Meet Yasmina   

Yasmina is a performer, instructor and hosted  “The Joy of Belly Dancing” TV show on Public Access TV in Arizona.  

She has been teaching for the City of Mesa since 1989 and has just started teaching classes at the Mesa Art Center. Yasmina performs many styles of Middle Eastern Dance and incorporates the use of many props, such as: sword, jug, canes, tray of candles, basket, fan veil, Voi and snakes.  Her classes run all year round and consist of beginning and intermediate cabaret, beginning and intermediate tribal style classes.  Check out the Mesa Art Center website for class information and schedule of on-going and special performances of Yasmina.

Her teaching style is of the same philosophy as her dance. She does not want her students to be carbon copies of her, but to learn all aspects of the dance. She teaches both the old and new styles of dance and is continually updating her skills to pass along to her students. She attends dance workshops, seminars and dance contests both in State and out of State to keep abreast of what is happening in the dance world. Yasmina also teaches workshops, in and out of state, with her Veil and Fan Veil class being the most requested.  At Wiggles of the West Las Vegas she taught an Tribal Indian Fusion workshop in 2009 and will be teaching a Fan Veil workshop in 2010.  She has sponsored out of State artists in workshops that were both in dance and Middle Eastern Music.  She was on the editorial staff of Wiggle Hips a belly dance magazine published by Janie and Chris the Two Old Bags which ceased publication in 2004.  Yasmina was featured on the cover of Wiggles Hips in the June/July issue of 1999.  In July of 2004 Yasmina took 2nd place and in 2006 she took 3rd place in the Headliner category at the Wiggle of the West competition.

Yasmina started her TV show along with her husband and family back in January 1990.  After 13 years of producing the show the City of Mesa decided to no longer support Public Access TV and our show has come to an end in Oct. 2003.   The show was well received by the dance community and general public. The reason for producing the TV show was to show the public what belly dancing is all about and to dismiss the misconceptions of the dance. The Joy of Belly Dancing show was one of the longest Public Access TV shows in the Valley of the Sun.  From the production of the TV show, Seven Veils Productions has branched out and produced five professional dance videos for the market. The first video, “Yasmina, an  American Belly Dance” is a 30 minute performance  tape of seven different dance routines.  The next series of  videos are, “A Night in the Desert I, II & III”.  These videos are also  performance videos.  These videos were live performance shows highlighting dancers from  Arizona. Night in the Desert I & II include eight different dancers performing with a live Greek Band.  Night in the Desert III include seven different dancers performing with a live Arabic Band.  The  fifth video, "Yasmina Live!", is a collection of highlights from the TV show, The Joy of Belly Dancing. All performances include live music from artists such as: Doug Adams, David Korup, Sirocco, Billy Woods and many more.

Yasmina founded Troupe Baladi, a three member dance troupe in January 1994. The performance styles of the troupe were Tribal Fusion, Ethnic and flashy Cabaret. In 1996, Troupe Baladi took 3rd Place in the Wiggles of the West dance competition.  Ambera and Yasmina represented Troupe Baladi at the Wiggles of the West dance competition July 2001.  The troupe took 2nd place in the Mini Ensemble category.  The troupe members have gone their separate ways with new interests in their lives.  

Yasmina left the corp. world and went into belly dancing full time.  Along with Malikah they started Shimmy Bliss Costuming Co. in Feb. 2004 and started creating and importing exquisite belly dance costumes.  Malikah went to pursue her graphics design and photography business in May 2004 and Yasmina took the business on full time.  With the change in ownership Yasmina has taken Shimmy Bliss in a new direction concentrating on the needs of the American Tribal Dancer. 

In 2007 Yasmina found another creative outlet, crafting especially card making.  Yasmina now makes and sells belly dance cards and teaches classes and workshops in card making and crafts.  Check out dates of up coming craft/card classes and workshops.  To custom order belly dance cards contact Yasmina.

