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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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Contrary to popular belief, Oriental dance (the correct name for belly dancing) did not originate as a dance of seduction
done by harem girls to seduce the sultan.
While Americans and Europeans step to the beat of the music, people in the Middle East might shimmy to the music.
Some of the hip movements found in the women's dances have ancient symbolic meaning and have nothing to do with
seduction, but rather, a celebration of femininity and maturity and in ancient rituals, the dance was used to strengthen the
body for childbirth.
Our dances are folkloric in nature, keep in line with the traditional roots of this dance, are family oriented and are perfectly
appropriate for community events and festivals.
done by harem girls to seduce the sultan.
While Americans and Europeans step to the beat of the music, people in the Middle East might shimmy to the music.
Some of the hip movements found in the women's dances have ancient symbolic meaning and have nothing to do with
seduction, but rather, a celebration of femininity and maturity and in ancient rituals, the dance was used to strengthen the
body for childbirth.
Our dances are folkloric in nature, keep in line with the traditional roots of this dance, are family oriented and are perfectly
appropriate for community events and festivals.