As printed in the Quarter 2/2004 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine
Cover Dancer – “Jillina”
By Zaina Hart
I will not soon forget the firt time I saw this lovely lady perform. It was at Rakkasah West and I was standing down behind the Musician’s table. I heard the crowd’s collective intake of breath – when I looked up there was Jillina, a vision of long red hair, dressed in bright “chartreuse”, shiny lycra with turquoise tassels at hips and bodice. Her presentation, like that of her costume (which to this day I am in love with) was bold, dynamic, precise and WONDERFUL.
The lady is not only a vision to behold, but a charming, eloquent and darling person. I am so thrilled to have her with us, gracing our cover. The “Belly Dancer” Magazine is proud to bring you “Jillina”! . . . Zaina Hart
Jillina Biography
Jillina is a dancer of unsurpassed skills; a disciplined professional whose tight, powerful technique and dynamic personality won’t let you blink. She is a spellbinding and gregarious performer whose passion for dance amazes audiences everywhere.
Mesmerizing and musical, her dance goes beyond the borders of any country gaining her recognition by the dance community worldwide. Jillina has won multiple awards from the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance including “Best Modern Egyptian Dancer” and “Best Dance Company”.
As founder and director of the Sahlala Dancers, Jillina pulls from a strong background in Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop to create a colorful Middle Eastern and world fusion repertoire. As a choreographer, audiences admire her for her artistic interpretations, her understanding of the culture and her musicality.
Jillina has toured the world teaching seminars and performing in concerts, she is currently the director and choreographer of the Bellydance SuperStars and Desert Roses, one of the main highlights in the acclaimed Lollapalooza tour of 2003, a “must see” says Rolling Stone Magazine. Jillina’s annual trips to Egypt allow her to progress in her art as well as keep up with all the modern trends, which she graciously shares with students and peers.
Through her years of professional and teaching experience, Jillina has mastered the art of dance instruction to artists of all levels. Passionate about her art, Jillina upholds its integrity and tradition by incorporating the history and theory behind Middle Eastern Dance. As a skilled workshop instructor Jillina is able to give both corporate and individual attention as needed. Her methodical approach and breakdowns are so articulate and specific that even the most novice dancer can quickly and readily enjoy this beautiful and exotic art form. 
