Northern New Mexico
Belly Dancers listed are members of New Mexico Belly Dance and
adhere to the principled ethical standards of the association. Learn more…
Annya Ishtara- Taos
Style of Dance: American/Egyptian Cabaret, traditional Raq Sharqi; Qignog
Available for: Online and private instruction
Annya Ishtara began belly dance lessons in 1991, and was instantly hooked on the beautiful movements, vibrant music, exotic costuming, and the discovery of Middle Eastern cultures from which this dance comes and she hasn’t stopped learning since! She is currently certified in Level 1 of Sadie Marquant’s Raqs Flow Belly Dance Training.
Annya has studied a vast array of world dances including Haitian, West African, Rajasthani Gypsy dance, and Turkish Roman (Gypsy). With her wide background in movement, energy training and physical body studies and as a trained massage therapist and certified Qigong instructor, she facilitates women to come into deep, embodied connection with themselves and their unique wisdom.
Areena Estul- Santa Fe
Style of Dance: American/Egyptian Cabaret, Traditional Raq Sharqi, Folkloric, Other Fusion
Available for: Online classes and Events.
Areena Belly Dancer is a seasoned performer with well of 750 dance performances under her sparkly belt.
Areena began studying dance in 1999 and avidly continues taking workshops in many forms of dance.
Pre-pandemic, Areena hosted an eclectic mix of artists at her New Moon Cabarets, Enchanted Santa Fe Evenings, and Honeymoon Brewery shows. She anticipates many more lively shows in the post-pandemic world!
Areena has been performing since 2004 and was with the Saltanah Dancers as co-founder, co-director, teacher, soloist, troupe member and co-choreographer from 2006-2018.
Deborah Newberg - Santa Fe
Style of Dance: American/Egyptian Cabaret, Traditional Raq Sharqi, Folkloric, Other Fusion
Available for: Online classes, In person, group instruction, private instruction
Deborah Newberg is the founder, director and lead choreographer of the Saltanah Dancers and Saltanah Studios.
Since 2005, the Saltanah Dancers have presented over 750 performances in NM, at venues ranging from the Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza to the Lensic theatre, from Cleopatra's Cafe to the Scottish Rite Temple.
Deborah has been on the faculty of the Dance department of Santa Fe Community College since 2008, and also teaches at DanceSpace Santa Fe. Her student troupe, the Habibis, also performs regularly with the Saltanah Dancers.
Deborah is known as an enthusiastic and giving teacher, and as a dynamic and musical dancer and choreographer. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Middle Eastern Belly Dance, she also enjoys contemporary innovation and cross-pollination.
Her work is enriched by continuing study and performance of a variety of dance styles, especially Egyptian-style Oriental Dance (aka Raqs Sharqi or Belly Dance), Folkloric Middle Eastern Dances, Persian Dance and Turkish Roman, as well as focused study of Middle Eastern music. Her passion for dance travel and study has taken her to Egypt, Morocco and Spain.
Mira Betz- Taos
Style of Dance: American/Egyptian Cabaret, Traditional Raq Sharqi, Transnational Fusion (ATS), Folkloric, Other Fusion
Available for: In-person, Private Instruction. Studio available for rental.
Mira Betz has been teaching and performing Traditional and Contemporary forms of Middle Eastern dance for over 25 years. Her work has been instrumental in the emergence of a new style known all around the world as Fusion Belly Dance, a dance rooted in tradition while forging new bonds between world dance and individuality.
Mira, known as a teacher’s teacher, empowers students to cultivate curiosity, find their own unique voice, and brings the notions of artistry and integrity to every class. She travels internationally continuing to spread her experience, knowledge and love for dance through her captivating performance and engaging teaching style.
Myra Krien - Santa Fe
Style of Dance: American/Egyptian Cabaret, Traditional Raq Sharqi, Transnational Fusion (ATS), Fokloric, Other Fusion
Available for: Online classes and private instruction. Studio available for rental.
Myra Krien is a renowned Middle Eastern dance artist, an international performer, choreographer and teacher of belly dance. Krien has performed on some of Americas most prestigious stages, toured internationally, performed for PBS and Japanese television and been reviewed by national publications such as Dance Magazine, Bliss and the Santa Fean.
Myra is the owner and founder of Pomegranate Studios and the founder of the Self-esteem, Empowerment, and Education through Dance (SEEDs) program, a non-profit youth mentorship program as well as the Funk-Ex fitness program.
She is also the founder of Mosaic Dance Company (MDC).