Zalzali Belly Dance Troupe Members

Zalzali's Members

Alima Ali Khan	Leyla Amar	Neisa Salima	Saahira
	Shoshanna	Rya

Alima Ali Khan dances primarily Cabaret Belly Dance with an occasional segue to Tribal/Fusion Styles. In addition to Zalzali Belly Dance Troupe, she is also a member of Springs Oasis Tribal Belly Dance Troupe. Although familiar with the use of zills, sword, and candles, her favorite companion in dance is one of her many unique silk veils, which she dyes for herself and for other dancers. She teaches small groups and private students weekdays in her home studio. Her motto: Keep the giggle in your wiggle!

The fun and joy of belly dancing is what draws Leyla Amar to the dance. From the moment she first saw belly dancing, she knew she wanted to dance along, be it to traditional or techno Arabic music. Before moving to Colorado, she danced with Hazet Helwa under the direction of Mona N'Wal, performing in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and Minnesota. In Colorado, Leyla has studied with several instructors, including Isadora and Mahisha.

Neisa Salima, Zalzali's coordinator, was first exposed to belly dancing in kindergarten when a belly dancer came to her class. She couldn't wait to get home to tell her mother all about it, and had wanted to learn to belly dance every since. The opportunity finally came when she moved to Colorado Springs in 1999. Her dance includes techniques and props such as zills, veil, floor work, swords, wings, fire, and one of her personal favorites, peacock feather fans. In addition to dancing with Zalzali, she can be seen dancing on Fridays at the Caspian Cafe, and teaches belly dancing at The Haven Wellness Spa. For more information about Neisa or her classes, please visit her web site, www.neisasalima.com.

Saahira is a lover of all kinds of music and dance. In addition to belly dancing, she has been an Irish dancer for many years, and occasionally adds a bit of Celtic fusion to her dance.

Shoshanna began belly dancing about nine years ago. She has studied with Mahisha, Isadora and Zafia, and is currently exploring American Tribal with Kari. Shoshanna particularly enjoys working with veils, both singly and in pairs. Her enthusiasm for fabric is perhaps, in part, because she is a professional theater costumer. Shoshanna is the owner and costume designer for Shoshanna's Souk, which sells handmade belly dance costumes and practice wear, as well as imported jewelry and accessories. For more information about Shoshanna's Souk, please contact Shoshanna at (719) 213 - 9304 or susanr2@dragon.net.

Rya views belly dancing as a thrill and a challenge that she has happily embraced. This shows in her dance, which is always energetic and full of life. Rya also acts as Zalzali's booking manager, and, when not dancing, is an avid photographer. She took her first belly dance class from Nancy Derby, and knew she was hooked! She had to find out more about where she could take classes! She found a six week bootcamp with Isidora, then Mahisha. That brought her on the great journey to where she is now, upon which she has met some wonderful people and fabulous dancers. She loves the cabaret fusion style of belly dance, but you can also catch her performing America Tribal with Kari's Springs Oasis Tribal Troupe from time to time.

Photos by Rya