Zahirah was originally inspired to belly dance in Alabama where she studied with Suzanne and was a member of the Raks Sahara Troupe. She moved to Houston and led the belly dance program instruction for Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) for five years. She proved to be an accomplished choreographer for solo and ensemble pieces. She has created choreographies for as many as twenty dancers at a time, complete with set designs and theatrical presentations. Additionally, Zahirah holds teaching certificates in ballroom dance for both rhythm and smooth dances. She has performed in many ballroom showcases at the amateur level and competed professionally with her students as well as participating in the choreography. Her love for dance eventually led her to open a dance studio with her partners, hence the Danse Royale Ballroom Studios was born, which houses Zahirah Noor's Belly Dance Studio. As an event sponsor/studio owner/instructor, she has organized a full dance-training curriculum, drum classes, plus belly dance workshops and gala shows. Zahirah has continued her education in the belly dance genre by attending workshops with Angelika Nemeth, Leila Gamal, Vashti, Jillina, Samara, Cynthia Miller, Desdemona, Aida Nour, Magdy el-Leisy, and Raqia Hassan. She spent two weeks in Hawaii studying with Delilah earning certification. In the musical field, she has studied clarinet, and doumbek. She has provided an organized performing opportunity for her students by creating and directing the Noore Kavir Troupe. Local performances include SBISD annual recitals, Adagio International shows, Sirrom School of Dance shows, Helios, HABDA shows, and various private party celebrations. Her husband, Robert Ducharme, is President of the Houston Chapter of the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancer’s Association. Zahirah is a member of the Houston Area Belly Dance Association. Austin Bellydance Association and North Texas Bellydance Association. Zahirah believes each student has the potential to be a great dancer and encourages each one to dance from their inner self and project their own individual selves into the dance. Then your dance becomes a work of art.
(Photo by Kyle King)

Clio became interested in belly dancing as a young girl due, perhaps, to watching way too many "I Dream of Jeannie" re-runs. She began taking belly dance lessons in junior high. As she traveled around the country, in the course of high school, college, and graduate school, she continued to take belly dance lessons with various teachers. A founding member of Noore Kavir, and a current student and teacher of belly dancing, Clio performs in various venues around Houston.

Shalimar became interested in belly dancing while living in Cairo, attended many shows and began lessons. Upon her return to Houston, she resumed her classes with Zahirah. Shalimar has enhanced her training by attending workshops with Angelika Nemeth, Leila Gamal, Aida Nour, Delilah, Habiba , Shoshanna, Victoria Markey, Ishtar , Momo Kadous, Bozenka, and Morocco (Carolina Varga Dinicu). Other forms of dance training include ballet, jazz, tap, Chinese sword and fan dance, and Taiwanese tribal dance. Performances include SBISD annual recitals, Sirrom School of Dance shows, Experiential Lifeworks show, Crawfish Festival in Old Town Spring, George R. Brown Convention Center, UU Music Festival, Dance from the Heart, HABDA Shows and Zahirah’s Bellydance Studios show/student nights, and Helios. She is a member of the Houston Area Belly Dance Association (HABDA). She is an original member of the Noore Kavir Troupe. Other interests include Yoga, Tae Bo Kick Boxing, Pilates, and weight training. Shalimar was born in Singapore but has lived most of her life in the U.S. She was Miss Chinatown Texas and represented Texas in the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant in San Francisco several years ago. Besides English she is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Fukienese, and Malay. She is held in high regard as an interpreter for a Feng Shui Master. She is of Chinese/Dutch descent.

Shawna began belly dancing in 2003, attending classes at Zahirah’s Bellydance Studios. In 2005, she joined belly dance troupe, Noore Kavir. Shawna has been interested in dancing all of her life. Also, Shawna is an avid ice skater. She has participated in many competitions and ice skating shows. Her goal is to become an ice skating coach.

Shawna’s other interests include mixing music, tennis and taekwondo. She is currently a student at Cy-Ridge High School. Shawna is a native Houstonian of Persian descent.

Savillah became interested in belly dance after enjoying her first live belly dance performance on a boat trip down the Nile River in Egypt. Belly dance lessons began in 2002. Savillah has studied belly dance with Zahirah, Farasha, Zymirrah, and Sahira. She also studied Israeli Dance with Rachel Weisblatt. Savillah attends workshops regularly. Dance has been a part of her life from the age of five and includes many years of tap and ballet classes. In high school, she was a member of The Stephen F. Austin High School Scottish Brigade and is a second degree brown belt in Judo. Savillah has degrees in fashion design and illustration from The University of North Texas and a master’s degree in art education from the University of Houston. Savillah is a professional artist and art instructor. Memberships include HABDA (Houston Area Belly Dance Association).

 

Saturday, April 12, 2008 - Bohemia Restaurant & Bar, 10850 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77042 (832) 252-7600 for Tanya (Amira) Birthday Hafla- 9:00 PM
Come early and enjoy the great food and shows.
Sunday, April 20th, 2008 -  International Festival- Morning
Saturday, May, 3rd, 2008 - Cinco de Mayo Parade downtown for the entire school, including students and teachers. 10:00 AM
Saturday, May, 10th, 2008 - UU music Fest off I-10 & Wirt 5:30 PM
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 - Avant Garden 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 28th, 2008 - Sirrom's Anniversary Hafla 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 20th, 2008- Gina & Mia Gala show at Zahirah's 8:00 PM