second son.

Levana

Levana began bellydancing in 2005 following years of musical theater, most recently at Kaleidoscope Theater in Lynn Haven.  Many troupe performances later, she continues to grow from the love and friendships of the Parvanas and watching other bellydancers create magic.  She loves yoga, music, all styles of dance, theater & performing.   She is married to a bagpiper, has a son who performs and a daughter who competes;  usually on different days, thankfully.

 

Mariyah

Mariyah began belly dancing 2 years ago in Jacksonville, Fl after being mesmerized by the "Bellydance Superstars." Mariyah enjoyed many classes based on Cabaret belly dance by the wonderful teacher Julianne. Since moving to Panama City, Fl with her husband, Mariyah has been lucky to find another teacher to practice Tribal belly dance.  Mariyah is excited to begin performing and continue practicing this fun way to exercise.

Saradha

Saradha has always enjoyed dancing and finally got around to trying belly dance in early 2007.  She enjoys shimmying with her adorable 5 year old daughter who has definitely inherited the dancing gene.  Her fabulous husband and son are happy to serve as their grinning, giggly audience.

Jamilla, Assistant Artistic Director

Jamilla began dancing almost 3 years ago under the superb instruction of Elodie Hebert.  While attending her first hafla and seeing the Tiger Lily’s dance, under the direction of Majida Sahar , she decided this was for her.  Jamilla began dancing with them soon after and the original troupe has morphed several times to become Gypsy Parvana led by the talented Mahira.  Dancing at haflas all along the Gulf Coast wasn’t enough so satisfy her inner belly dancer and she began dancing professionally and teaching in 2006, and most recently has ventured into costume design.  Belly dancing has been a life changing experience for Jamilla, it’s not just a hobby but a way of life

Shazadeh, Troupe Secretary

Shazadeh has been belly dancing for two years with the Parvanas, first under Majida Sahar as The Tiger Lilies, then under Zahava Shamsa in Daughters of Gaia, and ultimately with Mahira during the group’s metamorphosis into Gypsy Parvana. While not having any previtraining in dance other than ballet as a child, Shazadeh has delved into studying belly dance and takes the stage with both skill and bold enthusiasm. She has trained with both traditional Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal Style instructors all over North Florida. Shazadeh has danced professionally in Bay County and hopes to travel more in the future to learn and dance in new and diverse venues. Her favorite styles are Turkish Cabaret, Tribal Fusion and Gothic

Elea

Elea began her studies in belly dance with Majida Sahar and then continued with Elodie Hebert.  She made her belly dance debut with the Wandering Gypsies in June 2006, and remained with the troupe now known as Gypsy Parvana.  She is the proud mother of two beautiful children who brighten each and every day of her life.

Viva

A native of Atlanta, Viva moved to Panama City Beach in 2005 to work less and enjoy life more.  She came in contact with belly dance through Education Encore classes at Gulf Coast Community College, and sought out more classes to continue the fun. Viva’s husband, Larry, and the rest of her family and friends celebrate her newfound love of the dance.  Viva says the warmth and encouragement of her new dance friends make her heart sing.  She believes that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood!

Iona

Iona is pursuing activities that she didn’t do in her youth.  Belly dancing was high on her list since living in Turkey for 15 months.  While there she became fascinated with belly dance, especially when seeing the art form on television specials several times.  Iona is the mother of a high school senior who is getting ready to graduate.  “Yea,” she says!  Iona has been taking classes for a year and finally took the plunge into performance at Gypsy Parvana’s  hafla, “Shimmy Down the House.” 

Gypsy Parvana has  recently added new dancers:  Zahira, Missy, Bella, and Paloma.

 Please check back for their bios and photos!