Haifa: Bellydance performer and instructor

at Arts YOUinverse, Wilkes-Barre, Pa (Photo by Michele Broton)

at Arts YOUinverse Wilkes-Barre, Pa (Photo by Karen Black)

photo by John Hinkle

Haifa, which translates as meaning 'willowy' in Arabic, has been dancing for most of her life and has a solid background of 13 years in Tap, Jazz and Ballet from Judy Hakes School of Dance(Montoursville, Pa).  Then, in 2001, she dove head first into bellydance with Egyptian style classes with instructors, Angelica (Scranton, Pa) And Tana (Scranton, Pa) and never looked back. 

The eventual loss of instructors in her area led her to Tribal Fusion style of bellydance taught to her by good friend, Neefa of Khafif Music and Dance (Pittsburgh, Pa). 

Since then, she's continued her education with workshops from the likes of: Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy (Ca),  Heather Stants of Urban Tribal(Ca),  Narah (WV), Kassar (NJ), Helena (NY) and Sharon Kihara of the Indigo and the BellyDance SuperStars (Ca).

She has also moved into the darker realm with Gothic Bellydance from Tempest (Ca/NJ) and Sashi (Ca).  

Haifa specializes in Tribal Fusion and Gothic Bellydance but also enjoys the airy freedom of Egyptian Cabaret.  In addition to dancing, Haifa also uses such props as veils, fans, swords, stick/cane, and skirt-work.