About Lisa Yasmeen
After working in the field of architecture for two years, Lisa needed a release from her busy work schedule. In the year 2000 she began studying belly dancing in Seattle with the well respected Zaphara. Lisa immediately fell in love with this ancient dance form. A year later, Zaphara invited Lisa to join her troupe, Zaphara’s Middle Eastern Dancers. The troupe performs annually at Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, NW Folk Life, Pierce College Cultural Festival, Phinney Ridge Winter Festival, Race for the Cure and Cornucopia Days.
As Lisa began to advance in her skill level as a dancer, she started teaching introductory belly dancing courses at Urban Fitness in August 2002. She then relocated her teaching to All Star Fitness in both West Seattle and Queen Anne locations. Currently, Lisa is taking a hiatus from teaching in order to concentrate on soloist performance dance, a duet with Mahasti, and to study for her architectural licensing exams. In an ongoing effort to expand upon her dance vocabulary, Lisa takes private lessons and workshops from Seattle’s renowned Sabura, Katia, Elizabeth Dennis, Leila of Egypt and the famous Suhaila Salimpour.
Lisa’s repertoire of belly dance experience includes performances at: Mamounia Moroccan Restaurant, Porta Greek Taverna, the Baltic Room, a guest dancer performance at the Pyramids Egyptian Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii, “A Night of Oriental Dance” hosted by Nath Keo in Spring 2005 and a benefit concert for Tsunami Relief with Bollywood singer, Chandana Dixit and Rhythms of India Dancers, Amira, Audrey and Suzanna. Her experience also includes dancing to a live Greek band, at weddings, holiday parties, birthday parties and various celebrations.
Belly dancing has become a huge part of Lisa’s life and is truly an extension of who she is today. Her passion for this ancient art form can be seen in her performances as she graces her audience with her engaging smile and alluring charm.
Lisa graduated from the University of WA with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies in 1998. She currently assists as a project architect and is working toward her license in architecture.