About Nadiyah

Nadiyah has been involved in music, dance, and body conditioning programs since she was 4 years old.  Her training includes belly dance and folk dances from a variety of countries, yoga, bodybuilding, aerobics, athletics, tap, ballet, Judokan, piano, saxophone, percussion, and choir. 

Nadiyah started Nadiyah's to assist local dancers in preparing for shows by providing supplies and resources.  Since then, she has taught The Camels and Cobras Club, a club for lower-income youth; directed Hasna Haddiyah and Troupe Shalimar; danced with the Sisters of Selket; contributed articles to The Belly Dancer, Gilded Serpent, Jareeda, and Zaghareet; and sponsored Aisha Ali, Aleili, Alexandra King, Amar Gamal, Bozenka, Dahlena Genova, Eva Cernik, Hala Fauzi, Kami Liddle, Kelli Marie, Rachel Brice, Robby Parker, Roy Petit, Shareen el Safy, Sonia Ochoa, and Zaina Hart in workshops.  She has also received instruction from the legendary Egyptian Master Mahmoud Reda, Morocco, and Suhaila Salimpour along with Ahava, Charise Cynar, Elizabeth Strong, Fatima Al Wahid, Jaleh, Jon Ayson, Leslie, Monica Mota, Sahira, Saqra, and Sharon Kihara.  She has performed at A Taste of India (Spokane), Ararat Grill (Spokane), Azar's (Spokane), Cafe-Doma (Coeur d'Alene), Chinese Gardens (Spokane Valley), Leonardo's (Spokane), Red Dragon (Spokane), Twigs (Spokane), The White House Grill (Post Falls); Northern Quest Casino (Airway Heights); and a variety of private and public parties. 

Nadiyah teaches Belly Dance at The Warehouse Athletic Facility in Spokane, WA.  She earned a MBA, a Medical Assisting Certificate, two Arbitrator's certificates, and a Minister's License.  She serves on Northeast Community Center Association's Board of Directors.  

To contact Nadiyah, call 509-993-4423 or email Nadiyah@Nadiyahs.com. 

About the Dance

Middle Eastern Dance, more widely known as Belly Dance, is often misunderstood.  The dance originated from cultures and traditions of various regions from North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Near East.  Tourism, trade routes, war, government regulations, and technology all played a role in the evolution of this dance and who were permitted to practice it.  Many village dances were modified for the stage, and this modification is what we call Theatrical Folklore.  While some may fear that the evolution of Belly Dance has minimized the importance of and respect of culture and traditions, others realize how Belly Dance has actually increased their awareness of and respect for specific cultures and traditions.  

Costuming can encompass much more than the widely-seen belt, bra, and skirt set -- especially when a folk dance is performed.  In fact, Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Broadway helped in the creation of the infamous 3-piece attire.  A dancer may wear a full-length dress or an ensemble comprised of a tunic, vest, pants, skirt, scarf, and head wrap and more.  Likewise, the dance itself can be as innocent or as provocative as its performer intends, and the performer's intention determines if the dance is proper for a family event or a night club.   Nadiyah teaches children the dance, because there are many moves that have nothing to do with sexuality.  Seeing a child or women's spirit and self-esteem blossom is what makes it all worthwhile.