Queens of the Universe
Middle Eastern Dance Troupe
Ann became interested in Middle Eastern dance when she saw a local dancer perform and became mesmerized by the movements and power of the music. She has had the opportunity to study and learn from master teachers around the world. Ann was a member of the Women of Selket dance troupe when she decided to branch out and start her own class/troupe. The wonderful result was the Queens of the Universe.
One of the founding members of the Queens of the Universe, Varvara began belly dance lessons in Germany from Satania Sheva. After performing in her first recital, she was hooked on the dance and the costumes. Varvara danced at the Phonecia and the Palisades. In Nuremberg, she had the opportunity to dance on a regular basis in several local restaurants featuring belly dancers. Since returning to the U.S. she continues her belly dance education through local teachers and seminars and performs in Colonial Heights and Richmond.
Zahirah began dancing in 1982 with the great Lettie Abdelaziz (Mish Mish D'Amira) at the YWCA in NYC. She danced for five years in NY before moving to Germany where she continued to dance for several years. Upon return to the US and moving to Virginia, she studied with Alice Warner, Heather Merrill and Ann Elliotte. Zahirah is now the teacher of the Colonial Heights beginners class.
Ameena started taking a belly dance class for exercise, which turned into a passion. She began in 2004 and has been dancing ever since. She plans to keep going until she cannot dance any more. When the Queens were formed, Ameena was one of the original dancers who helped Ann make the decision to create the troupe.
Gaia decided to start belly dancing after a trip to the Virginia Renaissance Faire in 2007. Since then she has taken lessons with a multitude of teachers and has taught workshops on fan veils, her favorite prop. Gaia won runner up at the East Coast Classic amateur/junior professional competition in 2014 and first place amateur/junior professional in 2015.
Ondreya began her belly dance journey in 2010 under the instruction of Debby West. She discovered an immediate passion for the dance, especially, the sisterhood, personal growth, and therapy for which belly dance offers. She has taken classes and workshops from a variety of instructors and enjoys incorporating new techniques into her dance. In 2014, she became a member of the Queens of the Universe.
Victoria has been dancing her whole life but did not discover belly dance until 2004. Since then she has studied under numerous teachers learning a variety of styles. She loves them all. In 2023, she joined the Queens of the Universe belly dance troupe.
Jamilah Amirah became fascinated with belly dance at a young age. She started belly dancing in 2013 at 14 years old with The Belly Dance School of Richmond. She loves the confidence that the dance brings and the glitz and glam of the costumes. In 2024, she joined the Queens of the Universe.
Meredith started dancing in 2006 when she learned her co worker was teaching at a local community center. That class led to another, and another, and she was hooked! Meredith has danced at a number of local restaurants and events throughout Virginia. She was a member of The Women of Selket and has enjoyed learning different styles of Middle Eastern dance, especially folkloric and sha'abi. Now a proud member of the Queens of the Universe, Meredith looks forward to continuing her dance journey.
Dalia began belly dance class in Colonial Heights in 2019. After having three wonderful children she was looking to move her body and reconnect with her femininity. She danced in class for four years before joining the Queens of the Universe. Dalia enjoys the beauty, friendship, fun, and wisdom so many amazing women of all ages bring to the local belly dance scene!