Zemirah started dancing at the age of three taking tap and jazz dance classes at the local dance studio. It was also around that same age when she saw her first belly dance performance. Pava was the dancer and as fate would have it, Zemirah became close friends with Pava’s son in high school. Due to that friendship, she had the wonderful opportunity to occasionally watch Pava teach classes and run troupe rehearsals, but the time to study belly dance herself had not yet come.
After not having danced in years, Zemirah wanted to make dance a part of her life again. She remembered the beauty, excitement and sensuality of Pava and her dancers, so in 2003 she signed up for a six-week introduction to belly dance class. She was hooked! Since then, Zemirah has taken belly dance lessons and workshops taught by a variety of teachers. Currently she studies with Amira Jamal and is a member of the troupe Jewels of Jamal.
Zemirah specializes in the American Cabaret style – also known as American Traditional or American Restaurant style – of belly dance. Starting in the US in the 1950s and 1960s, this style evolved as musicians and dancers from a variety of Middle Eastern countries and cultures would perform together in nightclubs and restaurants. Dancers in this style use a diverse mix of Middle Eastern music and frequently incorporate props such as veils, zills (finger cymbals), swords, canes, and candles.
You can see Zemirah dance in shows and at private parties around New England. She has also danced at special events in the Midwest, the Southwest, and in England.
In addition to dancing, Zemirah designs and makes custom costume pieces and hand dyes silk for veils and costumes.
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