Schedule of performances and events (on-going and special)

Tues., Wed., Thursday August 31st, Sept. 1st & 2nd - Yasmina's Mesa Art Center classes start - more info

Sat., Sept. 4, 2010 - Yasmina will be teaching a Drum Solo mini workshop from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and Drum & Zill (learning the rhythms we dance to) from noon - 1:00 in her home studio - more info

Sat. Sept. 18, 2010 - Yasmina and students will be performing at Maui Wowi, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., (3722 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018), (602) 840-3444 - more info

Sat., Oct. 2, 2010 - Yasmina will be teaching a Skirt mini workshop from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in her home studio - more info

Sat., Oct. 2, 2010 - Flagstaff Belly Raq 2010 - A Middle Eastern Dance Collective, Belly dance rock show featuring Flagstaff belly dancers. Guest performer Yasmina from Phoenix, 7pm – 8pm (Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff), more info contact the Gypsy Chicks, http://www.gypsychicksdance.com/

Wed., Oct. 13, 2010 - Yasmina's Mesa Art Center classes recital 7:00 - 9:00 (Mesa Art Center, Drama Room, 2nd floor, 1 N. Center, Mesa, AZ 85201) - contact Yasmina for more info, yasmina@joyofbellydancing.com.

Sat. Oct. 16, 2010 - Yasmina and Rajani in Workshop, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., (Yasmina's studio), (480)962-6303 - more info

Tues., Wed., Thursday Oct. 21st, 26th & 27th - Yasmina's Mesa Art Center classes start - more info

Sat., Nov. 6, 2010 - Yasmina will be vending at the AZ MECDA Fall Festival (Alwun House, Phoenix) - More info website

Sat. Nov. 13, 2010 - Yasmina and students will be performing at the City of Mesa Talent Show, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., (Mesa Amphitheater University and Center) - more info contact Yasmina

Sat., Dec. 4, 2010 - Yasmina will be teaching a Combinations mini workshop from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and Balance (bring a prop if you'd like) from noon - 1:00 in her home studio - more info

Sat. Dec. 4, 2010 - Yasmina and students will be performing in the Chandler Parade of Lights, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., (downtown Chandler) - more info contact Yasmina

Tues., Dec. 14, 2010 - Yasmina's Mesa Art Center classes recital 7:00 - 9:00 (Mesa Art Center, Drama Room, 2nd floor, 1 N. Center, Mesa, AZ 85201) - contact Yasmina for more info, yasmina@joyofbellydancing.com.

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Non Dance Related Workshops

If you like to craft as much as I do I hold monthly card/crafts in my home studio plus I will be teaching monthly classes at the Mesa Art Center. 
If you would like to take one of the workshops please contact me, yasmina@joyofbellydancing.com or 480/962-6303

Home Studio Workshops 

September 11th - More techniques to enhance your greeting cards and other projects.  Techniques will include: stipple basics, stamping on candles, wet paper water color, flock background and a tent card.

October 9th - It's getting to be that time of year when the weather starts cooling off and the stores are full of Christmas items.  It's time to make your holiday cards to send to friends and family. Make this year special by creating your own hand made cards. We will be making a variety of cards including a shaker card, gift card holder, origami fold technique and more; 7 cards in all.

November 13th - More unusual shaped cards and boxes.  Back by popular demand we will be making unusual shape cards and boxes to brighten anyone's day.  These whimsical items are fun to make and give; that is if you can part with them J

December 11th - More techniques to enhance your greeting cards and other projects.  Techniques will include: Retiform, Serigraph, Smooch Spritz Resist, Stained Mosaic and a waterfall card

Workshops are held at Yasmina's place in downtown Mesa.  
Please call and reserve your spot since space is limited - 480/962-6303.  
Workshops are 3 hours in length from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Workshop fee is $20 (bring scissors and glue I supply everything else)

Check out my blog to see what we have made in the past.

Mesa Art Center Classes

New Techniques for Greeting Cards
September 20, 2010
•Learn some new techniques to enhance greeting cards, scrapbooks, Artist Trading Cards, etc.
•Five techniques will be taught in this class. Techniques covered will be: Faux Cloisonne, Drunken Chalk, Rubber Cement Resist, Acrylic Distress and a Double Pocket Card.
•We will create greeting cards from all techniques.
Supply cost $5 - please bring scissors and your favorite glue.
CAF10PC004-01 M Sept 20 6-9pm $21

Holiday Greeting Cards
October 22, 2010 & October 23, 2010
•It's getting to be that time of year when the weather starts cooling off and the stores are full of Christmas items.
•It's time to make your holiday cards to send to friends and family. Make this year special by creating your own hand made cards.
•We will be making a variety of cards including a shaker card, gift card holder, origami fold techniques and more; 5 cards in all.•Supply cost $5 - please bring scissors and your favorite glue.
CAF10PC005-01 F Oct 22 6-9pm $21
CAF10PC005-02 Sat Oct 23 9-noon $21

Unusual Shape Greeting Cards and Boxes
November 15, 2010
•Tired of the same old style of card? Want to give a fun and unique card to friends and family? Here's the class for you!
•In this class we will be making unusual shape cards and boxes. The cards will be a corset, bra and panty; the boxes will be a shoe and wallet to place small gifts in
•Supply cost $5 - please bring scissors and your favorite glue.
CAF10PC006-01 M Nov 15 6-9pm $21

register by calling the Mesa Art Center box office, (480)644-6500, or drop off your registration at the Art Studios at the Mesa Arts Center lobby.
late registration call (480)644-6500
brochures are at the Mesa Art Center or visit the Mesa Arts Center website, http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/classes/visualarts.

