About Jahara

Jahara grew up in Oklahoma surrounded by a family passionate for the arts and culture.  Always interested in learning the why behind a practice, ritual, or story, it is only fitting she fell in love with the world of Raqs Sharqi.  

 

How did she find this dance?  In the most unconventional/ conventional way.  Her mother saw a bellydancer at an art fundraiser and found out the bellydancer taught lessons.  What happened next is history - Her mother dragged an unwilling teenager to class and the teenager stood in the corner barely willing to learn until she learned what a mya was.  A drum solo and a few classes later, Jahara was hooked.  Her dance journey started and still is at Aalim Dance Academy where she learned about the roots of the dance, the culture, the moves and all of the beautiful styles (and hello beautiful costumes too) from the midwest’s own Soraya Al Musri and other Aalim teachers.

 

Jahara made it her mission to learn as much as possible and started traveling to workshops in the region to learn from as many professionals as she was able to.  Her travels now take her all over the world to learn, meet others and perform.  She has had the privilege of studying in depth with several professional source dancers as well as American professionals.  She is a perpetual student who knows the more she learns, the more there is to learn.  Learning never stops and you can learn from every dancer you encounter. She has the honor of being taught and mentored by Ruby Beh, Aziza and Vanessa of Cairo.  

 

At Aalim Dance Academy, Jahara is the Vice President of the Board of Directors, Director for the award winning troupe Aalim Najim, a member of the Professional Troupe Aalim Raqs and a sought after instructor.  She also enjoys performing at various hookah lounges, restaurants, and festivals in the area.