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ATHEENA

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

OASIS 2001 WORLD BELLYDANCER CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP

OASIS 2004 WORLD BELLYDANCER CHAMPIONSHIP NOMINEE

She has shared many passions and has an extensive performance resume' spanning the globe. She has experienced many phases and emotions of the art form that few ever get a chance to. And, she has settled in to the Lone Star State to continue to make a name for herself. A woman of divine and interesting qualities that seperates her from most, this multi-faceted performer lbares her mind from the ''navel of America''.

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1. Who were your 1st and current inspirations in bellydance?

''My first inspiration was Jeanie on ''I Dream of Jeanie''. My current one is Fifi Abdou in Cairo, Egypt, who I was lucky enough to get to see perform when I was performing there in the 1980's.''

2. How does bellydance differ as a soloist as it does as a troupe performer?

''It's more 'work' when performing alone. When performing in a troupe, at least for me, it is less stressful and more social and fun. Everyone gets to spread out the responsibility of making a show a success and share the work, where as being a solo performer the whole show is on your shoulders.''

3. You lived and performed in Las Vegas for many years. What was that experience like?

''Besides dancing in Egypt, it is the most glamorous place I ever danced. Also, the most demanding though in looks and body requirements. Sometimes, (there are) long rehearsals and crying from the demands and criticisms of being in big productions...you literally dance 'til you can't stand anymore sometimes in them...and with some shows, where belly dancing was only a small part of a large production, there were changes in choreographies every day...with the worst being changes hours before a show! But at least you got paid for rehearsals and such. Have to have a hard shell...or at least act like you do.''

4. Having danceed internationally, where did you enjoy performing the most and why?

''In Egypt, because being accepted and complimented in one of the countries where the art form originates was the highest honor I have ever felt. What was even more exciting, and a big surprise...was that a couple of times, people said I reminded them of Fifi Abdou's style of dance when I was there! I don't know a lot of dancer's names, but her being my idol, you can imagine the shock and proudness I felt that all my years of idolizing and studying her must have rubbed off a little, and that I even knew who they were talking about. I never expected that. And, because of that, I was taken to one of her shows. If I were alone trying to get into a show of hers, I'm sure I would never had the opportunity to see her. Everyone made me feel like I was part of their family. A very shocking, memorable experience. The only place I've ever been to that I wasn't ready to get back to the U.S.A. form.''

5. What is the favorite part of your routine?

6. You own and ride a motorcycle. How important is being a bikerider been to you?

7. You have spent a lot of time in Texas, recently moving to San Antonio late 2003. How is the bellydancing scene in your view in Texas?

''There are literally thousands of dancers in Texas. More than I've seen anywhere I've ever lived. This is the lowest-paying state I've ever danced in for bellydancers. Maybe because there are so many bellydancers, and many willing to dance for free at restaurants. I don;t know. I've never encountered that in other states I've lived or danced in. I think it's great so many womenare into dancing in Texas, though.

Workshops seem to be much more expensive in Texas than I've encountered in other states, too. But of course, I haven't been everywhere. I'm only speaking from my own experience.''

8. What advice do you have for the growing population of beginner bellydancers in today's generation?

''If you want to be a professional one day, you have to go beyond the technical and learn to dance from your heart and soul. People see the difference, even if you don't realize it. It's the difference between being only a dancer, as compared to being an 'entertainer'.''

9. You are well-known for your defined love for animals. Briefly describe this passion?

''I like to do whatever is in my power to help animals I will always perform free at any fundraiser to help animals, and if I ever were to become wealthy from entertaining, my dream is to have a retirement home for old animals that people don't want to spend the time or money taking care of when they become 'difficult' from old age. I have seen too often animals 'put to sleep' just because they no longer serve their original purpose or become a medical chore. They've given their life to love and protect or serve their owners...and I feel they should be able to live out their old age, even if they need medicating and extra care and may no longer be 'useful'. They can still give love at any age and deserve to feel someone cares about them still, after they spent their whole life caring for and serving us.''

10. The day will come when you will perform for the final time. As you walk off that stage, what lasting impact do you hope to leave on bellydance?

''That it is a clean, family-oriented, beautiful and fun from of dance for people of all ages and both sexes to enjoy it and go see.''

Q U I C K P I C K S

Page Created: February 8, 2004.

Page Updated: September 7, 2009.

*Has a Bachelors degree in Physical education.

*Designs & Sews Her Own costumes.

*Was On The Original STAR SEARCH, Hosted By

Ed McMahon.

*Is a veteran of Snake Dancing.

*Has Performed in 10 Countries Outside the US.

*Loves the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

*Is A Certified Veterinary Technician.

*Owns a Honda Rebel Motorcycle.

*Donated Earnings from Oasis 2001 to the Humane

Society of the US.

*Co-hosts The Atheena Show on San Antonio

Cable on weekends, and has run for years.