Check out my blog to see what we have made in the past.  Check out my new craft blog to see new projects.

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[top 3  photos by Gina Cinardo]
[sword  photo by David Reynolds]

powered by FreeFind       More about Yasmina Teaching & Performances Classes & Workshops Performance Schedule Students Page YouTube Videos Bio, Photos & More Photo Gallery Yasmina Bio Yasmina's Blog Costume Business Shimmy Bliss Shimmy Bliss eBay Store Spotlight Video of the Month American Belly Dance Legends Spotlight Link The Jamila Experience - an article by Yasmela from the Gilded Serpent What's New Workshops with Rajani & Yasmina Updates: Articles  Tribal Belly Dance   8th Annual Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival Four exquisite days of non-stop belly dance activities **New this year** Think You Can Belly Dance?--Contest An entire series of classes for drummers Join Aradia, John Compton, Princess Farhanah, Fahtiem, Asharah, Moira  Chappell and over 30 other instructors Payment Plans Available Now!! September 9-12, 2010 at the FLAMINGO samira@bellydanceintensive.com 1-888-LV-RAKS-U (1-888-587-2578) www.bellydanceintensive.com Performance/Classes Holly - 928.300.4452 mindandbodyholly.com   Learn to  Belly Dance for fun!!     with Halyma's Belly Dance Lessons on DVD Great gift idea! Available online and in Ottawa Stores now! Clean and clear instructions for the basics of belly dance for any fitness level - no previous experience needed! www.bellydancingforfun.com Halyma@bellydancingforfun.com phone: 613.241.3397 See-fit Body Stockings Your second skin   Designed to be worn under your costume,    in flesh, black or fishnet crystal Lycra. For more info please visit www.see-fit.com Dare to be Bare! Shimmy  In The Spirit of Bellydance Magazine Featuring healthy lifestyles and the beautiful art of bellydance in one unique publication.  Subscribe online at: www.shimmyspiritofdance.com and join the Shimmy Community!  Online,  Free and  International! 1000's of articles, reviews, photos, events, letters Journal of Record for Middle Eastern Music, Dance and  Belly Dance Support and participate: write, advertise, volunteer today! GildedSerpent.com   Amira's "Bellydance and Yoga for Pregnancy" DVD EMPOWERING EXERCISES FOR EXPECTING MOMS Amira brings the ancient arts of Yoga and Belly Dance together in a modern world, with a program that teaches gentle and effective techniques to help every woman on the path to one of life's most profound experiences - motherhood. For more info please visit us at: www.pregnantbellydance.com Amira  International Emissary of Dance Highest Quality Merchandise! Check out Amira’s 5-Star Rated “Bellydance 101” Instructional DVD, and read over 60 reviews! Amira travels extensively, teaching and performing both nationally and internationally. Her students are filled with her love for dance and her mission to make a difference in women’s lives through bellydance. For bookings and info: www.amirasbelly.com   Who will win in 2011? July 21-24, 2011  at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall  Wiggles of the West Belly Dance Competition in Las Vegas, NV!!! We have 9 fabulous categories,  24 workshops taught fabulous Instructors from all over the west,  a "Meet & Greet" Hafla Dinner Buffet and Show, and a Luncheon Buffet Show in Sam's Town Live!! .  4 fabulous days of Belly dance!!! www.wigglesofthewestlv.com Shimmy Bliss Costuming Co. Tribal Belly Dance Supplies We receive in new items weekly so please  Check out our websites    www.shimmybliss.com or visit us on  eBay We will be vending at Workshops with Rajani & Yasmina October 16, 2010 AZ MECDA Fall Festival November 6, 2010 Yasmina's 16th Annual Swap Meet January 15, 2011 Wiggles of the West July 21st - 24th, 2011 Would you like to see your ad here??  Check out the Ad Page for more info.