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Contact S.I.S. via email at SirensInSanityBD@aol.com |
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ALMAZA (meaning: sapphire or diamond) has been dancing
since the age of 2 in several different styles of dance: ballet, jazz, modern, African,
hula and belly dance. Music and dance are the 'universal languages' and are appreciated
by all. Being very fascinated by different customs and cultures, belly dance allows her
"the freedom, beauty and spirituality" to combine all types of dance with this multi-ethnic
cultural dance. With taking a trip to Jordan and with the help of a
dear, family friend, the decision was to try another style of dance.
Being mentored by Kieshka, Selayma and Loa, Almaza has
exploded into another realm in her dance career. Almaza is a teacher apprentice of Sirens In Sanity.
E-mail Almaza
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ASTARTE - Historically, Astarte was an ancient Phoenician goddess. She is a symbol of the
divine feminine and a protector of warriors. Our Astarte is a Bay Area native. Growing up in
the area offered her a lot of opportunities to indulge her artistic and earthy nature. While
drawing dancers in the ballet class, the teacher invited her to stand at the bar and give it
a try. From that point on Astarte has been active in several dance communities. Sirens In
Sanity has become a connection to the air of her artistic expression, the earth of her spirit,
the water of SISterhood running through all of us, and the fire of her soul.
E-mail Astarte
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AMBER (given name) joined Sirens In Sanity in early 2007 after a long time curiosity
about belly dancing, and has since come to love its beauty and complexity, as well having
come to love all her SISters. "The women and the positive energy they generate are truly
amazing. I've never felt so much support from so many people at the same time." As an efficiency
and workflow specialist by day, she takes in as many classes as possible each week as part of
her 'me time' and to fill her need to truly feel and internalize music. She recently began
performing with SIS's dance company, and has a varied music-based performance background
marching and symphonic band in high school (flute, tenor sax, and bassoon), vocal jazz
ensemble and concert band in college, and she played bassoon with the Walnut Creek Concert
Band. She is also the volunteer coordinator for a local winery, and coordinates volunteer
coverage for the winery's special events. "Why? Because I get paid in wine! :-)" Most
importantly, Amber is the mother of an amazing young woman who is not only her daughter
but also her friend, and spends as much time with her daughter as possible. Bringing belly
dance into this already full life has allowed her to develop a part of herself previously
denied, and she enjoys every moment of the work, growth, and fun that is belly dance.
E-mail Amber
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CARISSA RAZI (meaning: beloved secret). Although the name officially doesn't mean caring, it is also that
quality that made it stand out as hers. It is a heart felt joy to be dancing with Sirens in grace and beauty.
In a time of life where everything is changing; it is perfect timing bringing this sister to a room full of
chattering inspiring, strong Sister Sirens. She is a Bay Area born and raised California girl with no real
dance background, only a few semesters of jazz dance PE in high school, and folk dance festivals with Girl Scouts
and marching band. Does that even get close? She took two months of community center belly dance classes with
Ashira in American Canyon & got hooked. With all of her 19+ Sister Sirens, amazed that in her lifetime she has
found two lovely teachers, mentors and life counselors in the package! She has only been dancing since late 2006 and
looking forward to becoming a refined and dignified dancer like the rest of the Sisters that she looks up to.
She is currently helping people with their company benefits and organizing things for a great insurance brokerage.
She enjoys gardening, rides in her convertible or on the back of her husbands Harley. She is part of her husband’s
drag boat racing team of the Top Alcohol Hydro "You're Next". She is the softball, volleyball and karate Mom you
will find at games and tournaments and also the proud enthusiast of her son the Chef. Find out more about Carissa
Rasi: myspace.com/carissarazi. E-mail Carrisa Razi
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CHENOA (meaning: dove) Chenoa has been with Sirens In Sanity since 1999.
No matter what life has brought to her, good or bad, through joy and tears,
the call of her beautiful SISters and this beautiful art form will always be heard.
For her, Sirens In Sanity IS SANITY! E-mail Chenoa
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NURIYAH MISHAEL (meaning: brilliant light) originally started dancing as a child. She had a wonderful Ballet instructor
who took her under her wing and really poured her heart into Nuriyah. Unfortunately she had a horrible horseback
riding accident that crushed both kneecaps and ended her future in Ballet. She searched long and hard for
something to take it’s place and finally found it at Sirens In Sanity. She loves belly dancing because it’s
an expression of who she is. It speaks to her inner self and soothes her soul. Nuriyah started Belly Dancing because
she has been fascinated by Middle Eastern Culture as long as she can remember. This might have something to
do with her mom dancing while she was pregnant with her. Nuiryah's other passions include her family, friends and
racing. Racing & dancing are very much a yin & yang type of thing. What she loves about dancing is the grace and
the celebrationof all that is feminine.
