Milena is a bellydancer and physician in Lakewood, Washington. She grew up in the state of Montana and attended medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, graduating in June 2000. Afterwards, she moved to Washington D.C. to complete a residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Following the tragedies of September 11, 2001 she took up bellydancing, realizing how precious life was and how every new day is a gift. Her first lessons were with Joy of Motion studios and later with Sahara Dance. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2004, she sought additional training through local instructors and workshops. In June 2006, Milena travelled to Greece, Turkey, and Egypt to visit family, immerse herself in the culture, and to attend the Nile Festival and Ahlan wa Sahlan. Milena has a deep affection for raqs sharqi as well as most things Middle Eastern. In particular she is fond of the "golden era" of bellydancing in Egypt, and her favorite oriental dancer is the late Naima Akef. Milena has traced her paternal ancestral roots to central Asia and the Middle East (the modern day Iraq and eastern Iran areas). She is currently studying Arabic, and hopes to become fluent, In'shallah. Milena performs as a soloist and with the Tacoma-based troupe, Shahdaroba.
