Jessica Jane Means

Director of Naya's Trance

Jessica Jane Means has been a dancer for nearly 20 years. Having studied a wide range of dance forms including ballet, tap, modern and movement improvisation, Means began belly dancing in 1998, and since her arrival in Portland the following year has performed for regional audiences under the alias “The Pink Gypsy”. 

 Specializing in prop work, including veil, sword and fire dancing, The Pink Gypsy has performed at The Maine Festival, Center For Cultural Exchange, St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center, and Dance! U.S.M. Jessica is also member of Vivid Motion and recently performed in “The Nutcracker Burlesque”. She teaches belly dance classes in Portland and has an eleven-member professional dance troupe, Naya’s Trance.

Jessica Jane Means created Naya's Trance Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble 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.

Jessica owes her success to the encouragement and inspiration of her teachers, Josie Conte and Jeanne Handy.