Sahina is a Western MA bellydancer known for her graceful performances, sophisticated costumes, and comprehensive teaching style. Not long after her introduction to bellydance in a small studio in Connecticut, She relocated to Western Massachusetts in 2006 and began her training with Rose Champagne. In 2010, under the mentorship of Shifah, Sahina transitioned into the professional realm, dancing full time for several years. She now teaches and performs while simultaneously pursuing a career as a scientific researcher.
As a dancer, Sahina’s style leans towards Vintage Oriental, with influences from her studies of Turkish, Egyptian, and Fusion forms. She is constantly striving to further her knowledge of bellydance through workshops, intensives, and private lessons with many nationally and internationally renowned dancers including Artemis Mourat, Sherine Khatoun, Victoria Teel, and Nadira Jamal.
Sahina is a long-time principal dancer at the Goddess Lounge, and has performed at many events including Middle Eastern Arts Collaborative, Clarion Showcases, Cairo Cabaret, Marco Polo, and Gathering Sands. She was a founding member of the band Manavi, and has been involved in many music projects in the region. The relationships and collaborations she has built with dancers and musicians across various styles are highlights from her time as a student as well as her professional career. Sahina is especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Felicia, Kenna, Kamri, and a variety of incredible musicians including Amanda Turk, Dan Muscat, Bob Davis, Nazira Bashour, and more.
As a teacher, Sahina works with her students to develop their own personal styles whether they are hobbyists looking for a fun way to exercise, or aspiring professional dancers. She has mentored and trained professional and transitioning professional dancers including Melissa, Lisa Wall, Aralia, Avienn, and Kamri.
The importance of musicality and knowledge of the exciting variety of bellydance styles is emphasized in each of her classes. Because she values the importance of students gaining performance experience, Sahina produces regular student showcases in an effort to create a safe and supportive environment for their students to show off their gorgeous dancing.
For three consecutive years, Sahina was named as a Shimmyathon instructor, and offers workshops regularly in the Western Massachusetts area. She has taught classes at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts high school, and run workshops at Amherst College, Hampshire, and UMass.
Sahina is grateful to her two most influential teachers- Rose Champagne and Shifah, who have shaped her into the dancer she is today.
As a dancer, Sahina’s style leans towards Vintage Oriental, with influences from her studies of Turkish, Egyptian, and Fusion forms. She is constantly striving to further her knowledge of bellydance through workshops, intensives, and private lessons with many nationally and internationally renowned dancers including Artemis Mourat, Sherine Khatoun, Victoria Teel, and Nadira Jamal.
Sahina is a long-time principal dancer at the Goddess Lounge, and has performed at many events including Middle Eastern Arts Collaborative, Clarion Showcases, Cairo Cabaret, Marco Polo, and Gathering Sands. She was a founding member of the band Manavi, and has been involved in many music projects in the region. The relationships and collaborations she has built with dancers and musicians across various styles are highlights from her time as a student as well as her professional career. Sahina is especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Felicia, Kenna, Kamri, and a variety of incredible musicians including Amanda Turk, Dan Muscat, Bob Davis, Nazira Bashour, and more.
As a teacher, Sahina works with her students to develop their own personal styles whether they are hobbyists looking for a fun way to exercise, or aspiring professional dancers. She has mentored and trained professional and transitioning professional dancers including Melissa, Lisa Wall, Aralia, Avienn, and Kamri.
The importance of musicality and knowledge of the exciting variety of bellydance styles is emphasized in each of her classes. Because she values the importance of students gaining performance experience, Sahina produces regular student showcases in an effort to create a safe and supportive environment for their students to show off their gorgeous dancing.
For three consecutive years, Sahina was named as a Shimmyathon instructor, and offers workshops regularly in the Western Massachusetts area. She has taught classes at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts high school, and run workshops at Amherst College, Hampshire, and UMass.
Sahina is grateful to her two most influential teachers- Rose Champagne and Shifah, who have shaped her into the dancer she is today.
Read Sahina's Blog for more of her dance adventures.
Website Photography
The banner images on this site were taken by a wide variety of incredible photographers. For a full list and links to their websites visit this page and look under the Photography section.
Testimonials
For many years I knew I wanted to try bellydance, but just never knew where or how to start. About two years ago, a dear friend recommended Sahina's classes to me and brought me along for a drop in during the summer session. Immediately I knew I had found the right place and the right teacher. Sahina is not only one of the most talented dancers that I have ever had the honor of witnessing perform, but her personality, love for dance and her students, and approachable nature make classes incomparably enjoyable as well as extremely productive. For brand new dancers who are just starting out, Sahina is excellent at breaking down movements, creating a welcoming yet challenging learning environment, and providing unending support and encouragement. For experienced students, she excels at teaching in order to foster personal growth and development as a dancer. Sahina has provided me with the integral foundation of bellydance, but she also has instilled in me the love and passion for dance that I take with me to every workshop, class, and performance. I highly recommend Sahina Bellydance!! You will not regret it! -Laura P.
One and a half years ago, I attended a beginner bellydance class by Sahina. I really wanted to learn how to bellydance but had no idea what to expect and was unsure if I would be able to keep up. At the end of the class, all my uncertainties were completely put to ease: Sahina is a fantastic teacher who truly cares about the success of each of her students. She has the ability to assess where a student is in their dance development and then provide them with the appropriate tools to succeed. Her classes are always fun as well as informative: Sahina has a wealth of knowledge on the cultural aspects behind bellydance. I have attended many more classes with Sahina since then and wouldn't have it any other way! If you are looking for a fun way to work out, meet new people, and learn about new cultures; I highly recommend taking one of Sahina's classes! -Kathy L.
When I think of what I could do when you first introduced the choreography and how our performances ended up in the show I can only be impressed at how far you brought us in class! You are so thorough in your drilling of the choreography and yet take time to answer individual questions and review all the details of each move. You have a very positive attitude and bring out the best in your students with encouragement and flexibility. The passion you bring to your subject is obvious and infectious.
-Nancy J.
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Sahina Bellydance | sahina@sahinabellydance.com | 413-595-1119
Amherst MA 01002 | Easthampton 01027 | Northampton 01060. All Content Copyright Sahina Bellydance 2010-2020. All Rights Reserved. |
