Traditional Folkloric and Cabaret style Belly Dance and costumes from 1973 to 2019!
Photos
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Dates: Feb 18th - March 18th
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Requirement: 5 years experience required
Time: 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Traditional Folkloric and Cabaret style Belly Dance and costumes from 1973 to 2019!
Performance Video
Director of Chimera and Arabesque dance troupes
Asia has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco and classical East Indian dance. She taught ballet and jazz with the Dancers Workshop in Stockton from ages 13 to 20. At 17 she won the Young Californian's Choreographers Showcase with an adagio dance.
At 18 she moved to Carmel on a dance scholarship to study with Nancy Lang, then was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study with Martha Graham in NYC. That summer, while planning her move to New York City, she attended the Northern California Renaissance Faire and saw Jamila Salimpour's Balanat Troupe. Asia was profoundly moved by the music and dance—she dropped modern dance and never looked back!
Founded Chimera Folkloric Dance Troupe in Stockton, CA. The troupe performed at rock festivals, county fairs and cultural events almost every weekend. The 17 dancers and 5 musicians functioned like a large family.
Moved to San Francisco to pursue a solo career. For 14 years, performed up to seven nights a week in night clubs and restaurants, while continuing to teach workshops and seminars throughout the United States.
Formed Asassara, a troupe which performed dances based on ancient cultures, rituals and mythology.
Asassara evolved into Henna Tawi, performing for prestigious venues including the San Francisco Film Festival, the San Francisco Opera Gala for Aida, and the J. Paul Getty Passage to India party.
Moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and taught middle eastern dance at the University of Michigan.
Moved back to California and began teaching belly dance at Downward Dog Yoga Studio and Ocean Yoga in Pacifica, CA.
Returned to Stockton and began teaching classes at Oak Park Senior Center. Her Stockton-based troupe, Chimera, is now performing once again.
July 8th, 2021 - Live and in-person classes are happening again after the pandemic!
Asia is available for workshops in your area! Her specialties include:
All workshop classes include professional choreography and notes.
We provide professional entertainment for all types of venues, including Asia's amazing snake dance!