is an innovative, award-winning performer, in-demand instructor and successful hip-studio owner. Working in the genres of bellydance, Indian dance (Bollywood & Bhangra) andhop dance, Lisa travels nationally and internationally teaching and performing.
Lisa is a alumni of the University of Maryland Dance Team and has a background in musical theater, jazz and hip hop. In 2008, her strong powerful style earned her the title “2008 Tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe” and she went on to win the Alternative Category at the Wiggles of the West bellydance competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.
At
home, she is faculty at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, where she
teaches bhangra, hip hop and bellydance. She also served as an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica, Asheville.
She has taught at two eating disorder recovery centers, helping women re-discover their bodies through movement, and teaches at the Swannanoa Correctional Facility for Women.
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS:
Dancers Backstage Rituals Part Eight: Lisa Zahiya
RaqsTV Talkshow: Lisa Zahiya, Project Bellydance's fusionista
GALLERY:
LINKS:
Who was the last person you told “I love you”?
Lisa: A dance student who was going through a rough time. I was expressing how much she gives our community.
What will you find in your refrigerator if you looked right now?
Lisa: 1/2 a jar of moonshine, almond milk, white wine and 50 pounds of hummus. Seriously.
What was the last expletive that you used?
Lisa: F**K ( a few times).
When was the last time you cried?
Lisa: Watching a video of the bombing of the Boston Marathon. Terrifying and heart wrenching.
What is the worst tasting thing you have ever eaten?
Lisa: Tripe made by my Peruvian boyfriend's mother in high school. Utterly disgusting.
In the film of your life, who plays you and what is the title?
Lisa: Well I've been told I took like Juliette Lewis but I prefer Christina Hendericks or Beyonce. Curvy and smart. Title: Living the Uncompromised Life.
What is the last furry thing that you touched?Lisa: A donkey at a petting zoo. Eww.
When was the last time you had a hangover?
Lisa: A few weeks ago. My hip hop students and I did a flash mob at a club and we hung out and danced all night long. And I forgot to eat dinner. oopsy.
Do you remember the last time you saw a random act of kindness?
Lisa: Yes, I hosted a bellydance festival last weekend. I saw women in a community they love help each other with directions, invite the one sitting alone to lunch, help with costumes. It was awesome.
If your iPod could only hold 3 songs, what would they be?
Lisa: Eye of the Tiger, What a Wonderful World and Lissa Fakir (traditional Egyptian song).
What are you currently reading?
Lisa: The New Yorker, I am a typical Yankee liberal.
Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Lisa: I'm not sure. I hope I was kind.
If personalities had an odor, what would you smell like?
Lisa: Roses, glitter and sassiness.
You are running in a race and overtake the second-place runner. What position are you now in?
Lisa: Second! duh.
Describe your happy place?
Lisa: Sand, sun, warm water. Dancers. Women supporting each other. Sexy, muscular men who give massages, have jobs, read and listen to NPR. Community.
What is the longest period that you have ever gone without taking a bath?
Lisa: errr, I spent a week kayaking the chesapeake bay once, so a week.
What is your theme song?
Lisa: Don't Stop Believing by Journey. that's cheesy.
Have you ever been spanked or spanked someone as an adult?
Lisa: No, not my thing.
What do you do when you feel sad or depressed?
Lisa: Put on the Wonder Woman theme song and dance around my apartment. It has to involve jumping on and off the couch
If you were being attacked by the tickle monster, who would you want it to be?
Lisa: Tickling is mean and makes me want to kick someone in the face, so someone I don't like.
Do you believe in ghosts? Why?
Lisa: Sure, in an unconventional way. I believe that spirits/guides stay with us to help us get through life.
Describe the perfect kiss using no more than 5 words?
Lisa: Passionate, long, gentle, rough, leading.
What is your greatest fear?
Lisa: Failing the people I love. Not being successful. Losing my passion.
What is the best dish you can cook?
Lisa: A martini. or chili.
Do you truly feel loved?
Lisa: Yes, always.
Thank you, Lisa!
Lisa is a alumni of the University of Maryland Dance Team and has a background in musical theater, jazz and hip hop. In 2008, her strong powerful style earned her the title “2008 Tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe” and she went on to win the Alternative Category at the Wiggles of the West bellydance competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lisa’s unique style and
fusion dance forms has gained her recognition in the International bellydance
community. She travels, teaching workshops, performing and developing
curriculum. She has developed a fusion dance curriculum for a dance school in
San Raphael, France. She serves as guest faculty at Sahara Dance in Washington, DC.
