The Raq-ettes
The Raq-ettes are a performing dance troupe consisting of thirteen dancers from NH & VT. Although they have studied with different teachers and vary in experience, they present a unique blend of elegance, spunk, panache, grace and style. The Raq-ettes perform an array of styles from traditional folkloric, classy oriental, to even fusion of funky hip hop and more.
The Twin State's Premier Belly Dance Troupe is available for fundraisers, events, and private functions. Email the Raq-ettes for more info
The Dancers:
~ABBY
If labeling was the goal, Abby would be a belly dancing, mountain biking, snowboarding, hippie graphic designer slash starving artist with a passion for exploring and learning as many new hobbies as possible. In other words, a sure recipe for absolutely no spare time and loving every minute of it.
~ABI 
Abi has been dancing for 4 and 1/2 years and has enjoyed every
minute! Still in the learning phase, Abi has tried many styles and
used many props, but still has much to explore.
Abi began belly dancing under the wing of Gina Capossela in 2006 and
in 2008 began branching out with the help of her duet partner Abby
C., forming the duo "The Abibi's".
Now Abi is very excited to be a part of the Raquettes and hopes to
broaden her belly dance horizons with the help of Amity and the
other lovely dancers in the troupe.
~AMATI
Amati has been studying dance since 2001 and focusing on belly dance since 2004. Within the past six years she has learned Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish, and American Cabaret styles of belly dance. She has been performing with the troupe Raks the Casbah since 2005. She has been choreographing and performing solo pieces since 2005 as well. She is currently enjoying working on improvisational belly dance. Amati finds belly dance to be a fun and exhilarating form of dance and is thankful for the supportive environment that she has found in its community.
~AMITY
Amity created the Raq-ettes in 2009 to bring Middle Eastern Dance and Belly Dance to the general public in the form of fun, inspiring performances. The Raq-ettes are an amazing group of women who are passionate in showing the dance as a respectful art form.
To read Amity's full bio, click here
~ERIN
D
Erin has been studying Middle Eastern dance with various teachers since 2006, largely the Vermont New Hampshire area. Her dance roots started, however, in Berkeley California with Motown, and later afro-jazz-blues. When she isn't dancing, she canoes, trains dogs, works, and volunteers for the court system. She is particularly devoted to the celebration of our spirit and beauty as women.
~ERIN N
Director of Hypzotika Belly Dance and the Hypzotique Belly Dance Circus, Erin is a true fusionista, blending traditional Middle Eastern dance with a dizzying whirlwind of influences including hip-hop, flamenco, burlesque, and vintage vaudevillian sass. She recently toured with the Alia Thabit Dance Theater's Jeweled Splendor show, and is currently gearing up for Hypzotique's summer 2010 season.
~HANNAH
Hannah started dancing when she was four and studied and performed with a small company in NY through the age of 17. Hannah then went on to major in Ethnic dance and education in which she received a BA in dance education from Goddard College. She has taught and performed African/Caribbean dance for many years in Mass and Vermont and has transferred to the magical world of belly dance. She started her exploration of belly dance in Australia ten years ago, and has studied with a variety of teachers ever since. Hannah teaches in the Mad River Valley of Vermont and is the founder of the Green Mountain Zagarettes (GeMZ).
~IRIT
Irit loves Middle Eastern music and all the beautiful ways she can interpret it through movement. Having tried all types of dance, she has settled on belly dance, as it provides her with depth of expression and allows her to take pleasure in the feminine self. Irit delights in sharing her love of the music and dance with her audiences.
~ISRA
Isra, descendent of infamous predecessors including two convicted Salem witches, as well as Captain Jonathan Sparrow and Rahab the Harlot, continues the tradition of off-beat life style while living with multiple big cats, several bears and a great ape. She has survived hurricanes, tornados and expeditions in search of lake monsters and mythical creatures. She brings a unique blend of revelry, illumination and diversion to her dance.
~ORALIA
Oralia has been studying and dancing Middle Eastern dance for many years. As a long-time devotee of Middle Eastern dance, Oralia has practiced, danced and studied with teachers and dancers from Oregon to New Hampshire. Oralia's individual style combines elements of classical and modern Egyptian belly dance with undertones of American cabaret. Having played the part of student, teacher, performer, and troupe member, Oralia's devotion and fascination with Middle Eastern dance has pushed her to experience many of life's roles through music and dance.
~YOLANDA
Yolanda has been dancing her entire life. She started with ballet, and then moved on to tap, jazz, and hip hop. She has been studying Middle Eastern Dance for four years, and has discovered that this dance form is her true passion.
~ZARA
ZARA didn't know 6 1/2 years ago, when she answered an ad in the newspaper for beginner belly dance classes, her life would forever be changed. A life journey AND metamorphosis had started to unlock her inner soul and spirit. After her first year of dance teachers and workshops, Zara wanted to perform. She needed a costume. With the guidance and encouragement from some special dance friends, she was able to design and sew her first costume. Now she makes all her costumes. Zara loves the challenge and inspiration of continuing to take classes with different teachers, workshops, shows, and dancing at restaurants and other functions around the area. One special thing she has learned from her new life journey- it's never too late or too early in life to begin something new. Learning to belly dance is hard, challenging, and wonderful! It's a journey of fun, friends, and following your dreams!