History of our Studio 

Amira Dance Productions, belly dancing in Wichita Kansas
 
   

Spanning the years, the studios of Amira Dance Productions have undergone many rennovations and changes.

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     In the 1970's, Wichita began to express curiosity about 'belly dancing' (Danse Oriental), so Amira conceived 'L'Orient Dance Group' to fill this performing void. It is remarkable! Most of the original dancers are still performing today, over 30 years. Even a second generation dancer has taker her place along side her mother in L'Orient. To widen their performing outlets, Amira trained them in Hawaiian and Tahitian styles, creating Amira's South Seas Dancers. Further public performances beckoned for Amira's International Dancers adding Turkish, Spanish, Romanian, Armenian, and Egyptian, with line and circle dances from Greece and Lebanon.

      In 1995, Amira conjured up a whole new batch of dancers desiring their own roles in this dance scene. Mahmoud Reda, a world famous choreographer of Egypt, seeing the group perform, suggested their name of 'Danse Arabesque.' With a dream of attaining their own recognition Danse Arabesque is introducing new ideas and forging new inroads in the evolving art of 'Danse Oriental.'

      In the early nineties, a third dance troupe led by Dasara was formed to accommodate the phenomenal growth of our studio. They took the name 'Raks Araby' meaning Arabian Dancers. Bringing intriguing veil work and cane dances to our audiences, along with dazzling them with the dramatic flair of gypsy and rom dance.

      An interest for East Indian dances brought Lalitha Sivanesan to teach our advanced dancers in film and folk styles. Lalitha holds a degree in East Indian Classical and Folkloric Dances. She formed 'Sithanjali Dancers,' which means Symphony of Goddesses. A prolific Lalitha astonished all by staging ten dances in the three years she was with our organization. This has widened our horizons from the East to the West.

      All of these dance troupes have remained together since Amira's passing, and wish to carry on her legacy. Reminding us of where we have been and where we are going, we carry on her name, with her blessing. Continuing Amira's dream, Sheba and Dahabeya have taken on the ownership of the studio. We all look forward to continue to produce professional shows and creating a welcoming class environment to all interested in dance.

Read more about the history of the studio

The studios of Amira Dance Productions have housed many students over the years. If you would like to share fond memories of an experience with us,  please email us.

 

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Last Updated : Saturday, February 23, 2008

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