Multi Award Winning Zaina Hart is a charismatic performer whose trademark is her mesmerizing arm and hand movement and unique body styling. Zaina is a performer/choreographer who is also known for her precise hip articulation and fiery performances who has been performing Middle Eastern Dance for nearly 30 years. She currently resides in Vancouver, WA, where she maintains Zaina's House of Dance, (a Middle Eastern Dance Studio) and produces the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition™, Festival and International Bazaar * held annually the last weekend of September. Over the past 29 years, Zaina has had the opportunity to study with many of the "Master Performers and Musicians" of the Industry (see below) and has become a Master Teacher/Performer in her own right.

Zaina's style is "Basic Egyptian", however, she adds to this her own extraordinary flair - her personality, which depending on performance and music is a powerful mixture of elegance, playfulness, humor, and sensual. Zaina has the reputation of being able to interpret La Danse Orientale through nontraditional music and characters and as well has developed quite the reputation as Comedian and Emcee.

As Director of The Bedouin Babes she and her dance partner Aiyanna were honored to receive a first place title in the "Wiggles and Giggles" Category of Reno's very own Wiggles of the West Competition in a spoof on larger than life derrières. Two years later Zaina brought "Banana" to Reno's Wiggles of the West Competition and again received the "Wiggles and Giggles" first place title.

Zaina's current Troupe/s "Z-Ladies" and "Z-Girls" will be hitting the circuit in late 2005 with new choreographies, new performers and and lots of "Zzzzzzzip".

Zaina is the Owner and Editor in Chief of the newest and most exciting dancer's publication, The "Belly Dancer" Magazine. She is also the past Secretary of MED&CA (Middle Eastern Dance and Culture Association) and is still involved in Reptile rescue and preservation, having participated as a Board member of "Reptile World Zoo" which had been developed to provide hands-on education, scientific research, observation, a pure breeding environment, expert advice and care instructions about reptiles. She has also served as a Staff Writer for various Middle Eastern Dance publications (Wiggle Hips and Jareeda) with articles translated and reprinted in various European publications.

Zaina believes that what makes this dance so unique and beautiful is the differences in styles, age, gender, race, body form and passions of its performers. 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.

Because of her unique teaching and performing style, Oregon Public Broadcasting approached her in 1999 to assist in the making of as well as be featured in 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 Documentary was shortened to an "Art Beat" segment which to date has aired on three separate occasions and received the most votes for re-airing in the summer of 2003.

INFLUENCES/INSTRUCTORS: There have been many wonderful instructors along the way. Zaina's style has specifically been influenced by the teachings of Masters such as; Jamilla and Fatima Al Wahid, Suzanna Del Vecchio, Mahmoud Reda, Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah, Bert Balladine, Dalia Carella, Horacio Cifuentes, Morocco, Jodette, and many more. Her coach and long time instructor Halima, has helped hone her skills and bring Zaina to an awareness of "her own dance persona". As well, Zaina began studying film of who she believed were the "greats" of Orientale - Egyptian - Cabaret style dance in the early 80's. The greatest of these influences have been Naima Akef and Sohair Zaki and currently "Dina".

From Zaina: Instruction is a never ending process. I will take classes/lessons as long as I perform because it continues to challenge me dance skill, push me in different directions, and moves me "OUTSIDE THE BOX".

 

Zaina currently is a coach to young women participating in Beauty Pageants,
and coach and mentor to many
"Belly Dancers" across the US.

Zaina's Awards & Titles

2001 Headliner of the Year
2001 Wiggles and Giggles (Comedy Category) Winner as "Banana"
1998 Entertainer of the Year 1st Runner Up
1998 Wiggles and Giggles (Comedy Category) Winner - Bedouin Babes
1997 Alternative Stylist-Belly Dancer USA
**1995 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
1986 Amateur Contest Winner * Bagdad's Restaurant
1972 * Miss Maricopa County Runner Up
1972 * Miss Tri Cities Court