| Egyptian Twist Studio of Bellydance Bellydance Lessons and Performances with Helena (Juanita Smart) AFAA certified Personal Trainer |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
About Me
| About Me A certified Personal Trainer with a BA in Physical Education, Helena has 15 years teaching experience in fitness and dance. Her dance studies began with the late Marie Pompeii Monforte of the Southern Tier Academy of Dance and Acrobatics, winning numerous awards in the art of jazz dance. Helena then persued her studies in fitness and aerobics and later began Egyptian Dance studies under the direction of the late Diana Shahein of the Beledi Dance Theatre Co. Helena has studied American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS) with LeeLu of the Shazam World Bellydance Group in Syracuse, NY and Tribal Fusion with Haifa, Haifa Bellydance, Tunkhannock, PA and workshops with Bellydance Superstars Jillina, Morocco, Ansuya and numerous instructors from Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Africa and Romania. Helena teaches this dance as a dance for women by women, encouraging the freedom of self-expression through theatrical dance movements and providing a supportive group environment that allows for a positive dance experience. Helena's teaching technique stems from her background in physical fitness. Her accurate understanding of muscle functions gives her the advantage of being able to correctly break down movements, making it easier for students to follow and creating a more effective learning experience. Believing that a good teacher never stops being a student, Helena continues her education in this dance genre through workshops and private lessons and is the choreographer and artistic director of Egyptian Velvet, her student dance troupe. Other studies include courses, workshops and seminars in the art of group exercise instruction at SUNY, Binghamton and dance teaching workshops throughout NY and PA. Helena is recognized throughout the region as a quality instructor who maintains the essence and integrity of this dance genre, adhering to the standards of Middle Eastern dance technique. Workshops in various styles of bellydance, use of numerous props and fitness guidelines are available, along with teaching technique workshops designed for new instructors. |
Please visit:
Shangri-La Boutique
Photos by: Dudley McConnell
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.
Shangri-La Boutique
Photos by: Dudley McConnell
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.
| What people are saying about Helena Not only is Helena an amazing person, she is an amazing teacher and dancer. You can definitely see that she has passion and loves what she does. Many blessings and happy shimmying! ~ Nikki Emmons This lady is an advert for her craft.~ Ann Russell Helena is a great teacher, a wonderful dancer, a quality individual! ~ Theresa Zavada Helena is a beautiful person inside and out. She not only will teach you to get healthy in your body, but knowing her uplifts your spirit! ~ Shelley Jones Helena is an awesome teacher! We love offering Belly Dance at The Body Lab. ~ Francine Finucan For you who don't know, here is my friend HELENA who is not only one heck of a GREAT person, sista and friend, but is also a great dancer and dramatist. I hope you enjoy her friendship as much as I have. ~ Rhoni A Petra Horton |
