I am from Eugene, Oregon (USA) and I'm currently based in London, England.

I've been studying belly dance for about 11 years, and teaching for about seven years.

Razia is my stage name.

The name 'Razia' has several translations, depending on who you ask. These include:

Arabic= contented, happy, good-natured
Hebrew= secretly
Swahili= sweet, agreeable

My first teacher was a woman named Naia, who started teaching classes at the Parks and Rec Center near my house when I was about 16 or 17. Although American, Naia had learned how to belly dance when she was living in Turkey and pursued the art for several years before she started teaching in Eugene. I loved her class and was instantly hooked! I credit her for being my first and biggest source of guidance.

Curiosity, really. I was 16 or 17, very overweight and looking for a new way to exercise. I dragged a friend with me to the first class and the rest is history!

I consider my style of belly dancing to be Egyptian influenced and I certainly prefer Egyptian and Arabic music. I would call my dance style either ''Modern Egyptian'', "Oriental'' or ''Cabaret'' style. Want to know more? Visit www.shira.net for a great explanation of some of the most common styles of belly dance.

My family has always been supportive of my dancing and most of my immediate family has been involved in art or some sort of creative work for as long as I can remember. My fiancee is probably my number one fan and he tries to go to all of my shows. He is incredibly supportive and patient, especially considering how boring belly dance events can be for guys! And my friends? Well, most of them are dancers too!

I belly dance because I could not imagine my life without it. This dance gave me confidence, a unique sense of self, curiousity, pride, personality, grace, health, amazing friendships, opportunities and some of the hardest life lessons I've ever had to learn. What started out as an innocent dance class turned into an obsession for me, and I discover new things about the dance and my knowledge of it every single day. I would die without belly dance!