Zephyra

Photo by Sean Douglass Zephyra (ze-feer-ah) has become a belly dance favorite in the Salt Lake City area for her artistic expression and commanding presence both on and off stage. She began her training in Middle Eastern Dance in 1997 under the direction of Thia Kapos, owner of Bellydancing by Thia, and was later invited to join the award-winning Midnight Mirage Dance Company. As a member of the Midnight Mirage Dance Company, she danced with such skilled performers as Jamileh, Calypso, and Isis. She has also studied under several locally and nationally renowned instructors and performers, including Jillina, Sohalia, Zaina Hart, Margo Abdo O'Dell, and Fahtiem. She is currently taking a hiatus from Midnight Mirage and dances under the direction of Jamileh and Calypso of the Midnight Mirage School of Dance in Troupe Amara. A passionate dancer who is actively involved in the "danse orientale" community, she is a regular performer at local restaurants, festivals, and events and has danced at numerous events throughout the country as well. Her style is a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and Egyptian cabaret. She holds the 2nd runner-up award in the Egyptian category in the national 2004 Belly Dancer of the Universe competition. When her work as an award-winning graphic designer and mother of two are not keeping her busy, she continues to learn as much as she can about the ancient art form of belly dance.