I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and getting to know Portia while teaching in Miami Florida in early February this year. She is what I call the “full meal deal”, just as beautiful inside as out and without any ego. She is humble, intelligent and has the most outragious sense of humor, her antics often so infectious you can't help but join in the fun. Portia doesn’t seem to realize how very talented she is – and I do mean talented. While she brings strength and technical movement, more importantly she brings her love of this art and the desire to share it with her audience.
When Brad took our group photo at the Miami Belly Dance Meetup, this gorgeous woman went so far as to make a “rat” face, wanting to stop making the “moose” face – attempting to start a new tradition of sorts. (Kamileh had presented her with a little stuffed moose (it was a picture thing) at the Gala Breast Cancer Fundraiser) and Portia felt the "Moose" had run it's course <grin>. In my book, anyone who is confident enough to make a “rat” face, and on camera, gets extra kudos for sure.
Portia has worked hard to bring a class act studio "Belly Motions" to Miami, and the community eagerly supports her. She is a friend to all who know her, and I am happy to consider her friend as well. She is a diamond, a gem in Miami and our dance community and I am happy to share just a little bit of who she is with you here.
Portia’s Bio: (Portia on YouTube)
Born in the United States of Maltese and French descent, Portia saw her first belly dance performance at the age of seven in a New York City Lebanese restaurant called Beruit. Inspired by this amazing performer covered in gold, coins and beads, she developed an interest in Middle Eastern culture and dance at an early age.
In 2002, at the age of 23, Portia began taking belly dance lessons with Rona Bennett and Angela Caudle of the Farhannah Dancers in Gainesville, Florida. After only several months of study, she began teaching a beginner belly dance fitness class at the University of Florida’s Fitness Center where she was studying. The class quickly grew as did Portia's interest and joy in teaching. While in Gainesville, she had her first opportunity to perform in a local belly dance production. From that moment on she was determined to become a professional belly dance performer.
Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 2003, Portia moved to Miami to pursue her dream of becoming a professional performer. Since that time she has studied with Tamalyn Dallal, Founder of the Mid-Eastern Dance Exchange, Aireen (Miami), Hanan (Miami), Ansuya (Miami), Nathalie (Miami), Jihan Jamal (Miami), Samay (Miami), Bozenka (Miami), Sevdiah (Tampa) and many other respected dancers in the area. She has also extended her study and has taken workshops with Yousry Sharif (New York), Mahmoud Reda(Egypt), Dina (Egypt), Alexandra King (California) and Aziza (Canada), Sonia (Los Angeles), Nagwa Foued (Egypt), Raqia Hassan (Egypt), Amir Taleb (Argentina), Mona Saed (Egypt), Suhaila Salimpour (California), Morocco (New York), Sahara Saeeda (Egypt), and Sorroya (Brazil) all Master international choreographers and performers.
Since her move to the Miami area she has performed in numerous professional productions including The Joharah International Show (2004-2007), the Mid-Eastern Dance Exchange’s Orientalia (2004, 2007), and Dreams Bellydance (2005, 2006). Portia has also taught and performed at the IV International Samkya Congress in Bogota, Colombia and has performed in Ontario, Canada, Malta, Europe and Cairo, Egypt. Portia has appeared on several television programs including Telemundo (June 2005) and LaMega T.V. (February 2006, March 2006, February 2007). She has also appeared in OceanDrive Magazine (Summer 2006), and in the Miami Herald (February 2006). Portia has performed for Gloria and Emilio Estephan, Shaquil O'neill, and Giuseppe Zanotti and has shared the stage with the Gypsy Kings.
Portia is also very involved in the serving the community through the art of Belly Dance. In 2005, she hosted the Katrina Relief Benefit Show with over 40 dancers and 500 in attendance. The event raised funds for the hurricane relief efforts where all proceeds went to the Red Cross. In 2007, Portia helped as an assistant organizer for the Kamileh for Breast Cancer Gala featuring Zaina Hart. This event was founded as a means to raise funds for the awareness and education of breast cancer amongst the women of Egypt. It was a tremendous success and was worth all the effort!
Portia is currently the Performance Ambassador for the Miami Belly Dance Meet Up Group where she is in charge of coordinating and producing all performance events for the group that is comprised of over 600 members. It is one of the largest Belly Dance Meet Up Groups in the world.
Portia was also honored to be chosen as a finalist at the February 2006 Bellydance Superstars auditions. She was a finalist chosen to perform for Jillina (Director of BDSS), Miles Copeland (CEO of BDSS) and Bozenka (BDSS Performer).
Lastly, Portia is the Founder, Director, and Chief Instructor of Belly Motions, Inc. a belly dance academy in Coral Gables, Florida. Belly Motions has served over 2000 students since it's doors have opened and is rapidly becoming a premiere belly dance studio in the South Florida area.
Portia’s dream of becoming an international performer traveling the world teaching seminars and performing is approaching. Portia looks forward to producing belly dance festivals, shows, instructional videos, and the continuation of her school, Belly Motions in the future.
"Bellydance, Oriental dance, Mid-Eastern dance....all names for one of the most magnificent, freeing and expressive performing arts on this planet. Any woman (or man) can start at any age, shape, or size and find their inner artist as a dancer. I am so glad I have found something truly inspiring...may this dance find a special place in your heart and soul!"
For more information on Portia or Belly Motions visit BellyMotions.com
The photos on this page were taken by Bradley Marshall - another Miami Gem! The photo below is outside of the Belly Motions Studio (yes, the weather is amazing and she actually hosts outdoor shows - - how fabulous is that!) These two photos are of Chris (Adeela), Holly (Elviza), Zizi, Alina - on the left side photo and Genie and Andrus on the right side.
