Jennifer

Jennifer has been performing for as long as she can remember. She received her B.A. in theatre from Appalachian State University and has appeared in dozens of plays, including regular participation in Tennessee Stage Company’s Shakespeare on the Square and New Play Festival productions. In 2011, she founded Tiger Lily Theatre, Knoxville’s first women-centric theatre company. Over the years, Jennifer has flirted with several different genres of dance, including modern, ballet and tap, before hearing the siren song of belly dance.

She began her study of Raqs Sharki in 2007, while living in Atlanta, but it was upon her arrival in Knoxville that she found her true place with the women of Albi Belly Dance. During her time with Albi, Jennifer has come to embrace the beauty and elegance of classical Egyptian style belly dance, and continues to make it her primary focus. In the last few years she has developed a deep appreciation and love of the folkloric styles as well, and regularly pursues further education in both their technique and cultural context. Jennifer’s dance journey has led her to attend workshops and study with several truly gifted instructors, including:

Ahmed Hussein*

Amani Jabril

Aziza of Canada

Aziza Nawal

Gina of Atlanta

Jehan Kamal

Raqia Hassan

Ranya Renee

Shahira*

* indicates regular study or mentorship

Jennifer has been a regular, featured dancer at Cairo Café/Mirage and performed, with fellow Albi member Kelley, for their 2014 New Year’s Celebration. She has also danced at parties, fundraisers, community festivals and corporate events. She has contributed several choreographies to the Albi repertoire, as well as choreographed Pellissippi State Community College's production of Arabian Nights. Additionally, she has become proficient in the use of several dance props, including sword, fire tray, candles, wings and cane and regularly incorporates them into her performances.

Jennifer is extremely grateful for the opportunity to dance with such an amazing group of strong, talented women. She joins her fellow company members in a desire to bring the inspiring art form that is belly dance to the public, while continuing to honor its history and cultural heritage. It has been her experience that this dance can be life-changing, and it is through her continued study and performance that she hopes to share the joy belly dance has brought her.