Administration
President / Website Administrator
Katina
" Not only did my Mom start me dancing at the age of 5, she discovered BD when I was a teenager and took me to a class. We danced together and the rest is history!
I love performing and have been a very successful entertainer in the Syracuse area.
My other dance experience is vast, ranging from Hawaiian and Tahitian dance,
to award winning Scottish Highland dancing and an interest in Flamenco.
Needless to say, my life pretty much revolves around dancing.
I have been a SABA member since its inception in 1988. I've seen many dancers come and go-
I guess I'm here to stay!
Club involvement has included serving as social director, charity show coordinator, SABA Scroll contributor, Vice President, President, and most recently, website administrator.
I'd have to say my favorite SABA activity is performing for seniors; I love the big smiles on the faces of the residents."
Vice President / Dance Coordinator
Sheba Abdoe
"Over the last several years, I have found belly dance to be a unique outlet. I can get away from the everyday problems like work and stress. I can put all my energy into the dance. It is a big confidence builder as well.
I have been belly dancing for 28 years, and teaching since 2001.
I have been SABA Vice President in addition to dance coordinator.
My favorite aspect of SABA is the cameraderie.
I love getting together with other members and seeing new costumes and hearing new music."
Secretary
Jaida
"I began Middle Eastern style dance in 2001.
It has been an interesting road I've traveled, meeting so many inspiring ladies along the way.
This style of dance is very motivating and brings out the creativity-
from costuming to choreography. I've made some great friends who I love to laugh and dance with.
I've been fortunate to meet as well as bring together
a fantastic group of ladies to share our love of this dance!"
Treasurer / Librarian
Petra
"1976 is the year I began belly dancing. I took three different classes each week regularly. Instructors included "the greats" - Cassandra in Minneapolis, Aziz in Salt Lake City and Angelica Nemeth in Los Angeles. In time I performed regularly in nightclubs, two to three nights a week, in Seattle and Minneapolis. In the past few years I have developed an interest in flamenco; I am now studying this dance style as well.
In addition to dancing, I own a costume design business - "Flamenco Diva", selling belly dance costuming world wide. Very popular with dancers is the "go-between body stocking" which I designed. Visit flamencodiva.com.
I am a founding member of SABA. In addition to being the Treasurer for many years, I have been the Vice President as well. Many of my long-term friendships began through SABA."
SABA Scroll Editor
Samara
"I began learning bellydance in September 2001 just to see if I could do it
and as a reward to myself after becoming a mother for the first time.
Along the way I made lots of new friends, learned not only to dance
but to make costumes, play instruments and study the history and culture
of belly dance. Now five children later, I enjoy sharing my love for
belly dance with my family and friends."
Publicist
Meaghan Scully
"I began studying belly dance in 2004 in San Francisco, CA after witnessing the power, grace, and beauty of tribal fusion dancers. Instantly in love with the art form, I began studying with top performers and instructors including Suhaila Salimpour, Ginjer Markley of Ultra Gypsy, Frederique, Nanna Candelaria, and many others. I bring this ancient art form to modern light fusing my training in salsa, hula, jazz, ballet, and classic dance movements to the muscle isolations and unique precision of bellydance. Instruction focuses on proper technique and alignment and leads students through unique combinations to bring the dance to life; build strength, stamina, flexibility, and increased confidence; and connect students together in the bonding experience created by movement."
