I fell in love with belly dancing after watching those graceful souls move to the beat of drums during an SCA event. Shortly thereafter, I started taking classes in fall of 1995 in my hometown of Quebec City (yes, I'm French-Canadian… that explains my funky accent) and I studied it for 5 years there. After a 4-year hiatus and a move to Indianapolis, I gave in to my passion again in 2004 and took belly dance lessons under the tutelage of Jaleela Saleem.
I was intrigued by the beauty of moving in unison thanks to cues that is the trademark of Tribal belly dance so when an opportunity to learn this powerful dance from my teacher presented itself, I jumped at the occasion. After this short introductory class on Tribal belly dance, I joined Jaleela's tribe. I love the camaraderie and the sisterhood within Black Rose Caravan.
Other hobbies and interests: Oh geez! There are so many! I used to be very
much involved within the SCA but, nowadays, I just attend a few events per
year. I love sewing, doing embroidery, knitting. I also like to play
roleplaying games (think D&D) I'm a geek since I like fantasy, RPGs, have a
degree in science. Oh and I'm goth, which explains the predominance of black
in all of my outfits.
Chyanne (Assisant Director)
I have been a belly dancer since 2002 I
have studied with Zweena Bynt Asya and performed with Troupe Taleeba of Fort
Wayne. Another instructor I have studied with is Carenza Bynt Asya of
Muncie. I now live in Indianapolis and I am a proud member of The Black Rose
Caravan. Besides bellydancing, I also enjoy dancing salsa and merengue as
well as listening to all different types of music.
A lover of the arts and student of the world, I am carrying on my aunt’s legacy in Middle Eastern dance and it’s variations. I have been studying under Jaleela’s direction since 2004 and am a founding member of Black Rose Caravan.
Over the past 20 years, I have studied other various styles of dance including Tunisian and Egyptian belly dance, during which time my beautiful mother joined me. From the captivating art and architecture of the Mediterranean, to the decadent food, to the rich history and charismatic people and descendants of the Middle East and North Africa, these cultures hold a special place in my heart.
I started taking belly dancing classes in 2003. Until then, I'd never taken any dance training. I had admired the strength, grace and femininity in belly dance and wanted to experience that for myself. I've learned a lot about dance and about myself since that first class! Since starting this journey, I've taken classes through continuing education offerings and also was a member of the Desert Winds in Indianapolis.
I was thrilled when Jaleela mentioned starting tribal dance classes. I am so glad she did! I've been with Black Rose Caravan since its inception in 2005. I think our tribe has an incredible energy about it and I really enjoy dancing with my tribe sisters. Jaleela is an exceptional teacher and dancer, and it is as much a joy to learn from her as it is to watch her dance. Her extensive knowledge of dance and its history has taught me much and inspired me to learn more.
I support my dance habit by working as a nurse. I also enjoy sewing costumes for dance performances and going to Renaissance Faires around the Midwest.
I have belly danced since 2003. I first learned to dance Oriental style under Jaleela Saleem. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge that belly dance presents to the mind and body while giving the chance to always learn something new. Belly dance has always given me a chance to break away from the often chaotic world to slow down on focus on the artistic expression from within myself.
I was given the opportunity to learn Tribal Fusion under Jaleela and the chance to join the newly formed Black Rose Caravan. I did and I haven’t looked back! I fell in love with the improvisation, costumes, and most importantly, the sisterhood of the troupe! The fun and positive energy of the troupe continues to inspire me to be the best dancer I can be. I continue my education of the many types of belly dance through the attendance of workshops taught by nationally recognized teachers. I currently perform with Black Rose Caravan and hope in the future to perform as a soloist.
Akilah bint Bahirah (Artist/Webmistress)
I had my first bellydance class in November 2004 and it became The Pastime
That Ate My Life. Dancing with Black Rose has been an absolute pleasure; not
only is the dance fun and challenging, but troupe works together in a
supportive atmosphere that is a definite help for the less experienced among
us (that's me, by the way!). I enjoy the dance for it's beauty, the fun of
interacting with other dancers, and let's face it, where else am I going to
get the chance to balance a sword on my head?
When not occupying myself with bellydance, I work at a medical diagnostics
company as a research scientist. I also have a rotating set of hobbies -
sewing, drawing, and origami.