Zaina Hart; a Dancer’s Dancer, Teacher’s Teacher, and Builder of the Hart
“You can do anything, at any age, no limits if only you BELIEVE“. Now celebrating 50 plus years in this beautiful and powerful dance, with so much more to look forward to.
Zaina is described as grace itself, entering a stage and room with elegance, power and confidence. Passion and fire do not elude her, she will in fact wrap you up in it and leave you breathless for having joined her. This multi-award winning performer, who seemingly leaves the stage “sizzling” and the audience mesmerized, has forged her place in “Belly Dance” with the best of them. Zaina actually becomes the music, never chasing it, nor ignoring it, but rather breathing it deep into her soul and heart to then offer the audience, never holding back, all that she becomes in those moments.
A respected College Instructor whose classes were over capacity at every quarter, Zaina continues to inspire women from all backgrounds not only to dance, but helping them to be the beautiful, strong women they desire to be. Her charisma on stage is equal to that off stage where she is mother/grandmother, friend, mentor and writer. As the former owner/editor of iShimmy.com (formerly The Belly Dancer Magazine) she forged a new road, h-artful education for dancers.
Zaina’s dance style is based in classical Egyptian, however, she adds to this her own extraordinary flair – her Zany-personality, which depending on performance and music is a powerful mix of elegance and sass, playfulness and humor, and a sensuality seemingly born to her. She has equally developed quite the reputation as comedian and emcee for various events around the country. Her mesmerizing arm and hand work combined with unique body styling have brought forward the “Wings of the Phoenix” performances bringing the house down at each emotionally charged offering.
Currently residing in Vancouver, WA she maintains Zaina’s House of Dance, continuing to teach and coach dancers and pageant participants. Zaina is the former owner/producer of the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition and owner/editor of iShimmy.com, The Belly Dancer Magazine and often participates as judge at many competitions throughout the country. She continues to stay in tune with the “Hart-Beat” of Middle Eastern performing arts, sharing valuable information with readers, students, and friends alike. Having served on multiple boards for the arts and animal conservation, as well as staff writer for various Middle Eastern Dance publications in and outside of the US, has given her a vast array of experience to further tap for her students.
“The beauty and strength of our dance art comes from the diversity of those who participate . . the differences in styles, age, gender, race, body form and passions of its performers”. . . Zaina Hart
Recognizing her unique teaching and performing style, in 1999 the Producers of Oregon Public Broadcasting approached her to be the feature of a documentary about Middle Eastern Dance and its effect on the lives of the women and men who have chosen the art form for their creative outlet. The segment was aired on “Art Beat” which as of this writing (2005) has aired on three separate occasions and received the most votes for re-airing by the summer of 2004.
This dance continues to challenge me as a person and performer moving me to think, teach and reach “OUTSIDE THE BOX” … Zaina Hart
Some of Zaina’s Awards & Titles
2001 Headliner of the Year
2001 Wiggles and Giggles – (Comedy Category)
1998 Entertainer of the Year – Runner Up
1998 Wiggles and Giggles (Comedy Category)
1997 Alternative Stylist – Belly Dancer USA
1995 Belly Dancer USA
1995 Miss America of Dance Runner Up
1995 Mis World Dance Runner Up
1995 Alternative Style Winner – Corvallis Classics
1993 Alternative Style Winner – Coos Bay Classics
1992 Community Award – Columbia River Girl Scout Council
1992 Masters Winner – MED&CA Olympics
1991 Professional Winner – MED&CA Olympics
1991 Alternative Style Winner – MED&CA Olympics
1990 New Age Winner – Belly Dance Classics, Coos Bay OR