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"Helena’s" passion for Egyptian dance began after a
search for something “different” to introduce to her
exercise classes and clients she works with as a
Personal Trainer. After her first lesson with Diana
Shahein of the Beledi Dance Theatre, she knew that
this wasn’t just another aerobic exercise class, it was
a beautiful dance that celebrates femininity and the
beauty within. Helena soon discovered that this
ancient art form brought back what so many women
have been searching for through the weight training
and aerobic classes she teaches...self-confidence and
feeling good about yourself. In a society so easily
influenced by Hollywood’s misguided ideals of what
women should look like, this ancient dance embraces
all women of all ages, shapes and sizes and creates a
sense of psychological well being and a sisterhood
with others that share the same love for music and
search for something “different” to introduce to her
exercise classes and clients she works with as a
Personal Trainer. After her first lesson with Diana
Shahein of the Beledi Dance Theatre, she knew that
this wasn’t just another aerobic exercise class, it was
a beautiful dance that celebrates femininity and the
beauty within. Helena soon discovered that this
ancient art form brought back what so many women
have been searching for through the weight training
and aerobic classes she teaches...self-confidence and
feeling good about yourself. In a society so easily
influenced by Hollywood’s misguided ideals of what
women should look like, this ancient dance embraces
all women of all ages, shapes and sizes and creates a
sense of psychological well being and a sisterhood
with others that share the same love for music and
dance. Helena teaches this dance as a dance for
women by women that allows the freedom of self-
expression and sensuality without being “sinful”.
Determined to dispel the misconceptions
surrounding the belly dance, Helena maintains
integrity and adheres to a certain code of belly dance
ethics that has earned her the reputation for keeping
this dance style in good taste. Believing that a good
teacher never stops being a student, Helena
continues her education in this dance form through
workshops, private lessons and exchanging
information with her peers. Helena is artistic director
of Egyptian Velvet, a dance troupe that performs
Egyptian style belly dance with a flair for having
fun. Incorporating other styles, techniques and
personal interaction with the audience, Egyptian
Velvet’s performances are fun and unique.
women by women that allows the freedom of self-
expression and sensuality without being “sinful”.
Determined to dispel the misconceptions
surrounding the belly dance, Helena maintains
integrity and adheres to a certain code of belly dance
ethics that has earned her the reputation for keeping
this dance style in good taste. Believing that a good
teacher never stops being a student, Helena
continues her education in this dance form through
workshops, private lessons and exchanging
information with her peers. Helena is artistic director
of Egyptian Velvet, a dance troupe that performs
Egyptian style belly dance with a flair for having
fun. Incorporating other styles, techniques and
personal interaction with the audience, Egyptian
Velvet’s performances are fun and unique.
| Please visit: Shangri-La Boutique |
These and other beautiful designer
originals can be purchased at the
Shangri-La boutique located in the
Commons in downtown Ithaca, NY,
156 East State St. TEL (607)
272.6156 or 5955.
originals can be purchased at the
Shangri-La boutique located in the
Commons in downtown Ithaca, NY,
156 East State St. TEL (607)
272.6156 or 5955.
Above photos by: Dudley McConnell
Click on images for purchase information
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| "Helena" is a certified Personal Trainer and holds a BA in Physical Education. Her dance background includes 10 years of Jazz, Tap and Modern Ballet with the late Marie Monforte. Diana Mahat Shahein, of The Beledi Dance Theatre, has been Helena's Egyptian Dance instructor and mentor for the past 7 years. Helena continues to attend workshops with many fabulous dancers, including Jillina, Ansuya, and others from the Belly Dance Super Stars and various instructors of different styles and techniques in Belly Dance. |
| "Dance is a gift we give to eachother. We tell eachother stories through motion, just like singers tell a story with vocals and actors act out their stories in a play. When we dance, it should never be about ourselves, it is about giving to others. Gifts come from the heart. A true dancer has no room in her heart for cattiness." Helena |