In February of this year I was honored to have been asked to teach at Kamileh’s Breast Cancer Fund Raiser. Along with the Fundraiser came several lectures, lots of eating, and much fun and frolicking.
The very first event attended over those five days was a lecture on “Competition, Is it for you?” The hostess of this lecture was Alina, of Lotus Dance Studio in Pembroke Pines, FL.
When Kamileh and I arrived, we were greeted by this vivacious creature – Alina - - all bubbly and bouncy and happy to have us walk in. There were tables of food – it seemed a Potluck was on the horizon, and the smells had my senses reeling.
The entry way – foiurey of the Lotus Studios is a rich blend of exotic colors, beautiful art, portions of costuming, a flyer table, and a glorious archway into a heavenly dance studio. Alina has definitely stepped it up with shelving on the entry wall that looks like Grecian columns (she and hubby designed and built these and if I thought I could get them to come to Vancouver, guess what I would be trying to talk them into doing <grin>). The walls are rich in color, and even the “facility” is exotic in design and colors.
The feeling of the Lotus Dance Studio is warm, inviting, and loving - - and it is in YOUR OWN BACKYARD Florida.
Here are a few photos of the workshop "gang", taken by the lovely "Nilly" (pictured here with me). 
Here is a Press Release for Lotus - - a trip to this studio is certainly one that you will want to make.
LOTUS DANCE STUDIO
In the heart of Pembroke Pines, you’ll find a small dance studio, simple looking from the outside but what goes on inside is pure excitement, dance, and female empowerment! Lotus Dance Studio opened its doors to the public in January 2007. Since then the studio has been bustling with workshops by Bellydance Masters and Superstars such as Zaina Hart in February, Tamalyn Dallal and in August Bozenka, teaches her popular and always sold out workshop “Every Shimmy in the Book”.
Lotus Dance Studio prides itself in being a studio primarily dedicated to Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion Bellydance, however, Classical Egyptian and African Drumming and Dancing balances the schedule. Additionally, they host monthly “Women’s Circles” where women of all ages are taught and encouraged to make their dreams realities.
Top notch house instructors are on the everyday menu, with names like Alicia of BellyCraft, Nathalie, Zeva of Venus Rising a popular South Florida African Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Lotus recently celebrated its six month anniversary with a Tribal Studio party “Tribal Solstice” that brought many popular performers from all over the state, like Lisa Myers, Loud Zoo and Lacey. It was a beautiful night that served as an inspiration to many new students.
Lotus Dance Studio is owned by Alina Yllanes, a Tribal Style dancer and instructor who has studied with top names in the Tribal World and beyond. Additionally, Alina studied and filmed “The Magic of Bellydance with BDSS Ansuya”. Her dream to open a Bellydance Studio dedicated to Tribal Style began from the moment she first saw a Tribal performance by Fat Chance Bellydance. She was ultimately hooked.
She’s presently spreading the Tribal word to a lot of new students, or as Alicia of BellyCraft calls it “Tribalizing” South Florida.
Lotus Dance Studio is located 9117 Taft Street in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 33024.
Tel. 954-433-3552. Their website is www.lotusdancestudio.com.
Lotus Dance Studio welcomes and embraces the entire Bellydance and Tribal Bellydance Community.