Naraya
started her Middle Eastern dance training over ten years in Oregon where she first glimpsed the beautiful and powerful tribal style of Gypsy Caravan. After having performed cabaret professionally for over seven years, the draw of tribal’s trademark improvisational group style as well as the funk of new fusion styles proved too much for her, and began her tribal dance training in earnest. To date, Naraya has performed at some of the most sought after venues and events in NYC including: Lincoln Center, the UN, the Egyptian Embassy, on the set of popular independent movies such as Copsa Mica, the hit TV show - Rescue Me with Dennis Leary, as well as many others. Artistic Director and Founder of Vadalna Tribal Dance Co., Naraya has been taking her company on the road throughout the United States performing tribal-fusion as well as offering sold-out workshops on tribal improvisation, balancing and fusion techniques. Currently based out of Boston, MA, Naraya is focusing on teaching a weekly class and working closely with the powerful vocals and dreamscape composition of Incus (www.incus.net). Other current projects include working on the set of the movie Top Secret International Pictures otherwise known as 'Code Name Pike', due for release nation-wide in 2009. Naraya, also an avid researcher of the history of Middle Eastern dance, hosts regular lectures and demonstrations throughout the United States and is currently in the process of completing her MA at Brandeis University. Naraya will soon embark on the creation of The Tribal Bible Vol. 2 in collaboration with well-known author and performer, Kajira Djoumahna of Black Sheep Belly Dance. Naraya can be reached via: vadalna@yahoo.com, www.vadalna.com, www.NarayaDance.com (Coming soon!)