Instructors & Staff

 Studio Director

Instructor: Improvisational Transnational Style (ITS) Basics, Datura™ Basics

Troupe Director: Filles de la Lune and Dulari Lune

 Di Flower has performed with dancers from around the world. Becoming a Certified Datura instructor has broadened her teaching skills and influenced her artistry. Di continues her education by taking classes from influential teachers to include: Jill Parker, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Donna Mejia, Ebony Qualls, Paulette Reece, just to name a few. She travels to events around the country to gain more skills, more technique and gather more creativity to add to her own style. She attends Datura Con to continue her education with Datura Style, learning not only from Rachel Brice but all the amazing certified teachers. Her style encompasses an earthy, "Ooey-Gooey" stylization.  Di is a Stage Show Producer, Teacher, Choreographer, Show Director, and of course, Dancer. 

Studio Director

Instructor: Cabaret Bellydance Basics

Troupe Director: Aloha Dancers, Raqsat Jamila

Elisa started dancing with Amira in 1995. Her prior experience in dance also includes ballet and hip hop performances for television in Albuquerque, NM. Her military travels to the Middle East sparked her curiosity of the mysteries of the Arab world. Elisa studied at Wichita State University and has had extensive training in multiple dance styles:  

Egyptian 

Dina, DaVid, and Luna of Cairo.

Lebanese 

Suhaila, Lebanese Simon, and Sadie.

Turkish/Romany

Artemis Mourat, Eva Cernik. 

Hula

 Kumu Kea Pattye Kealohalani Wright. 

Elisa is a Studio Director, Teacher, Choreographer, Career Army Veteran, and Hair Salon Entrepreneur.

Instructor: Egyptian Folkloric Basics

Troupe Director: Danse Gameel

Malak (Angie) embarked on her Middle Eastern dance journey in 2006.  After her experience with Egyptian Master, Faten Salama, she found a true love for Classical and Folkloric Egyptian dance. She has since devoted herself to studying with Egyptian Masters and learning the deep roots of the culture and styles. She has taken workshops, intensives and master classes from a number of Egyptians and Americans. Malak received the Al Massraweya dance/study certification from Faten Salama, a former principal dancer with Egypt’s National Khomeyya Dance Troupe. She has also completed Randa Kamel’s Extensive course in Classical and Oriental Egyptian dance and has completed Shara Saeeda’s Journey through Egypt I and II Intensive Courses.  

Troupe Director: L'Orient

 Pat is the current instructor of the original dance troupe established by Amira in 1975. She has taken workshops over the globe including New York and Morocco. Pat has taken workshops from dance stars such as Aziz, Jon Compton, and Princess Farhana, just to name a few. Even so, Amira was her mentor from the beginning and she feels honored to carry on her legacy through this class. 

Pat was Amira's previous Studio Director for many years, and her knowledge of teaching and studio management is truly invaluable. 

Instructor: Bollywood Basics

Troupe Director: Vyranjali

Christina Byram began her dance journey in 2006 at Amira Dance Productions studying Turkish Cabaret Bellydance under Pat Baab and Teri Dirks. After a few years Christina found interest in breakdancing and battled many dancers only to discover her passion for Indian dance styles after battling the Bharatanatyam Classical Dancers in 2010 at the annual ADP Dance show. She now leads the Vyranjali Indian Dance Troupe at Amira's under the guidance of former troupe leader and forever mentor Lalitha Sivanesan. Christina has attended the Kathak workshop by Guru, Simran Godhwani and the Bharantanantyam workshop by Lalitha Sivanesan.

Instructor: Hula Hoop Basics

Troupe Director: Hoop Honeys, Raqs Bahdi'a

Robin began dancing under Alice Castillo (Amira) and Jean Knapp in 2000. Since then she has studied under Elisa Montoya for Polynesian dance and Mr. Bill Koch for ballroom dance. She received hoop teacher training from Safire Dance. Robin has traveled throughout the midwest to study hoop and bellydance from instructors such as Twisted Orbit, Rachel Lust, Brecken Rivera, (Hoops) & Jillina, Dondi, Ariellah, Princess Farhana, and Cassondra Shore. Robin completed the Be a Diva modern bellydance course Volumes 1-3 with the Ukranian bellydancer Diva Darina.

Robin is Live Love Hoop teacher certified.

Instructor:

Fat Chance Belly Dance® Style Basics

Troupe Director: Mayari Dance Collective, Muse

Alexandra is a talented former gymnast who has won and judged national competitions. Her dance journey in Kansas began at The Old Cow Town Museum in Wichita as a member of the Dixie Lee Saloon Girls before discovering Amira's dance studio. Today, Alexandra keeps very busy leading the Mayari Dance Collective, the nationally recognized dance troupe Muse, and being the only female member of the Boeing skydiving team.

Alexandra is a certified ATS® teacher, Sister Studio, through FatChanceBellyDance®,

 Fly Fusion Certified

Instructor:  

Fat Chance Belly Dance® Style Classic Basics

Beverly has been trained by the best in FCBD®Style including the creator, Carolena Nericcio! She has completed numerous FatChanceBellyDance® workshops with top notch experts such as Meghan Gavin, Devi Mamak, Jennifer Nolan, SuperBeth, Anita Lalwani, Wendy Allen, Sandi Ball, Melody Bustillos, Virginia Hojas, Jesse Stanbridge, Krisztina Naz-Clark.  She has completed and received certificates in FCBD®Style General Skills, Teacher Training, and Technique for Teachers, an advanced intensive. She continues to take workshops to expand her expertise and skills.  Beverly enjoys teaching, and ensures a fun, lighthearted atmosphere where each student feels supported and part of a loving team.

 Beverly is a certified FCBS® teacher, Sister Studio, through FatChanceBellyDance® 

Instructor: Rhythms

Kevin is a natural percussionist who began playing the tabla in 2013. He has learned from Jerimiah Soto and Issam Houshan. He continues practicing and teaching Rhythms at Amira’s weekly. His relaxed, laid back approach to teaching makes him a gem to dancers wanting to extend their learning of musicality.

Instructor: Zumba

In addition to teaching Zumba fitness at Amira's, Holly has also taught at the YMCA for around 6 years. She has taught many YMCA formats including: Water Tabata, Hydrobox, Water Walk, Wave Running, Water Works, Stretch and Roll, Muscle Pump, Barre, Core, and Body Design. She also takes bellydance and hoops classes here at Amira's. Holly believes everyone can find a fitness activity to enjoy and she would like to help you find yours!

Group Fitness Instructor Certified, Zumba®, Aqua Zumba®, Strong Nation Licensed, CPR/AED/Oxy/First Aid

Instructor: Couples Dance

Mr Bill teaches patterns and choreography that can be successfully used in dance venues, parties and special occasions. He brings classes (and class!) that enable couples to experience the fun, joy and love of dancing together. Students will be able to be comfortable and happy with their early dance experiences and continue to dance on and on.