JESSANI
Artistic Director of Naya's Trance

Jessani has been a dancer for over 20 years. Having studied a wide range of dance forms including ballet, tap, modern, and movement improvisation, she began belly dancing in 1998. Jessani has studied Turkish, Lebanese, and Egyptian style cabaret and folkloric dance with internationally acclaimed dancers, and our local legends.  As an American dancer, Jessani performs a blended cabaret style of dance. Incorporating her love of folkloric dance into her technique; she also presents traditional middle eastern folk dances.

Jessani has been a featured choreographer with Dance USM, Thornton Academy, the Portland Ballet, and Steppin' Out Dance Centre.She has had the pleasure of performing for audiences at  Dance USM! (2003), Portland Dances (2005), Old Port Festival (2006) , St. Lawrence Center for the Arts (2006, 2007, 2008), Southern Maine Pride (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), Thorton Academy Dancelebration (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008). She appears regularly at Jimmy the Greek's Restuarant in Old Orchard Beach.

In addition to teaching ongoing belly dance classes with Portland Adult Education, Jessani has been invited to teach workshops and courses at the University of New England, the University of Southern Maine, Thornton Academy, and Steppin' Out Dance Centre.   In addition to an undergraduate minor in dance & performing arts, Jessani also holds an MS  in Special Education.

This combined expertise allows her to offer differentiated instruction to a wide variety of learners.  Students have described her teaching as “incredibly thorough and competent”, “well-organized and easy to follow”, “a challenging workout”, and “ a total blast—I laugh, sweat, and feel great every time!”.

Jessani created Naya's Trance Belly Dance in 2001 in response to the growing community of skilled dancers in Portland.  As the troupe director, she manages instruction, choreography, and promotions for the group.

She  owes her success to the encouragement and inspiration of her teachers, Josie Conte and Jeanne Handy. Jessani teaches several classes in the Portland area, at various levels. To learn more about her classes visit the "CLASSES" page.

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