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Welcome
to Zaara
About Us
We aim to create a welcoming environment where students learn the art of dance, gain a supportive and discplined dance community, and strengthen their connection between their body and soul. We encourage our students to positively express themselves through various forms of dance and meditation. We hope to inspire, educate, and bring joy to our community.
Meet Farasha
At the age of 14, Farasha Azad started studying the French and Cecchetti styles of classical ballet. Among her numerous instructors are William Carter (American Ballet Theatre), Jean Paul Comelin, Leslie MacBeth, Marjorie Mussman (Milwaukee Ballet), Richard Dickinson (Chamber Dance Theatre of Milwaukee), Demot Burke (Joffrey Ballet), Jeri Houlihan, Gloria Gustafson, Hester Lennington, Myron Nadel, Judy and Jury Gottshalks (UW-Milwaukee), and Lorand and Anna Andahazy of The Andahazy Ballet Company of Minnesota. Additionally, Farasha studied Jazz and Modern Dance under Joanne Browning and Kathryn Posin at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
From 1976 to 1981, Farasha performed with the Milwaukee Ballet Company, dancing in ballets directed and choreographed by Jean Paul Comelin. She danced in productions of The Nutcracker, The Dance Symphony, Daphnis and Chloe, and many more original works. Alongside her studies, she taught on the faculty of the Milwaukee Ballet School.
From 1982 to 2003, Farasha was artistic director, choreographer, and dancer with the Amadeus Dance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here she received an award from the Wisconsin Arts Board for Outstanding Artistic Achievements in choreography and performance. She was also the choreographer for the musical plays of the Acacia Theater Company in Milwaukee. She was chosen to receive a grant to perform in an original ballet in Oxford, England, by the C.S. Lewis Foundation, called "Out of the Silent Planet."
Within the last 15 years, Farasha has studied bellydance with famous dancers such as Zoe Jakes, Rachel Brice, Virginia, Ava Flemming, Ariella, Bozenka, Kami Liddle, Sharon Kihara, April Rose, Edenia Archuleta, and many others.
In 2013, Farasha became a Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT 200) with Yoga Alliance and studied Tantric Hatha Yoga with Shanon Buffington, E-RYT, RYS. She currently teaches with the faculty at Blue Anjou Yoga and Meditation Center in Lewisville, Texas. Farasha also teaches classical ballet and bellydance fusion at her own studio in Highland Village, Texas. Farasha and her company, Zaara Bellydance Fusion, perform regularly throughout the year.
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Our Values
Educate
We aim to teach and enrich our students the essence and traditions of bellydance, as well as modern inspirations. Dance is a journey and we are here to be a part of it.
Inspire
Every dancer has an opportunity to grow and become a part of an ever-changing dance company. We value new ideas, choreographies, and expressions of dance. We strive to collaborate with our dancers and artists.
Support
We promote the wellbeing of each student as they learn to strengthen and condition their bodies. We also hope to be an outlet for positive self-image, celebrate femininity, and empower spirit.
Community
We are a community that embraces each other's skills and talents. We seek new opportunities every year through participating in local events and gatherings. We open a space to interact socially, feel inspired, and build lasting friendships.