|
Contact |
|
Website |
|
Classes |
|
MONDAY 7:00 PM TO 8:30 PM |
BIOGRAPHY - Raina D. Milliman / The Navel Academy
Dance has been a major part of my
life since the age of 5, when I began taking ballet at "Grace
Thomas Dance Studio" (now Thomas Dance Studio) in Lake Worth, FL.
I studied the classics - ballet, acrobatics, jazz and pointe for the
next 8 years.
In 1979, while an undergraduate at
the University of Florida, I was fascinated by an Oriental Dance
performance by Phaedra Sekmet. She rolled a quarter up and down
her abdomen during her floor routine! I joined Phaedra's class
briefly, until my course load became too demanding. I became a UF
employee and was introduced to an incredible variety of international
dances. In 1984, I began training seriously in Middle Eastern
(Belly), Polynesian, and Turkish Folk dances. I embarked on a
special tour of Egypt and Morocco (with Turquoise International), in
February 1989, to deepen my understanding of the native dances and music
of these countries. Oriental dance luminaries I have had the honor
to study with include: Aszmara (NY), Horatio Cifuentes (Germany),
Dahlena (NM), Suzanna Del Vecchio (CO), Myriam Eli (FL), Fahtiem (CA),
Kathryn Ferguson (AZ), Halime (NY), Jenann (PA), Jihan Jamal (FL),
Kahreen & Kira (FL), Morocco (NY), Mahmoud Reda (Egypt), Yousry
Sharif (NY), Shoshanna (CA), Zhaleh Fereshteh (FL), and many others.
Those of you who know me are aware
that I have been working at overcoming a rare form of abdominal cancer.
I am feeling great now after a long struggle with recovery from surgery.
I have chosen to follow a more holistic approach to my healing, which is
an ongoing process. I'm back and ready to dance again - thanks to
all of your prayers, donations, love, and positive energy!
I have been performing and
instructing professionally in Florida and New York, with over 24 years
experience in Middle Eastern Dance. My repertoire includes the
classical Oriental style, "Raks Sharqi," as well as indigenous
folk styles. I believe dance is not only entertaining but can be
therapeutic, rejuvenating, and spiritually uplifting. My desire is
to educate and bring good will to the world through dance.