Bellydancing By Zaphara

For over three decades, "Bellydancing By Zaphara" has been a vibrant and essential cornerstone of the Seattle dance scene, offering residents of Washington an unparalleled opportunity to explore the ancient and captivating art of Middle Eastern dance. Zaphara, a true master instructor and entertainer, has dedicated her career to teaching and performing authentic Oriental belly dance, sharing its beauty, cultural richness, and physical benefits with countless students and audiences across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This is more than just a dance studio; it's a gateway to an expressive art form, a supportive community, and a unique way to celebrate movement and culture.

Zaphara's expertise stems from a deep well of experience and heritage. As one of the few belly dancers in the US of Greek descent, she brings an authentic perspective to her instruction. Her extensive training includes travel to the heartlands of Middle Eastern dance – Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Bogotá, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates – where she has studied with legendary figures like Nagua Fuad, Egypt's "Queen of Oriental Dance," and Mahmoud Reda, choreographer and director of the renowned Reda Dance Troupe. In Seattle, she honed her craft for 10 years under the tutelage of Shamiriam Pick, an International Singer & Dancer from Iran. This profound and diverse background ensures that students at Bellydancing By Zaphara receive instruction rooted in tradition and genuine understanding.

The studio's philosophy centers on making belly dance accessible and enjoyable for all ages and body types. Zaphara's classes are designed not only to teach the intricate movements and musicality of belly dance but also to serve as a fun and empowering workout. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace in a supportive environment that prioritizes personal attention and overall well-being. From basic conditioning to complex choreographies, Zaphara guides her students with patience and expertise, fostering confidence and a deeper connection to their bodies.

The impact of Zaphara's enduring presence in the Seattle dance community is clearly articulated in enthusiastic reviews. One satisfied customer raved, "Zaphara has been teaching belly dance classes in the Seattle area for over 30 years. She is one of the cornerstones of the Seattle belly dance scene, and puts on awesome belly dance performances and shows at a variety of venues in the Seattle area. A must-see when you're in Seattle." This testimonial highlights her longevity, foundational role, and the captivating quality of her performances, establishing Bellydancing By Zaphara as a true local treasure.

Bellydancing By Zaphara primarily holds its in-person classes at the Phinney Center, located at 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA. The Phinney Center is a well-known and respected community hub in Seattle's vibrant Phinney Ridge neighborhood, making it a convenient and accessible location for residents across the Washington region. The area is well-served by public transportation, with various bus routes providing connections throughout the city. For those driving, street parking is generally available around the center.

The use of the Phinney Center provides a comfortable and established setting for dance classes, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that Zaphara strives to create. In addition to in-person classes, Bellydancing By Zaphara also offers online Zoom classes, providing even greater flexibility and accessibility for students who may be located further afield in Washington or prefer to learn from the comfort of their homes. This hybrid approach ensures that anyone interested in learning belly dance can easily connect with Zaphara's expert instruction.

• In-Person Belly Dance Classes: Zaphara offers weekly in-person classes at the Phinney Center, typically on Thursday evenings. These classes cater to various levels, including:
  • Level 1 Beginner Bellydance: Focuses on basic conditioning, strengthening, posture, Egyptian style vocabulary (undulations, shimmies, isolations), finger cymbals, stage presence, and musical interpretation.
  • Level II Intermediate/Advanced Bellydance: Builds upon Level 1, incorporating layering, veil work, advanced finger cymbals, and performance stylization.
  Classes are typically offered in 4-week sessions with an option for drop-ins.
• Online Belly Dance Classes (Zoom): For added flexibility, Zaphara also provides weekly online classes, typically on Tuesday evenings, mirroring the structured learning of the in-person sessions.
• Private Belly Dance Classes: Highly personalized one-on-one instruction is available for all skill levels, from beginners seeking foundational knowledge to advanced dancers preparing for performances. These can be customized to focus on specific techniques or goals.
• Group & Specialty Workshops: Zaphara offers specialized workshops covering various aspects of belly dance, providing in-depth learning opportunities on specific techniques or cultural nuances.
• Professional Belly Dance Performances: Zaphara and her troupe provide outstanding entertainment for a wide array of special events, including:
  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Retirement Parties
  • Weddings
  • Divorces (celebratory)
  • Dinner Parties
  • Corporate Events
  • Community Festivals (e.g., Seattle Folklife Festival, Cultural Art Series at Crossroads Mall, Cultural Crossroads Festival)
  Performances can also include mini-lessons for group parties, adding an interactive element.
• "Bellydancersize" Classes: These classes emphasize the fitness benefits of belly dance, offering a superior core workout, improving posture and flexibility, and helping to strengthen and coordinate muscle groups in the trunk, spine, and arms.
• Hasaposerviko (Greek Line Dance): Some classes incorporate elements of Greek line dancing, reflecting Zaphara's heritage and adding a cultural dimension.
• Artist Collaborations: Zaphara has a history of cameo appearances and collaborations with world rock groups like Igor & Red Elvises, demonstrating her versatility and reach within the broader entertainment industry.

• Decades of Expertise: With over 30 years of teaching and performing experience in Seattle, Zaphara is a highly established and respected figure in the belly dance community, considered a "cornerstone" of the scene.
• Authentic Cultural Background: As a belly dancer of Greek heritage who has studied extensively in the Middle East, Zaphara offers an authentic and culturally rich perspective on Oriental dance.
• Master Instructor and Entertainer: Zaphara is recognized not only for her teaching prowess but also for putting on "awesome" and captivating live performances at various venues and festivals.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: Classes are designed to be friendly to all ages, body types, and experience levels, promoting a fun, empowering, and low-impact workout that also builds self-confidence.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Students learn a wide range of movements, from basic isolations and undulations to veil work, finger cymbals, and floor work, alongside musical interpretation and stage presence.
• Flexible Learning Options: Offering both in-person classes at a convenient community center and online Zoom classes provides maximum flexibility for students in Washington.
• Physical and Mental Benefits: Belly dance under Zaphara's guidance is highlighted for its physical benefits (core strength, posture, flexibility) and its ability to get "creative juices flowing" and make participants "feel good about yourself."
• Extensive Performance History: Zaphara has appeared on local, Canadian, Japanese, and National TV shows (ABC's 20/20) and has co-produced, hosted, and performed in multiple public access TV shows, showcasing her media presence and advocacy for the art form.

Address: 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA (Primary class location at Phinney Center)

Phone: (206) 632-2416

For residents of Washington, particularly those in the Seattle area, Bellydancing By Zaphara offers an exceptional and authentic entry point into the enchanting world of Middle Eastern dance. Its strong presence for over 30 years signifies not just longevity, but a deep-rooted commitment to sharing this art form with the local community. The convenient location at the Phinney Center, coupled with accessible online classes, ensures that high-quality instruction is within reach for many.

What makes Zaphara truly suitable for locals is her combination of world-class expertise and a genuinely welcoming approach. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about belly dance, someone seeking a unique and enjoyable fitness routine, or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, Zaphara provides a supportive environment where personal growth and artistic expression are nurtured. The classes are not only physically beneficial, enhancing core strength, posture, and flexibility, but also creatively empowering, encouraging self-expression and confidence.

Beyond classes, the opportunity to witness Zaphara and her troupe perform live at various local festivals and private events adds another layer of cultural enrichment for the Washington community. Choosing Bellydancing By Zaphara means choosing to learn from a respected pioneer in the Seattle belly dance scene, connecting with a rich cultural tradition, and becoming part of a joyful and empowering community right here in Washington.

Bellydancing By Zaphara

6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA