Current Performers
Cherrelle was born and raised in Fairbanks, AK. She began taking dance lessons at the age of 9. Over the years Cherrelle has developed a strong passion for the art of dance, taking classes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, modern and more recently, Bellydance. Cherrelle enjoys performing and feels honored to dance with Tundra Caravan.
Melanie studied Middle Eastern Dance as a student of Raks Souzana 2009-2012. She has performed both as a student and as a troupe member. She also studied ballet, lyrical, and contemporary with Jay Howe. In addition to Tundra Caravan, Melanie has also performed with Crazy Shakes Dance Troupe and Opal Scarab Dance.
Melanie choreographed a ProTroupe finale number for 2014 Cymbal Salaam and a Student Troupe number for 2016 Cymbal Salaam.
Melanie served as Director of Tundra Caravan Dance Troupe 2013-2020 and served on the board of the Northern Lights Council of Dancers (NLCD).
Photo: Glenn Brogan
Shahana (Shana) has always had a love of dance and music. It wasn't until she watched Tundra Caravan perform at Pioneer Park (Alaska Land), that Shahana knew how she wanted to express that love and herself. In the spring of 2007 she took a sampler class with Chandani, one of the founding members of Tundra Caravan. In 2008 Cymbal Salaam, Shahana performed for the first time on stage. She continued taking classes under the instruction of Chandani, and in 2010 joined Tundra Caravan Dance Troupe. Shahana was also part of a performing group, Wandering Wenches, which was composed of members in The International Wenches Guild Local 49.
Shana serves as Tundra Caravan's representative of record with the State of Alaska and as our troupe treasurer.
Shana choreographed a Mash-up number (both Student Troupe and ProTroupe) with swords and fanveils for 2014 Cymbal Salaam and a Student Troupe cane choreography for 2015 Cymbal Salaam; she is currently Tundra Caravan's longest standing troupe member!
Shahana currently serves as Director of Tundra Caravan Dance Troupe and serves on the Northern Lights Council of Dancers (NLCD).
Nakeda was introduced to the Middle Eastern dance community in the fall of 2015. She was at a hair show when she saw a ProTroupe member of Tundra Caravan perform a solo dance. Nakeda became excited and inquired about learning how to belly dance. A couple weeks later, Nakeda auditioned and was selected as a member of Tundra Caravan’s Student Troupe. Nakeda studied Middle Eastern Dance with Melanie Lindholm and Cindy Paauw. She is excited to perform in her first Cymbal Salaam in May 2016.
Stephanie began dancing in the fall of 2007 with Souzana's UAF Middle Eastern Dance class and immediately fell in love with dancing! A classically trained vocalist and instrumentalist, she is no stranger to the stage. Stephanie's extracurriculars in music, acting, directing and producing have helped lead her to her discovery of dance, which she is deeply greatful for! She just can't get enough dancing, and enjoys African dance along with Middle Eastern, and even dabbles in African drumming. She began dancing with Tundra Caravan's student troupe in the fall of 2008 and can't imagine her life without dance!