Dance Bio

JANIM (the Steel City Bellydancer) is a professional performer and Director of the Pittsburgh Bellydance Academy at Art in Motion Pittsburgh

Since 2000, Janim has dedicated herself to the study of Middle Eastern Dance, its traditions, nuances and deeper meaning and expression through performance, instruction, and continuing education. Her love of the dance can be seen in her dynamic performances and within her thoughtful instruction of her students in both workshops and classes where she presents the fundamentals of bellydance as well as the nuances of zilling and veil work. Join her to discover the love of the dance!

As an experienced, personable, and respected performer and instructor, “Janim infuses classical styles with individual grace and charm, expressing the essential feminine in dance,”- Angele Ellis, Pittsburgh PA. Her understanding of dance movement and technique and her training in Egyptian, Lebanese, and Turkish Oriental styles as well as American Cabaret lends spirit, spontaneity, and heart to her dancing, captivating audiences where ever she performs. To round out her dance education and to infuse a special twist, she currently studies ballet, hip hop, Tahitian, and samba.

Janim delights and engages her audiences! She is a frequent performer at gala shows, festivals, weddings, birthday celebrations, and restaurants around town! Janim also organizes events in town including the Pittsburgh Bellydance Festival now in its 7th year!

When not performing, organizing, or instructing, Janim is a landscape architect and principal of Studio for Spatial Practice and graphic designer. She was an adjunct faculty member of Carnegie Mellon’s school of Architecture and holds her architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish!

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