E-mail Desiree
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DEVONA is a family name passed from mother to daughter. She wishes to celebrate, through
dance, the deep bond and sisterhood she shares with her mother, her sister, her daughter, as well
as her newly found SISters within the Sirens. In 2006, she took her first belly dancing class at
a local community center and was immediately hooked. Although, this initial training was brief
it led her on a quest to find her predestined belly dance family with Sirens In Sanity. Her
first true exposure to the belly dance community was at Desert Dance Festival in 2006 and she
is thrilled that her first performance was at Desert Dance Festival in 2007. You can learn
more about Devona by visiting myspace.com/stormyblue707
E-mail Devona.
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LEILI (meaning: my nights) The first thing you will notice when
you see Leili dance is her happy spirit. She lets you know how good it feels to dance! Leili
has been with SIS since 2004 and is having a great time developing her style.
She also enjoys dancing to the music of her Slovenian heritage.
E-mail Leili
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MINNET is a native Californian, but as a young girl, lived in Tehran, Iran for
2 years with her family. Later, she developed an interest in horse back riding, and after high school,
spent 6 months in England, taking courses with the British Horse Society. But before, during and after,
she was and is a BIG TIME TREKKIE!! She is holding a Klingon Balth in this picture. She likes to work out,
take pictures of cemetaries, shoot guns and hoops, go to Warriors games, and ride on the back of her
boyfriend's Harley. She has parlayed her love of animals to being a Veterinary technician for over 20
years. The last 14 in emergency and critical care only in Concord, Cal. No where in all of this is
any mention of dancing. Not in a million years did she think she would dance, let alone belly dance!
But here she is, since March 2007. Her stage name of Minnet means gratitude. She feels grateful to
be a part of a group of beautiful women. They have taken her under their wings, and are teaching
her to learn to spread hers and to fly! She only hopes, that someday, she can help other Sisters
to learn to fly as well. E-mail Minnet
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MUTHA - It started as a dare...It's now an obsession! Mutha (a family nickname) has been dancing
with Sirens in Sanity since 2003. She loves dancing with her SISters and never misses an opportunity
to perform. If she makes you smile, tap your toes or want to shimmy those hips, then she knows she
has accomplished her goal of sharing the joy of belly dance with you. Mutha is a teacher apprentice of Sirens In Sanity.
E-mail Mutha
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NADIMA (meaning: entertainer or drinking partner.) has been dancing since 2004
and started after seeing a belly dancer at a New Year's Eve party and thought it would be fun.
She totally feels in love, not only with the dance, but the fabulous costumes!
She has danced with Yosifah Rose in Martinez and studied with Kamseen. She loves all forms
of belly dance and is a partner in Hizz al Banat (shaking Sisters). Nadima joined SIS in
2006 and has found a home and belly dancing family, and is very proud to call herself a Siren!
E-mail Nadima
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RA'EESAH (meaning: leader, princess, & noble) started belly dancing in 2004 because it looked like
fun and wanted the exercise benefits. SHE FELL IN LOVE! She enjoys every style of belly dance and is a
partner in the trio Hizz al Banat. She has studied with Yosifah Rose of Martinez and Kamseen of Concord.
She joined the SISterhood of Sirens In Sanity in 2006 and wants to thank her instructors Chari and Tammi
for their patience, freedom of expression, passion and love. And to my SISters in the studio, Thank you for
your support, humor and friendships! She feels free and alive when she dances, and we are sure you will
feel the same when you see her perform. Her other passions include Tasia her 19 year old daughter, her 11
year old twins Devyn & Jordyn and her husband David. Please visit Ra'eesah's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/sirenraeesah.
E-mail Ra'eesah
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SAIEDEH (Sigh-ee-dah: meaning "happiest")
I have been dancing since early childhood studying ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, Polynesian
and modern dance. I started teaching at 16, so it's been over 30 years now. Since moving
to Benicia from San Diego, in 1996, learning the art of belly dance has been my main focus.
A high point was in 2001 when I won the title of "Grand Dancer of the Year". I have tried to
develop a unique blend of all the influences I have encountered and am teaching that
technique in classes at Sirens In Sanity Dance Studio. "It is interesting how the different
dance styles blend together. I am constantly amazed at the universality of the art of dance."
E-mail Saiedeh
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SALIMA SISLI was born in Maryland, has lived in South
Carolina, Cuba, Philippines before moving to Lafayette at age 10. She started her dance
education at 5 years old in tap, jazz and ballet and taught tap and jazz as an adult.
She did some modeling with Diana Dobbs Fashions in her teens and was on Chuck Barris’ $1.98
Beauty Show, which led to an appearance on 20/20 promoting the show! She has performed in
many different arenas including the Italian Consulate in San Francisco. One of the things
which brought lots of fun to her life was being an Oakland Raiderette for 4 years! She
has done theatre too, A Chorus Line, The Best Little Whore House in Texas, Mame and Sweet
Charity in Contra Costa County. Not stopping there, she started body-building and competed
with her husband, Robert for a few years. They have a son, Cameron John who is on traveling
baseball and track teams. So in addition to being a wife, mom, full time accountant and
dancer, this energetic woman is also a personal trainer!
