Belly Dance has been used by many cultures for different purpose ranging from spiritual practices to child birth preparation.  Modern Belly Dance promotes health and emotional wellness through a full range of low impact movements that improve muscle control.  Major areas of emphasis are hips, abdomen, back, arms and chest. Dancers will quickly notice results from the Belly Dance workout. Some benefits of Belly Dance include increased flexibility of the torso, improved suppleness of the hips, as well as toning, contouring and strengthening of large muscle groups. Belly Dance is based on movements that come naturally to the female form.  Through this art of self expression the dancer improves self image by reveling in the sensuality of the dance.  In class, the Belly Dance student will learn movements which promote body awareness.  Belly Dance is an artistic outlet that strengthens, tones, and allows a woman to tune into their femininity. Belly Dance relaxes, refreshes, and exhilarates.

Miss Antonella is a Certified Bellydance Instructor who has been teaching Bellydance since 2006. She grew up in south central Pennsylvania. She started her career as a Registered Nurse then went on to become a Director of Professional Services in Pittsburgh, PA. After moving to South Florida her interest in dance became sharply focused on Egyptian Raks Sharqi. Today, Antonella enjoys teaching and choreographing Oriental Dance. She has received Master level Instruction from many world renowned teachers – Virginia Mendez, Bozenka from Bellydance Superstars, Yousry Sharif, Tito Seif, Miss Feiruz, Saida of Argentina from Bellydance Superstars, Amir Thaleb, Mira Betz, Tamalyn Dallal, Daneila, Francesca and Maria Jammal . She has received Certifications from the Middle East Performing Arts of Bellydance Instruction, Virginia’s Live Music Series for Music Interpretation and Dance Improvisation, and a series on the Life and Music of Oum Kalthoum with instructors Elias Kilzi, Joe Zeytoonian and Miriam Eli. Other certifications include the use of props in dance – zills, veil, fanveil, shamadan, cane (asaya), sword, and Isis wings. She continues to take ongoing Masters level classes and Workshops throughout Florida.  Antonella combines traditional Bellydance with modern elements to offer a broad spectrum of the Art of Bellydance . Incorporating Fusion, Folkloric, and precise articulation technique she is able to provide aspects of Bellydance that are challenging and exciting. Antonella most recently has appeared in presentations of Virginia’s Rakstar and various Miami and Broward Haflas. Miss Antonella regularily teaches at Dancers Galley in Miramar, Florida where she is instructing the  Bellydance Company Troupes Habibi and Beledi. Also in the Fall 2010, Miss Antonella will be teaching at Performance Edge in Weston, Florida.