Zaina Hart - she is grace and elegance, power and confidence - - passion and fire do not elude her. This multi-award winning perfomer who seemingly leaves the stage "sizzling" and the audience mesmerized, has forged her place in Oriental Dance with the best of them. Zaina actually becomes the music, never chasing it, nor ignoring it, but rather breathing it deep into her soul and heart to then offers the audience all that she becomes in those moments.

Often described as the "Hart" of Belly Dance, Zaina has shared the awe inspiring stage with us for more than 30 years. A respected College Instructor whose classes are over capacity at every quarter, she continues to inspire women from all backgrounds not only to dance, but she ecourages them to be the beautiful, strong women they desire to be. Her charisma on stage is equal to that off stage where she is Mother/Grandmother, Friend and Author/Editor for iShimmy.com.

Zaina's dance style is based in Classical Egyptian, however, she adds to this her own extraordinary flair - her Zany-personality, which depending on performance and music is a powerful mixture of elegance, playfulness, humor, and sensuality. She has equally developed quite the reputation as Comedian and Emcee for various events around the country. Her mesmerizing arm and hand work combined with unique body styling have brought forward the Wings of the Phoenix performances bringing the house down at each emotionally charged offering.

Currently residing in Vancouver, WA she maintains Zaina's House of Dance and is producer/owner of Double Crown Productions™ through which she produced the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition for 13 years. As owner and publisher, she stays in tune with the "Hart-Beat" of Middle Eastern performing arts, sharing that valuable information with readers, students, and friends alike. Having served on multiple boards for the arts and animal conservation, as well as staff writer for various Middle Eastern Dance publications in and outside of the US, has given her a vast array of experience to further tap into for students.

"The beauty and strength of our dance art comes from the diversity of those who participate . . the differences in styles, age, gender, race, body form and passions of its performers". . . Zaina Hart

"There is truly a place for everyone in this dance. Remembering that dance is an expression of life, and Middle Eastern Dance is the oldest form of dance documented, there is little doubt that the experience of this dance will be a positive, joyous one". . . Zaina Hart

Recognizing her unique teaching and performing style, in 1999 the Producers of Oregon Public Broadcasting approached her to be the feature of a Documentary about Middle Eastern Dance and its effect on the lives of the women and men who have chosen the art form for their creative outlet. The segment was aired on "Art Beat" which to date has aired on three separate occasions and received the most votes for re-airing in the summer of 2003.

This dance continues to challenge me as a person and performer moving me to think and reach "OUTSIDE THE BOX".

Zaina's Awards & Titles

2001 Headliner of the Year

2001 Wiggles and Giggles -(Comedy Category) Winner
1998 Entertainer of the Year 1st Runner Up
1998 Wiggles and Giggles (Comedy Category) Winner - Bedouin Babes
1997 Alternative Stylist-Belly Dancer USA
**1995 Miss USA (Belly Dancer USA)**
1995 Alternative Style Winner - Corvallis Classics
1993 Alternative Style Winner - Coos Bay Classics
1991 Winner - Professional - MED&CA Olympics
1990 Alternative Style Winner - MED&CA Olympics