Instructors & Staff

 Studio Director

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

Troupe Director: Filles de la Lune and Dulari Lune

Di's style encompasses an earthy, "Ooey-Gooey" stylization. Becoming a certified Datura instructor has broadened her teaching skills and influenced her artistry. Di continues her education by taking classes from influential teachers including: Jill Parker, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Donna Mejia, Ebony Qualls and Paulette Reece, just to name a few. Yearly, she travels to events and conventions around the country to keep her skills fresh and updated.

Di is a certified Datura Style Instructor under Rachel Brice

Studio Director

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 for 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: Bollywood Basics

Troupe Director: Vyranjali & Sithanjali

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.

Troupe Director: Mayari Dance Collective

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 and also being the only female member of the Boeing skydiving team.

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

 Fly Fusion Certified

Instructor: FatChanceBellyDance®Style

 Almost 35 years ago Twyla took her first belly dance class on a dare. But when she walked into Amira's home studio, she knew she had found a home. With Amira Dance Productions, Twyla has studied Egyptian Belly Dance, Hula, Egyptian Folkloric Dance, and the FatChanceBellyDance®Style of group improvisation. 

Twyla is a certified ATS® teacher through FatChanceBellyDance® 

Instructor: Zumba

In addition to teaching Zumba fitness at Amira's and participating in a handful of our dance troupes, 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!

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

Instructor: Scottish Step Dance & Ballet

Troupe Director: Step Through

  Anya started taking ballet classes in preschool, and maintained this training into the university level. Her horizons were soon expanded by attending Scottish country dance classes, where she soon fell in love with the technique and musicality of this centuries-old dance style. She continued her education in the UK when she moved there, and danced with the Reigate Scottish Dancers before furthering her training at St Andrew's.

Ballet, however, has continued to inform her technique and poised dance style. She uses these principles daily as a lens through which all movement is viewed. She is excited to share her extensive training with the students of Amira's!

Instructor: Couples Dance

Mr Bill teaches patterns and choreography that can be successfully used in many dance venues, parties and other 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.

Instructor: Steampunk

Troupe Director: Airship Razzle Dazzle

LaHauna discovered middle eastern dance through her first teacher Jasamine in 2000. After a few years, she expanded her knowledge by joining the Raks Araby dance troupe at Amira’s where she studied under Jean Knapp and several other Amira's teachers. She has traveled around the country to take classes from Ansuya, Sade, Nourhan Sharif, and other master dancers. She continues to study with Elisa Montoya for bellydance and hula. LaHauna was introduced to the steampunk genre and dance style by Rachel Hazan Parish, formerly of Amira’s and continues with that style today with her dance troupe Airship Razzle Dazzle.

Instructors: Drumming

Troupe Directors: Rhythm Riders

  Kirsten has been involved with ADP in Raqs Bahdi'a, the Hoop Honeys, and of course, the Rhythm Riders for several years. She is a classically trained percussionist and is involved in several bands and orchestras around the Wichita area. 

Laura holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Friends University under the study of Dr. John Taylor, and classical clarinet studies under Rachelle Goter. Like Kirsten, Laura has played in various bands and orchestras in Wichita as well. Join Laura and Kirsten for drumming any time!