Anna was first introduced to Middle Eastern dance while living in the emerald city - Seattle, Washington. Where she quickly fell in love with Oriental dance (aka belly dance), as well as the exotic melodies and rhythms of Arabic music. Since that time, Anna has devoted her life to studying and performing this exotic and beautiful dance art form, as well as its many related folkloric and regional dances.

Known for her musicality, graceful elegance, and authentic approach to dance, Anna's dynamic style transports her audiences to another time and place. Drawing from her extensive training and experience in folkloric, classical, and modern Egyptian dance technique, Anna seamlessly blends the dance's rich heritage with the latest in contemporary movement - without compromising the traditional roots and "feeling" of the genre.

A dancer's and musician's dancer, Anna has earned the respect and accolades from many of her fellow dance artists, as well as with many American and Middle Eastern musicians she has been privileged to work with over the years.

Anna has appeared in numerous nightclubs, restaurants, theaters, cultural festivals, and dance events across the United States, as well as for organizations like the YMCA and for corporations like Microsoft.

Anna performs both as a soloist and with Houston's premier folkloric and oriental dance company - Qantara Dance Company at local and regional events in the Houston area and across Texas.

She is a popular instructor and owner of Shaabi Chic Belly Dance Boutique.

Anna is based in Houston ( Katy / Cypress ), Texas.

Repertoire

Anna specializes in Egyptian and North African dance forms, folk dances, and styles including: Egyptian beledi (and shaabi), Raqs al Assaya (stick/cane dance), Khaleegi (women's dance of the Gulf region), Moroccan, Bedouin/Hagallah, Ghawazee, and Tunisian, among others. She also explores the use of various props during her performances including: veils, cane, sword, isis wings, fans, candles, melaya, and tray.

In addition to Middle Eastern dance, Anna studies and performs in several other dance forms to enrich her overall dance education. Her repertoire includes: lyrical, ballet, hip hop, jazz, Irish step, as well as North Indian bhangra and giddha.