Meet the Raqzia Dancers
Adriana
Founder of Raqzia
Adriana began her journey in Middle Eastern dance at Farfesha World Studio in 2009. With over three decades of diverse dance experience, she has trained extensively in Mexican folklórico, flamenco, and Raqs Sharqi.
Adriana al Sirena started dancing Raqs Sharqi in 2009. Adriana is an award-winning performer and choreographer. She is currently an instructor at Sirena Studio, and she is the founder and director of Raqzia Raqs Sharqi.
She performs regularly at Pars Cuisine and cultural events, festivals, and private engagements throughout New Mexico and the surrounding region. She is known for her energetic, technically challenging classes that inspire dedicated beginners while continuing to challenge advanced and professional dancers alike!
Kristine
For over thirty-five years, Kristine’s life has been intricately woven with the art and culture of belly dance. What began as a fascination with the expressive movements and rhythms of this dance form has grown into a lifelong pursuit of mastery, creativity, and personal growth. Her journey is marked by a deep commitment to learning and evolving as a dancer.
Twenty years ago, Kristine took a pivotal step in my artistic development by joining the Salimpour School. Founded by the legendary Jamila Salimpour and carried forward by Suhaila Salimpour, the school is renowned for its rigorous training and innovative teaching methods. Under their guidance, she learned to refine her technique, deepen her understanding of dance theory, and appreciate the historical and cultural context of belly dance.
Even after more than three decades, her passion for belly dance remains as vibrant as ever. She continues to study, train, and collaborate with fellow dancers, always seeking new ways to express herself and contribute to the community.
Orquidea
Orquidea, a Santa Fe local dancer has been performing and studying SWANA based dance for 15+ years; with the music, dance, and cultures of the region inspiring her since she was 4 years old! Specializing in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi , Levantine folkloric stylizations, ATS and Modern Fusion she began dancing semi professionally with a Troupe in Santa Fe for 5+ years before dancing as a soloist throughout New Mexico in 2017 and joining her current dance home with Raqzia Raqs Sharqi under Sirena Studio in 2024
Her dance training and exposure ranges from local New Mexican instructors to nationally well known dance and cultural artists such as Amel Tafsout, Suhaila Salimpour, Zoe Jakes, Kaeshi Chai, and more!
Alesandra
Alesandra has loved dance her entire life and believes it is truly for everyone. Drawn to Egyptian and fusion belly dance, she found her artistic home at Sirena Studio in 2021.
Since then, she has become a member of Albuquerque's premier professional dance troupes, Raqzia Raqs Sharqi and The Desert Darlings, while also performing as a soloist. Alesandra finds joy in the music, connecting with audiences, and sharing her passion for live performance through every dance.
Amanda
Amanda's dance journey began at just five years old, leading her to train and perform in a variety of styles, including competitive group dance, Latin, and Irish Step.
After taking time away from dance, she returned in 2024 at Sirena Studio, where she discovered a passion for Belly Dance and the vibrant community that comes with it.
Amanda loves exploring the many facets of Belly Dance, from the elegance of Raqs Sharqi to the creativity of Fusion and the storytelling of Theatrical Style.
Rubi Red
Rubi is a captivating belly dancer who is trained in fusion belly dance, theatrical belly dance and Raqs Sharqi. She began her belly dance journey 5 years ago with the Raqs sharqi student troupe, Mermaid Muse, under the direction of Adriana Sandoval.
After two years of Mermaid Muse, she ventured into theatrical belly dancing and joined the Desert Darlings.
She has traveled to Egypt for independent study and trained with Ghawazee and Saidi instructors, as well as with local Egyptian dancers including Zara, Sharazad, and Passant.
She is now a member of Raqzia dance troupe, reigniting her flame for classical Egyptian belly dance.
Whether performing a classic Egyptian routine, a dramatic fusion piece, or an energetic and playful Mahragant piece, Rubi connects with her audience through her smile, extensive hip movements and her passion for dance.
Oralia
Oralia has spent many years studying, teaching, and performing Middle Eastern Belly Dance across the country, including two study tours in Cairo, Egypt.
She has performed with troupes such as the Rak-ettes in New Hampshire and Danza Del Alma in Florida, founded the Gainesville Belly Dance Company, and taught weekly classes for nearly a decade in Oregon and Florida.
She currently performs throughout Albuquerque as a solo artist and with the professional troupe Raqzia Raqs Sharqi.