E-mail Salima Sisli
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SIMONE A former Special Education teacher, Simone moved to Benicia, CA eight years ago from Oak
Park, IL...a suburb of Chicago. She first became interested in belly dancing after seeing Loa and
other belly dancers in the local parade. She began taking lessons shortly afterwards with Loa, who
became her mentor, and under Loa's guidance, soon began performing. In 2004, she joined Sirens In
Sanity and has happily been with the dance company ever since. No stranger to audiences, Simone
had been performing in various types of venues since she was a teenager. She studied and performed
piano, tap and jazz dance, as well as studied modern dance at The Dance and Movement Therapy Center
in Chicago. A big fan of the stage, Simone also enjoyed participating in community theater. However,
one of her most interesting and eccentric artistic endeavors was that of a magician's assistant with
Fred Paul Bailey and "The Magic Company" of Forest Park, IL. Doing jazz, tap, and hip-hop while
helping perform wonderful and mind boggling illusions and other magic tricks seems to fit in with
her eccentric personality! And no...she won't give away any secrets!! (not even to her husband and
two sons!) Simone is thrilled to be one of the "SISters" with Sirens In Sanity as well as a solo
performer in various venues throughout the Bay Area. Please visit Simone's MySpace page
at www.myspace.com/sirensimone. E-mail Simone
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YASMINE (Yaz-meen: meaning "friendly") has been belly dancing since 1996.
She is a professional soloist who dances in local restaurants and family parties, as well as being the Co-Owner,
Co-Instructor, Co-Director and Girl Friday for Sirens In Sanity. She has professionally performed & taught in Jamaica,
Kauai, Oregon, and Montana. The instructors she receives the most inspiration from are Saiedeh, Dunia and Fahtiem.
She also enjoys modeling for photographers and still artists, cooking, hot rod & motorcycle shows, camping and fly fishing with her family.
Yasmine extends much love and devotion to her husband, John, her son A.J. and her wonderful
family, whose support and patience allows her to share the joy that dancing
brings her. Please also visit Yasmine's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/sirenyasmine.
E-mail Yasmine
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ZYPHIRE ("Zih-feer": meaning "of resolute intention") is right at home on stage.
She has been performing in various choir, theatre and dance groups since she was 6 years old. Throughout the
years, Zyphire's hard work paid off with not only an internship-type program with the Oregon Shakespeare
Festival, but also a performance at Carnegie Hall. Since January 2001, belly dance has helped emerge a
passion and drive in Zyphire as a solosist, Dance Company member and director of Sister Sirens, a progressive
fusion troupe. She is known in the dance community for her unconventional style and flair for fun. Who else
but Zyphire would perform with a tray of asparagus, belly dance to Conjunction Junction or pretend she
is a Bond girl? It is Zyphire’s tongue-in-cheek attitude that keeps her SISters and her audience smiling.
Zyphire has a great admiration for the diversity of the dance and its acceptance towards everyone, no matter
who they are. You can also visit Zyphire's web page at http://zyphiredance.googlepages.com and her MySpace page
at www.myspace.com/zyphiredance. E-mail Zyphire
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NAIA (Meaning: To Flow /i.e. water) Was born and raised here in the Bay Area.
She has always loved to dance. In fact, she was the family entertainer, and was
given the nickname,"boogie"(which she is still called) before she could even walk.
It wasnt until her teen years,that she began taking "formal" dance classes. Since
then, she has tried on several dance shoes, including Jazz, Ballet, Flamenco,
Polynesian,and Afro-carribean. Naia has been interested in Middle Eastern dance
and culture since childhood, and began learning "belly dance" in 2004. She has
enjoyed learning various styles of this dance, and loves to fuse them with other
dance styles.Naia believes that this dance allows you the freedom to truly express
yourself. "Its a Celebration of Womanhood". She is continuing her dance education
with SIS, and is happy to join such a positive collective of women. Naia also
loves,and works with children, and is a mom of two. She is currently persuing
a degree in Early Childhood Education.
E-mail Naia
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Sister Sirens |
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SISTER SIRENS Sister Sirens is a Progressive Fusion Troupe right out of the
Sirens In Sanity Studio. It started in 2006, with Zyphire's vision to create a
new type of Belly Dance. A little bit of everything rolled up with lots of color
and unusual music. Using inspirations from all across the board to create something
unique...and fun! They have been fortunate to win several awards in their short
career together and are eager about the future. The current members of Sister
Sirens are Chenoa, Mutha, Sahar, Livi, Natira and the director, Zyphire. This ain't your mamma's Tribal Belly Dance!
E-mail Zyphire
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