Almeh Lara:
Lara began studying Middle Eastern Dance in 1991 with Rabiah Banu of Fairbanks. After a brief hiatus from dance to get married, explore "bush" Alaska and have her first son, Lara began teaching and performing in 2002 on Prince of Wales Island. Upon returning to Fairbanks in 2003 to continue her degree at UAF, she joined Rabiah's troupe Noor Shimaal and became a founding member of the UAF Middle Eastern Dance & Culture Association.
When Noor Shimaal became dormant in 2007, Lara joined Tundra Caravan Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, where she currently serves as a board member as well.
Her classes have continued to grow as Lara has established a name for herself as a dynamic performer and dedicated instructor of this beautiful art form. You can find Lara, often helping out, at the many local community dance events, and attending workshops across the state. She is truly dedicated to furthering her own knowledge and understanding of the dance, and to supporting the Middle Eastern Dance community in Fairbanks and in the state of Alaska.
In 2007 Lara also pursued certification in the Dancing Thru Pregnancy program and maintains her ACSM personal trainer's certificate.