©parker J Photography Inc |
Lisa is also known for her
work with children and women, using dance as a impetus for change. Lisa serves
as a Resident Artist with the Lake Eden Arts Festival, working with 1st-8th
graders in public housing communities and is also a Guest Dance Instructor with
the Buncombe County School System. Additionally, she travels nationally
teaching in school systems and for childrens’ organizations. Lisa has completed
training in Developmental Assests and 21st Century Skills.
She has taught at two eating disorder recovery centers, helping women re-discover their bodies through movement, and teaches at the Swannanoa Correctional Facility for Women.
bio repost from www.lisazahiya.com
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS:
Dancers Backstage Rituals Part Eight: Lisa Zahiya
RaqsTV Talkshow: Lisa Zahiya, Project Bellydance's fusionista
GALLERY:
VIDEO:
Dance with Lisa Zahiya at www.lisazahiya.com
The Asheville Bellydance Festival - April 19-21! http://www.ashevillebellydancefestival.com
Lisa answers 25 of the Best
Who was the last person you told “I love you”?
Lisa: A dance student who was going through a rough time. I was expressing how much she gives our community.
What will you find in your refrigerator if you looked right now?
Lisa: 1/2 a jar of moonshine, almond milk, white wine and 50 pounds of hummus. Seriously.
What was the last expletive that you used?
Lisa: F**K ( a few times).
When was the last time you cried?
Lisa: Watching a video of the bombing of the Boston Marathon. Terrifying and heart wrenching.
What is the worst tasting thing you have ever eaten?
Lisa: Tripe made by my Peruvian boyfriend's mother in high school. Utterly disgusting.
In the film of your life, who plays you and what is the title?
Lisa: Well I've been told I took like Juliette Lewis but I prefer Christina Hendericks or Beyonce. Curvy and smart. Title: Living the Uncompromised Life.
What is the last furry thing that you touched?Lisa: A donkey at a petting zoo. Eww.
When was the last time you had a hangover?
Lisa: A few weeks ago. My hip hop students and I did a flash mob at a club and we hung out and danced all night long. And I forgot to eat dinner. oopsy.
Do you remember the last time you saw a random act of kindness?
Lisa: Yes, I hosted a bellydance festival last weekend. I saw women in a community they love help each other with directions, invite the one sitting alone to lunch, help with costumes. It was awesome.
If your iPod could only hold 3 songs, what would they be?
Lisa: Eye of the Tiger, What a Wonderful World and Lissa Fakir (traditional Egyptian song).
What are you currently reading?
Lisa: The New Yorker, I am a typical Yankee liberal.
Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Lisa: I'm not sure. I hope I was kind.
If personalities had an odor, what would you smell like?
Lisa: Roses, glitter and sassiness.
You are running in a race and overtake the second-place runner. What position are you now in?
Lisa: Second! duh.
Describe your happy place?
Lisa: Sand, sun, warm water. Dancers. Women supporting each other. Sexy, muscular men who give massages, have jobs, read and listen to NPR. Community.
What is the longest period that you have ever gone without taking a bath?
Lisa: errr, I spent a week kayaking the chesapeake bay once, so a week.
What is your theme song?
Lisa: Don't Stop Believing by Journey. that's cheesy.
Have you ever been spanked or spanked someone as an adult?
Lisa: No, not my thing.
What do you do when you feel sad or depressed?
Lisa: Put on the Wonder Woman theme song and dance around my apartment. It has to involve jumping on and off the couch
If you were being attacked by the tickle monster, who would you want it to be?
Lisa: Tickling is mean and makes me want to kick someone in the face, so someone I don't like.
Do you believe in ghosts? Why?
Lisa: Sure, in an unconventional way. I believe that spirits/guides stay with us to help us get through life.
Describe the perfect kiss using no more than 5 words?
Lisa: Passionate, long, gentle, rough, leading.
What is your greatest fear?
Lisa: Failing the people I love. Not being successful. Losing my passion.
What is the best dish you can cook?
Lisa: A martini. or chili.
Do you truly feel loved?
Lisa: Yes, always.
Thank you, Lisa!
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