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Hi, my name is Alyssa and I'm the creator of Gulf Coast Bellydance. I will be holding classes in and around Ocean Springs, MS. I am also available for performances and to dance at your restaurant.

I took my first American Cabaret bellydance class with Tamra Tahira when I attended Penn State University. I was new to the campus and wanted to become more involved in culturally diverse activities. Middle Eastern dance stood out to me because I was interested in non-traditional dance forms and had a fascination with the history and culture of the Egyptian people. Having had no prior experience or formal instruction in any kind of dance, I was a bit apprehensive to sign up for the class and only did so because a friend registered with me. After only two classes, I found it to be a very comfortable and fun atmosphere and I was “hooked.” I had no idea that what started as a non-credit college class would later become such a big part of my life.

After graduating from college, I moved away from the area, but I was able to find a new dance instructor, Tahya. Her class focused on the dance rhythms of Middle Eastern music and she taught me how to play the frame drum. She also helped me improve my technique with the finger cymbals.

In 2007 I moved to southern Florida and studied with Na’ila, who introduced me to Tribal Fusion. While I was in Florida, I had the opportunity to attend many Hafla’s (Arabic dance parties) and to perform. Florida is a very unique area because the dance community is very involved and tight knit, providing me with many incredible opportunities for development in dance. I was involved in putting together a choreography and performance at the Manatee Community College Day of the Arts Festival and I was also provided with my first opportunity to perform in restaurants, Zorba’s Greek Restaurant and Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro, in Naples.

That same year, I took my first workshop with an original Bellydance Superstar, Ansuya, “The Magic of Bellydance.” Her workshops are often extensive, involving the commitment to long hours over several weekends. I took all three of her certification courses and earned an Elite Graduate Certificate in her style of dance. I have trained more extensively with Ansuya than any other instructor.

Over the last few years I have also taken workshops and individual classes with Alexandra King, Ava Fleming, Helena Vlahos, Angela Prato and another original Bellydance Superstar, Tamalyn Dallal. Each instructor has her own unique style and has contributed a lot to the American bellydance scene.

I love learning as many different styles from as many different instructors as I can because doing so makes me a more educated, well-rounded dancer. I believe it is important to take every possible opportunity to learn from as many diverse dance instructors as possible. It is my goal to pass on my knowledge and to help continue to develop as strong a bellydance community in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area as I have found in Florida and other parts of the country.