Yemaya, a second-generation belly dancer, was raised in an environment of Middle Eastern dance, music and culture.

Her Lebanese heritage has produced an innate ability to express the dance from within and her creativity, musicality and movement is presented with obvious integrity for the culture she represents.

Yemaya has devoted herself completely to learning, performing and teaching Oriental Dance. She is a seasoned and respected Instructor who brings a bounty of experience and knowledge to the classroom incorporating her well known compassionate, patient and effective teaching technique that truly produces quality dancers.

She has a strong background in jazz dance, extensive training in drama and stage production and has assisted in the artistic direction of two professional Belly Dance troupes; Nejmah and Raks Awalim (Now "Bellydance Soulfire") of the Pacific Northwest.

She shares her gift not only through her teaching, but also through her captivating stage presence...bringing with her a whirlwind of dazzling technique, mesmerizing veil work, endless shimmies and incredible improvisation. Witnessing Yemaya on stage is a truly magical experience.

She is a gifted performer, always evolving and always true to her art.

She has spent most of her career performing and teaching throughout the Pacific Northwestern United States and she is now exhibiting her talent internationally.

Yemaya is also the co-founder of VerdEnergia, an Eco- Farm, Intentional Community and Educational Retreat Center in Costa Rica where they teach everything from Belly Dance to Bio-Diesel. (www.verdenergia.org)