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"Helena’s" passion for Egyptian dance began after a search for something different to introduce to her exercise
classes and clients she works with as a Personal Trainer. After her first lesson with Diana Shahein of the Beledi
Dance Theatre, she knew that this wasn’t just another aerobic exercise class, it was a beautiful dance that
celebrates femininity and the beauty within. Helena soon discovered that this ancient art form brought back what
so many women have been searching for through the weight training and aerobic classes she teaches...self-
confidence and feeling good about yourself. In a society so easily influenced by Hollywood’s misguided ideals
of what women should look like, this ancient dance embraces all women of all ages, shapes and sizes and
creates a sense of psychological well being and a sisterhood with others that share the same love for music and
dance. Helena teaches this dance as a dance for women by women that allows the freedom of self-expression
and sensuality without being “sinful”. Believing that a good teacher never stops being a student, Helena
continues her education in this dance form through workshops, private lessons and exchanging information with
her peers. Helena is artistic director of Egyptian Velvet, her student dance troupe.
Helena's recent endeavor includes joining with a newly formed dance company, Fantasy Arabesque, with the
most professional and the most experienced dancers in the North East region, which includes Daina Shahein of
Scranton, PA and Haifa/Michelle Repsher, of Tunkhannock, PA.
classes and clients she works with as a Personal Trainer. After her first lesson with Diana Shahein of the Beledi
Dance Theatre, she knew that this wasn’t just another aerobic exercise class, it was a beautiful dance that
celebrates femininity and the beauty within. Helena soon discovered that this ancient art form brought back what
so many women have been searching for through the weight training and aerobic classes she teaches...self-
confidence and feeling good about yourself. In a society so easily influenced by Hollywood’s misguided ideals
of what women should look like, this ancient dance embraces all women of all ages, shapes and sizes and
creates a sense of psychological well being and a sisterhood with others that share the same love for music and
dance. Helena teaches this dance as a dance for women by women that allows the freedom of self-expression
and sensuality without being “sinful”. Believing that a good teacher never stops being a student, Helena
continues her education in this dance form through workshops, private lessons and exchanging information with
her peers. Helena is artistic director of Egyptian Velvet, her student dance troupe.
Helena's recent endeavor includes joining with a newly formed dance company, Fantasy Arabesque, with the
most professional and the most experienced dancers in the North East region, which includes Daina Shahein of
Scranton, PA and Haifa/Michelle Repsher, of Tunkhannock, PA.
| Please visit: Shangri-La Boutique |
These and other beautiful designer
originals can be purchased at the
Shangri-La boutique located in the
Commons in downtown Ithaca, NY,
156 East State St. TEL (607)
272.6156 or 5955.
originals can be purchased at the
Shangri-La boutique located in the
Commons in downtown Ithaca, NY,
156 East State St. TEL (607)
272.6156 or 5955.
Above photos by: Dudley McConnell
Click on images for purchase information
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Contrary to popular belief, Oriental dance (the correct name for belly dancing) did not originate as a dance of
seduction done by harem girls to seduce the sultan.
While Americans and Europeans step to the beat of the music, people in the Middle East might shimmy to the music.
Some of the hip movements found in the women's dances have ancient symbolic meaning and have nothing to do with
seduction, but rather, a celebration of femininity and maturity and in ancient rituals, the dance was used to strengthen
the body for childbirth.
Our dances are folkloric in nature, keep in line with the traditional roots of this dance, are family oriented and are
perfectly appropriate for community events and festivals.
seduction done by harem girls to seduce the sultan.
While Americans and Europeans step to the beat of the music, people in the Middle East might shimmy to the music.
Some of the hip movements found in the women's dances have ancient symbolic meaning and have nothing to do with
seduction, but rather, a celebration of femininity and maturity and in ancient rituals, the dance was used to strengthen
the body for childbirth.
Our dances are folkloric in nature, keep in line with the traditional roots of this dance, are family oriented and are
perfectly appropriate for community events and festivals.