Belly Dancing with Selayma Anan

Biography ---

Selayma Anan has been studying, performing and teaching American Belly Dance for over 25 years. Beginning in the Bay Area as a member of The Dancers of the Pharoahs, under the direction of Shukriya, Selayma made her appearance at the 3rd Rakkasah-West, and continued studying and performing with Shukriya through the early '90s, in addition to having established her own classes and performing troupe, Arkadash (Friends in Turkish). During this time, Selayma managed quarterly student nights at the El Morocco Restaurant in Pleasant Hill, organized and hosted Dance with the Fire, and started Nights at the Casbah - Dancers' Night at the El Morocco (currently being managed by Yosifah), with the hopes of creating a like-spirit event where all felt welcomed, and encouraged to perform to live music. Selayma is also a former instructor of Rakkasah-West.

In 1996, Selayma moved to Ohio, where she continued her teaching and working to create a communal environment for dancers of all levels to come together to share their many talents in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While teaching in Ohio, Selayma met her future dance student/partner, and long-time friend, Laylia, and collectively they created and developed The Naughty Navels show at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Selayma also created and organized a performing troupe, Yeni Arkadash (New Friends in Turkish), which made their debut at the 1st Rakkasah-East. Selayma also traveled; having performed and/or taught in the surrounding states, as well as New Jersey and New York.

Selayma was again on the move in 2001 when she was offered and accepted a position in Colorado. Selayma again established herself with classes, performing throughout the Denver Metro area and other surrounding states, as well as hosting/co-hosting various dancer and student nights.

In 2004, Selayma started and has been working on solidly establishing a not-for-profit event now known as Shimmy 2B Free! Shimmy's first effort is focusing on raising both money and awareness for breast cancer, and currently donating to Network of Strength. Shimmy also strives to further educate dancers in the various forms and styles that have developed and are shaping the world of Belly Dance as it currently exists; encouraging dancers of all genres to attend workshops offered by instructors that cross all boundaries, in an effort to help other dancers broaden their knowledge base and understanding of other belly dance styles.

Shimmy's ultimate goal is to create a stand-alone non-profit that is able to offer direct assistance to women who may need help in a variety of ways, including dealing with homelessness, financial issues, no insurance, domestic violence, etc. For more information on upcoming events for Shimmy, please visit www.shimmy2bfree.com.

Selayma's personal dance style is varied, and pulls from many influences and genres, and loves the occasional "abby-normal" piece. While she works from a strong Turkish base, Selayma has become known for her dramatic and spell-binding performances, capable of eliciting emotions from her audience that leaves them speechless. Described as having a "belly full of fire", Selayma engages her audience from her first step onto the stage, until she bids her final adieu.

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