Over the years of dance, comes a group of women sharing their joy for life, through their love for Middle Eastern dance! Each member brings their own unique, beautiful and individual style that forms Troupe Jasmine. Troupe Jasmine is known for their exciting, captivating dancing. They entertain their audience’s both as a Troupe and as Soloists, performing locally in the Reno area for public and private venues. Their style is truly dramatic, yet subtle, showing positive aspects to the Middle Eastern dance.

Zaharra believes there is a Goddess within all of us. She re-discovered her own Goddess Energy in 2004 under the support and guidance of her instructor Yasmina La Roche. In the 80’s she fell in love with the art of belly dance performers, watching and learning the mysterious graceful moves of their dances, seeing them delight and embrace their womanhood. She became aware that her own body could move with ease and grace. In ‘97 Zaharra became a Dance Instructor for the Saint Anthony’s Greek Youth Dancers, keeping the traditions of the Greek culture alive. Today Zaharra teaches beginners belly dance to women of all ages and all sizes. Zaharra is the proud mother of two very lovely and talented young women who also are continuing the art of belly dancing.

Seevah has been a professional dancer since the age of five. Her dance roots are firmly planted in Polynesian Dance. Upon relocating to Nevada, she missed performing and began her search for a new dance home. While looking, she discovered Belly Dance, she gave it a try and “fell in love”! Since her introduction to Belly Dance, Seevah has earned her way into Troupe Jasmine and was a finalist in “Rising Star” at Wiggles of the West 2007. Seevah says Belly Dance makes her “feel womanly”. Dancing gives her confidence and provides her life with excitement! Seevah, whose father is Samoan, says that her name is actually Samoan for dance, (correctly spelled Siva, but changed for pronunciation purposes). Thanks to her teacher Yasmina, Seevah has learned that Belly Dance is more about feeling than about precision movements. Seevah look’s forward to sharing her dance with you!

Greeting from the High Desert of Northern Nevada! An Oasis is a place to rest from your journey, rejuvenate your spirit, quench your thirst of life, replenish your mind and body, and nourish your soul. I find dance as a wonderful way to rest from my journey, rejuvenate my spirit, and embrace joy. I have had the pleasure of learning to dance with Tahari starting in 1998 and now study under Yasmina. I became mesmerized by true Egyptian and Greek dancing in 1983 and have been watching and learning since then. It is my great joy, privilege and pleasure to dance with Yasmina, and each of the members of Troupe Jasmine.

Ariela (AR ee ell ah) was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. At an early age she moved to Fresno, California where she developed her skills in dancing. With her love for dance she joined a Hip Hop Dance Group from high school, performing for local events. Moving to Reno, Nevada in her later teens, Ariela met Yasmina and Troupe Jasmine. Yasmina introduced her to the enchanting world of Belly Dancing. She developed a passion for it.
Ariela means “small lion of God” but she feels that she is a “powerful lioness” on the dance floor. She has learned many great things from this experience and is truly thankful for everyone who has been so supportive of her. Enjoy the power, grace and beauty of Ariela’s dance.

I am a second generation Belly Dancer. I was inspired to join Belly Dancing after watching countless hours of my mother practice and perform. Before starting Belly Dancing, I acquired dance experience from Greek Folkloric Dancing but always love to dance. I continuing my Belly Dance education and have found performing with a Sword to be one of my favorite props to use while Dancing. Performing is a wonderful experience and I hope my audiences enjoy it as well. I look forward to sharing the beauty of Belly Dance with you.

Sincerely, Kamaria

Anna Maria has been dancing with Troupe Jasmine since 2005, where Yasmina introduced her to Egyptian Cabaret. Growing up in a Greek home, dancing and singing has always been an important part of her life. She started dancing through church at 8 years old and continued on through college. Her love of the dance and spending time with her peers has led her to become an instructor where she now passes on her knowledge to her students. Through Folk Dancing, she has also been exposed to Tsifteteli, which is the Greek form of Belly Dance. Anna Maria finds dancing and performing an expression of one’s self and a state of euphoria, where one can find moments of clarity and happiness. She plans to focus more on the mastery of Belly Dancing as well as continue to explore more types of dance such as Tahitian, Flamenco, Salsa and Meringue. Dancing continues to be a means of expression and happiness for her that can not be found any where else.

Delilah is a modern and enthusiastic dancer. She became inspired and enchanted after watching Shakria dance. Delilah studied Shakria's dance moves and soon found herself immersed in the beautiful art of Belly Dance. Through her studies she met Yasmina. It was a natural fit to invite Delilah to join Troupe Jasmine. Delilah's love for Belly Dance is seen in her natural talent and her expressive mystery in her dance.