Female

Halleyah has studied Middle Eastern Dance since 1990 and became an assistant instructor in 1991. She began teaching on her own in 1992. Her own instructors have included: Isabel Crunk at Emory University, Rayne Kerrigan who danced professionally with Ouzel's Company in Germany during the 1970's, Agela of Atlanta, and Zhaleh Ferreshta of Augusta. She has taken seminar and workshop classes with many instructors over the years. In October of 2007 she received her General Skills Certificate from Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance.
Halleyah has studied a wide variety of Middle Eastern dances over the years including: Central Asian, Egyptian, Nomadic North Indian, North African, Persian, Turkish and American Tribal Style (ATS). Her areas of specialty are Egyptian and Persian. Her dance training is primarily in Middle Eastern Dance, but she has also studied: Ballroom dance, Flamenco, Folk dance, Line dance, Modern dance, Renaissance dance, and Square dance. She holds a Masters degree in Education, with a Media Specialist, and a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Theatre. All of this colors her teaching style and methodology as well as the way she performs the dance.
Halleyah emphasizes the historical and ethnic traditions of the dance form, fusing different styles and ethnic traditions to create a beautiful art form. She believes that this dance form is an amazing tool for women to explore and redefine themselves and enjoys assisting her students in discovering a comfort and pride as they learn this ancient art form. While she enjoys performing, her main area of interest is in teaching others and helping her students to look good! She is currently exploring theatrical dance possibilities with belly dance.