Meet our January 2022 Guest Instructors!

Michelle al Farfesha

Founder of Farfesha Studios (Foremother? Aunt? Predecessor?  Of Sirena!) and award-winning dance company Farfesha Belly Dance, Michelle has more than two decades of experience teaching dance of all levels. She has taught internationally at Europe’s largest Middle Eastern dance festival as well as some of the US’s largest festivals such as Ya Halla Y’all. Producer and star of three instructional videos, Michelle brings self-affirmation, cultural awareness, and precision technique to her students.

Kristine Domino

Kristine has been in love with belly dance since childhood and has been a student of the dance form for over 30 years. She has been a long time student of the Salimpour school (now institute). This study has had a strong influence on her understanding of movement, music and the importance of knowing your roots.  Belly dance drills make her very happy - so get ready to move!

Dani Gutierrez

Dani has been a student of belly dance since 2006. She first started as a student of Flo Bargar & soon became a principal dancer in The Rogue Bindis. After teaching tribal belly dance for several years & directing a couple of her own troupes (Bootstrap Belly Dance), Dani decided to audition for Wicked Muse, a student company under the direction of Sadie Adiar & Lauren Martinez-Burr. Dancing, learning, and performing at a rigorous level was just what Dani needed to evolve as a dancer & performer. She is currently a member of the professional company, The Desert Darlings!

Theresa Sherman

Theresa has 15 years of practice and performance in traditional Egyptian and American Cabaret styles of Belly Dance and is the founder of New Mexico Belly Dance. She is a member of Farfesha Belly Dance Troupe and competed on the national stage.
Theresa is currently a non-credit instructor with the University of New Mexico Continuing Education teaching beginning Belly Dance. She is passionate about helping beginner dancers find the path to their dance journey and believes Belly Dance is for every BODY, no matter age, gender, ability, or fitness level. 

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Nikki Ellis

Nikki has been studying many varieties of bellydance for nearly 20 years, but her greatest passion lies with Raqs Sharqi style. Her experience includes solo performance for art festivals, weddings, restaurants, corporate events and community fairs. She was also a member of the Oriental Jewels Bellydance Company for 3 years. Prior to moving to Albuquerque, she taught bellydance for beginners in Southern California for 4 years. She aims for her classes to be a fun, low impact way to stay active while learning about this beautiful art form and the music behind it.