Belly Dance

We all have a passion outside of our workday world, and mine is belly dance. I was hooked from the first time I saw a dancer in a sparkling two-piece costume performing on a stage in Cairo, during my travels through Egypt.  It wasn’t just the costumes that kept me coming back for more, but the fabulous Middle Eastern music and the incredible camaraderie that develops between belly buddies. I perform under my stage name, Inara (the Hittite goddess of the wild animals).  After a day of sitting at my computer writing, performing belly dance provides a nice balance for mind and body.

I was artistic director for the Jewels of the Desert Belly Dance Troupe in Yucca Valley.  Here are some pictures of me and my lovely and talented ladies.

Inara competing in Belly Dancer of the Universe contest

Inara competing in the Belly Dancer of the Universe contest, Long Beach, California

Inara dancing with a sword at Palm Springs VillageFest

Inara dancing with a sword at Palm Springs VillageFest

The Lovely Jewels of the Desert Performing

The Jewels of the Desert performing at Earth Day

Jewels of the Desert

Jewels of the Desert

Performing at Redlands Market Night

Jewels at Redlands Market Night

Inara at the Casablanca Restaurant

Inara at the Casablanca Restaurant

Aminah with her Sultan of Swing

Aminah with her Sultan of Swing

Assistant Director of the Troupe, Supreme Goddess Jasmine

Assistant Director of the Troupe, Supreme Goddess Jasmine

LindaED

The sassy Shegrah performs

Samina Performs Veil

Samina shows off her veil moves

Sandy with her Sword

Sandy with her sword

The Lovely Kari Rose

The lovely Kari Rose

The Jewels Perform at Cairo Carnival

The Jewels perform at Cairo Carnival

Christina Wrapped in Isis Wings

Christina wrapped in Isis wings

Ray Jayne feels the music

Ray Jayne feels the music

Performing an Egyptian Folkloric Dance at Cairo Carnival

Performing an Egyptian folkloric dance at Cairo Carnival

Inara Performing with the Beautiful Angelica

Inara performing with the beautiful Angelica

Rebekah Prepares to Go Onstage

Rebekah prepares to go onstage