Our Founders
Mandy and Lori both started in their belly dance journeys in 2000 by studying with Hayada Gamal and Tiani Al’Shaheen, both local dancers. The sisters in dance chose to be business partners in 2009 by founding Troupe Zephyr. Since this time, Troupe Zephyr has grown one hundred fold. The duo is always striving to expand their repertoire by studying with other dancers through workshops and classes. They host two large scale events in west central Ohio every year. Schoolhouse Raqs and Gypsy Mystique are rapidly expanding in popularity, drawing instructors and participants from multiple states, and producing a quality show to the best of their abilities each and every time.
Dancers from which Lori and Mandy Naseelah have studied:
Caroleena Noreecio – ATS (American Tribal Style)
Laylia of the Ohio Renaissance Festival– Live drum improve, prop balancing, zills, double veil,
fluidity in dance, crowd interaction
Chandadra Gamal – Egyptian fundamentals, power hips, Khaleegy, zills
Taleetha Al Badyr – Advanced Zills
Kira Lafve – Musicality in belly dance
Deniz Dansah – fan veil, veil
Kay Louise Mezmeric – Tribal fusion
Piper – Advanced belly dance and fluid arms
Lisa Zahiya – Hip hop belly dance fusion
Zattana Al-Naseem – Gypsy skirt dancing, Spanish fans, prop balancing
Zoey Jakes Belly Dance Superstar – Balkan style dance
Nataj of Habeeba’s– Beledi Progression
Christina Nai’imah Mitchell – Bollywood
Emily Marie – Drum solo
Amani Jabril– Reda technique
Aida of San Fransisco – Veil
Yazmina Ramzy – Egyptian, varied
Amy Sigil of Unmata – Stamina in advanced dance
Mezzeli – Drum solo, ballroom fusion, veil poi
Ageala – Traditional Egyptian and filling the dance floor with traveling combos
Avasa – Liquid arms
Natasha – Burlesque, hula hoop, and poi
Abernathy Hall – Tribal fusion
Dharma – Advanced veil
Athena Howe – Dance improve on stage
Soroya Dancer of Troupe Taleeba – Belly Dance Basics
Najhara – Bollywood Basics
Lila – Shaabi
Elianae Stone – Ballet for Belly Dancers
