AALIM BellyDance Academy, Inc.
Home of DESERT FIRE

Soraya has been performing and teaching for over 30 years.  Extensive background in ballet and other dance forms.  Has specialized in Middle-Eastern Dance since 1978; has studied in Egypt and participated in and taught numerous workshops throughout the United States.

Is recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her services and commitment to the art of Middle-Eastern Dance.  During her dance career, Soraya has owned and operated four dance studios (Wichita/Ks, Memphis/TN, St.Louis/Mo and Oklahoma City).

Aini has been a member of the Dance Company for ten years; performing and teaching for 8 years;  Aini is the Director of two dance programs within the Company; She is the founding member of AALIM CALLA, the Company's Tribal Fusion Program; and the founding member of KUMPANIA, the Gypsy Rom Dance Program.  Both programs have flourished under Aini's vision, innovate choreographies and strong leadership.

Aini performs regularly at workshops (in and out of state) as well as maintaining regular performance commitments at local restaurants and clubs.

Zafirah has been a member of the Dance Company for 6 years, teaching advanced level classes, producing troupe and solo choreographies and performing.  Her extensive musical background (professional concert pianist) and an undeniable dance talent are two attributes which have made Zafirah one of the Dance Company's most sought after instructors and performers. 

Zafirah has performed in many venues in Oklahoma and surrounding States and is a regular performer at local restaurants and clubs.

Sahar has been with the Company for seven years and is trained in both the art of cabaret and tribal fusion.  Sahar teaches both styles of bellydance from introductory level to advanced level.  Sahar's versatility in styling and rapport with her students establishes her as one of AALIM's most favorite instructors.

As a performer, Sahar's experience includes numerous public performances in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas; she is a favorite on the workshop circuit and in the restaurants and clubs in Oklahoma City.

Jia joined the Company in 2004, having prior dance and teaching experience.  She quickly advanced through AALIM's teaching programs and currently teaches one of AALIM's Troupes.  In addition to being a talented performer and patient teacher, Jia has proven motivation skills to encourage students in her classes to excel.

Jia can be seen performing at all venues in town, fairs, festivals, workshops, clubs and restaurants

Alifia is one of the newest teachers to join the Company.  A native of India she exudes the grace, confidence and serenity of her culture.  Alifia teaches Introductory classes where her skills of patience and supurb technical abilites blend well to educate and encourage new students in their dance journey.

Alifia is in great demand performing in local clubs and restaurants, participating in out of state workshops and performs regularly in Dallas/TX

Ru'yah has attended and performed with the Company for 6 years, has been a regular substitute teacher for 3 years and currently teaches Kumpania under the direction of Aini Amar.  She is very versatile and accomplished performer/teacher in both cabaret and gypsy style bellydance.  

Ru'yah performs in all venues, fairs, festivals and is a very popular performer in what she loves best, Gypsy!

Najma has extensive dance training, specifically in ballet; she is a certified Pilates Instructor and is a faculty member in the dance program at OU/Norman;  For the first time in the history of the Dance Program at OU, it is offering an ACCREDITED COURSE in Middle-Eastern Dance, this being the first accredited course at any University in Oklahoma.   Aalim is excited to have Najma teaching for our Dance Company.

Najma is a very popular performer in local clubs and restaurants.  Her style is reminisant of "Old Cairo" with its balletic undertones.  As a Classical Bellydance performer, Najma is "a Dancer's Dancer" .