About Lisa Yasmeen
After working in the field of architecture for two years, Lisa needed a release from her busy work schedule. In the year 2000 she began studying belly dancing in Seattle with the well respected Zaphara. Lisa immediately fell in love with the complex rhythms of Middle Eastern music, the lively melodies of Greek songs and the feminine sensual movements of the dance. A year later, Zaphara invited Lisa to join her troupe, Zaphara’s Middle Eastern Dancers. The troupe performs annually at Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, NW Folk Life, Pierce College Cultural Festival, Phinney Ridge Winter Festival, and Cornucopia Days. For five years, Lisa danced with the troupe.
As Lisa began to advance in her skill level as a dancer, she started teaching introductory belly dancing courses at Urban Fitness in August 2002. She then relocated her teaching to All Star Fitness in both West Seattle and Queen Anne locations. Currently, Lisa is taking a hiatus from teaching in order to concentrate on soloist performance dance, performing with the Blue Lotus Dance Company and to study for her architectural licensing exams. In an ongoing effort to expand upon her dance vocabulary, Lisa takes private lessons and workshops from Seattle’s renowned Sabura, Dahlia Moon, Alimah, Manon, Nath Keo, Leila of Egypt and Jillina and Sonia of the Belly Dance Superstars.
Lisa’s repertoire of belly dance experience includes performances at: Mamounia Moroccan Restaurant, Porta Greek Taverna, the Baltic Room, a guest dancer performance at the Pyramids Egyptian Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii, “A Night of Oriental Dance” and “Shaabi Shake 2000” hosted by Nath Keo, a benefit concert for Tsunami Relief with Bollywood singer, Chandana Dixit, Rhythms of India Dancers, Amira, Audrey and Suzanna, the YMCA annual benefit hosted by Katia Sahar, Emerald Rain competition and MEAI Belly Dance Extravaganza. Her experience also includes dancing to a live music such as Greek and Middle Eastern, at weddings, holiday parties, birthday parties and various celebrations.
Belly dancing has become a huge part of Lisa’s life and is truly an extension of who she is today. Depending on the venue or event, Lisa’s dance style ranges from classical and modern Egyptian to fusion. Her passion for this ancient dance form can be seen in her performances as a true entertainer as she graces her audience with her engaging smile, skill and alluring charm.
Lisa graduated from the University of WA with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies in 1998. She has experience as a project architect and is working toward her license in architecture.