Connecticut Bellydance with Tava

About Tava

Tava has studied many forms of dance since her first ballet class at the age of four. Along with continuous dance training, Tava has also studied gymnastics and Yoga which provided her with a strong foundation in balance and flexibility. In January of 2000, she discovered middle eastern dance (bellydance), and she has been a devoted student ever since. Now, as a highly-regarded teacher, choreographer and performer, Tava has a unique style which has captivated audiences in restaurants, clubs and theaters throughout the tri-state area. As a member of Andrea Anwar's dance troupe "Raqesat el-Yaqoot," (The Dancing Rubies), she has appeared on the WB 11 morning show and performed at numerous cultural events. As director of her student troupe, The Manipura Dance Collective, Tava choreographs an average of 5 dances per year that are showcased in her highly succesful bi-annual events. She has also given lectures at colleges and symposiums on the history of the dance, and regularly contributes articles to dance-related publications. Tava can be seen on two DVD's, produced by World Dance NY, and recently choreographed for Curtain Call's "Shakespeare on the Green."

Tava has had the privilege of studying with her main teacher and mentor, Andrea Anwar (aka Beeman), Aszmara, Phaedra, and most recently, Elena Lentini. She continues to supplement her training with classes and workshops from some of the top dancers in the world. Through her dedication and training, Tava has learned an authentic style of dance which incorporates Turkish, Folkloric, Moroccan and Egyptian influences, and includes a rich understanding of the intricate rhythms used in the dance. Tava regularly exposes her students to live music and drumming, thanks to her supportive network of musicians. As a teacher, Tava is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and shedding the many misguided myths of middle eastern dance. She works with her students to not only teach the movements, but also to foster a sense of community and create a supportive atmosphere for self-expression. Currently, Tava's students range from ages 10 to 80 years. With her background in counseling, Tava is keenly aware of the need to embrace a positive body image and uses the dance as a tool for building self-esteem.

While dancing is a form of entertainment, it is also a relationship between music and movement. The freedom to interpret sound with the body is therapeutic and emotional. Audiences have described Tava's dancing as "soulful, playful and contagious, with clear movements that express her passion and enthusiasm for the music."

Tava regularly performs at restaurants, nightclubs, birthday parties (children & adults), weddings, bridal showers, and corporate events. Tava is also available for bellydance parties, where guests participate in a group lesson followed by a performance. (Scroll down to read testimonials).

To book Tava for your event (serving Fairfield, New Haven, and Westchester Counties as well as New York City), contact dancingtava@yahoo.com

To learn more about the history of bellydance, click here to read Shira's comprehensive writings.

Testimonials

Tava's dancing was just beautiful and she kept [the girls] moving their bellies all evening! It is so hard to come up with party ideas for teen girls that are just right and bellydancing provided the perfect theme! The girls learned about a new culture, experienced exotic movements that freed their spirits, and laughed all night long. Tava has such a grace and elegance and truly gave my daughter and her friends a sense of her passion for bellydance. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to hire Tava for bellydance performance, parties, lessons...she is an exquisite, energetic dancer and has a wonderful way with girls. Karla (Wilton, CT)

Tava, apart from being a truly great, creative, unique dancer you have an amazing talent to bring people together and charge them with great energy. I do not know how you do it, but you made every one of us [your students] feel very special. Marina (Westport, CT)

Tava, first of all it was a pleasure knowing you and having you as our teacher. Thanks for the complements and confidence you built in us. In addition to the skills I picked up, the class has taught me to be brave enough to do such a dance and to my surprise to do it as a public performance. I have come a long way here. (student, Norwalk Community College)

Performance Venues, Past and Present (Partial List): Shakespeare on the Green, "Romeo and Juliet" (choreographer and performer), (CT) DNA Theater with Venus Uprising (NY) Zitoune Restaurant (NY), Pastiche (NY), George's Restaurant, Shalimar's monthly showcase (CT), The Inn at Longshore (CT), The Norwalk Inn (CT), Blue Sky Cafe (CT), The Buttonwood Tree (CT), Empire State Building (NYC), Mezzo Mezzo (Queens, NY), Bottega Lounge (CT), Lafayette Grill (NYC), Le Figaro Cafe (NYC), Bridgewaters at South Street Seaport (NYC), The Frying Pan, Chelsea Piers (NYC), Sine (NYC), The Slipper Room (NYC), National Music Convention (Harrisburg, PA), Arlene's Grocery (NYC), Sidewalk Cafe (NYC), Bowery Ballroom (NYC).