What's the buz?


"Dear Amara and the band,

We cannot say enough thank you for Saturday, May 12th night's performance. It was our godson's college graduation and we wanted to give something special to someone special and family. Something that they never had so far! Show in close caption what a beautiful Middle Eastern Music is and that belly dancing is something the entire family and guests can enjoy. The band, directed by the Oud player, Andy is nothing short of being a genius. There is no song that he cannot play, just hum it and he will put it to notes, play it and teach the band. The result of humming - in short few minutes will be breathtaking music.

What can we say about beautiful Amara? The more appropriate question will be what we cannot say but praises! She is a true artist who strives to take her performance one step higher and higher with the passage of time. She loves her work, she appreciates the Middle Eastern Music and lives the music while dancing. She mesmerized us all! Again, Thank you for Andy(oud), Amir (dumbak), Dikran (violin) and Amara ( belly dancer) for making the graduation party so very special! All guests loved it and extend their appreciation as well!"

- Hermine Kabbendjian

"When the announcement was made that we were going to have a professional Belly Dancer as part of our Cultural Diversity Celebration, everyone was so excited. When she arrived and began to perform she lit up to room. Her performance was electrifying!! Everyone loved her and she was so professional, patient and friendly with the staff and the consumers we serve. They really enjoyed their belly dancing session they received from Amara and had a ton of fun while trying to do the same moves as her. They are still speaking about her performance today. We are so glad she took the time to come and share her talent with us. It was very special and something we will never forget!"

- Valour Richardson, PHP of NC
Durham

"I've been facilitating rhythm events in Raleigh for ten years. I've had the pleasure of working with Amara for much of that time. She is a dynamic performer with an incredible stage presence that captivates audiences of all ages. Amara refines her craft as both dancer and teacher and this commitment to professional development puts her in the forefront. Her passion shows in EVERYTHING she does - from her movements to her handmade costumes to her photography. This diversity gives her unique insight into every facet of the art and the business. Without exception, she is my go-to person as a collaborator for middle eastern dance performance and instruction. You won't find a more-professional entertainer to book nor a more stunning addition to your event!"

- Gregory Whitt, Facilitator, Educator, Rhythmatist for Drums for Change
Cary, NC

"I have watched Amara grow and progress extensively with her dancing over the past several years. She is a woman who loves the art of dance and puts herself in 100%. She has danced for my band Rhythmicity on many occasions and the cool thing about Amara is, she can dance to anything we play, West African, Afro_Cuban, or Middle Eastern. This is a rare find in a dancer. We love it when she comes out and look forward to seeing her more in the future."

- Ronnie Pulley, Drummer for Drums on Fire and Rhythmicity
Cary, NC

"I had the opportunity to watch Amara perform at another party and I knew she would be a wonderful surprise for our party guests. Amara is truly an amazing talent and she engages everyone in attendance in such a fun and spontaneous way. Her skills are unmatched, especially with the addition of wings and sword, gorgeous costumes and fantastic energy. She truly made our party a great hit with all of our friends and we hope to have her entertain for us again soon!"

- Maura and Bill Laughlin
Cary, NC

"To liven the atmosphere at my Christmas party, I asked Amara to belly dance for everyone for entertainment. I have hosted this holiday party for seven years and found that having Amara perform really enhanced the fun and the crowd not only enjoyed her show immensely, but additionally were engaged with clapping and cheering and really took part in the festivity of it all. She was quite amazing, talented and fabulously fun and we all hope to have Amara at our parties every year!"

- Tara Haggar, East Cary Jazzercise Owner/Instructor


In the News...

"We planned this event from out of state and were thrilled with Amara! Not only did she follow-up on every detail (from music to costumes) but gave an amazing performance and left our entire group smiling and clapping for more. She was fun, gracious and completed the atmosphere for what we’d planned: to “knock the socks off” our Dad on his 80th birthday. We (and all of our Raleigh-Durham counterparts) will recommend her any chance we get!".

- Bev van Westendorp


"Amara did a beautiful job for my father’s birthday this summer with everyone at the party having a great time. From the start of her act, it was obvious she’d spent many years practicing and perfecting her art. Her costume and props were gorgeous and her energy was extremely high, despite the fact she performed outside in humid 90 degree heat. Though she didn’t know where she’d be dancing (an irregular swimming pool deck), she improvised and took advantage of the entire space and engaged everyone in attendance. All of her routine was outstanding, but the sword and wing dances received the most “Ooh’s” and “Aah’s”. We would definitely recommend hiring her for any special event, whether for business or family celebrations. We’re so glad we found her!".

- Chris van Westendorp


Drawing by Olivia (July 2008)

"Amara's performance at my husbands 40th birthday party was the icing on the cake to our classy, yet fun-filled event. Her energy was contagious and the crowd could not get enough. My husbands 40th birthday party will always be memorable, mostly due to Amara's performance".

- Eileen Suazo


"OH MY GOD...you were absolutely phenomenal! You were by far the best part of the wedding. Everybody loved your performance, and you definitely made the night so much more fun and memorable! I definitely did get some great pictures of you from some of the guests, and I will be more than happy to get those to you as soon as I get back from the honeymoon! Again, thank you so much for making my day so special! I hope that I can find another occasion to hire you for! You were beautiful too....you looked great in the red costume! Take care and thanks again. "

- Jo


Dear Amara

We had such wonderful time watching you dance last night at the Amato wedding. To me you brought back many happy memories of my childhood and youth where every weekend there was belly dancing :-) To my kids you introduced a wonderful art that I hope they will someday learn and experience.

- Jina T.


Good afternoon!

I wanted to write you both a quick note thanking you both for the wonderful job you did at our wedding. We weren't sure how our guests would appreciate this type of entertainment, but everyone LOVED it. You both looked great and performed beautifully! The outfits were great. Thank you for accommodating our requests for Persian music. The Iranians loved the songs, and the groom's side was running out of camera film!! Once we get our pictures back, we can see about getting some copies for you as well. Your outifts were beautiful and complimented our evening. Thank you for performing for us- you made our wedding memorable.

- Shadi & Eric


"Thank you again – we all truly enjoyed your dancing and the belly dancing experience! It was an unexpected surprise to a wonderful evening!"

-Kerri



Amara and her #1 fan Lilly at the NCBellydance.org Gala show. (Sept 2007)

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