Instructors

Almeh Lara

     I began studying Middle Eastern Dance at age 12 with the subtle & elegant Rabia Banu (Robyn Russell) of Fairbanks. My debut performance was at a fundraiser for Fairbanks Light Opera Theater in 1995. Since then, I have performed at many local events including fundraisers, birthdays, holiday celebrations and haflas. I have taken classes in many other dance forms before and since, but Raqs Sharqi is the dance form that has stolen my heart! I danced for many years with Rabia Banu’s group Noor Shimaal, and helped found UAF’s MEDCA (Middle Eastern Dance and Culture Association) while attending classes there, and am now part of the performing troupe Tundra Caravan. I have attended workshops with such notable instructors as Morrocco of NY, Aziza, Margo Abdo Odel, Mona N’Wal and Suzanna Del Vecchio and continue to study and extend my knowledge of this beautiful dance form at every opportunity.

     I began teaching after moving to Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island. I missed my dancing circle from Fairbanks, and found willing pupils who encouraged me in my teaching endeavors. Upon returning to Fairbanks in 2003, I was quickly recruited to teach for friends, and later at UAF MEDCA. Drawing on my past teaching experience in other fields, I have been developing my class structure ever since. I am committed to integrity and beauty in my dance and in my teaching, and I really love sharing this beautiful dance!

     In addition to teaching Raqs Sharqi classes, I am also a certified instructor for the Dancing Thru Pregnancy and After Dance program. I am very excited to be able to bring to Fairbanks this clinically tested fitness method, which enhances both physical and emotional outcomes of pregnancy and birth.