Alimah (Vicki Kruer) enjoys all forms of the art of dance. She first discovered the joy of self-expression through belly dance more than 20 years ago. After a lengthy hiatus, her passion was rekindled when her daughter, Fairoza, joined the troupe. An elementary school teacher, Alimah has danced with the Gypsies since 2005.

Betushka Daya has been involved in the arts as a student, teacher, or therapist for the last 20 years.  With a master's in art therapy and an undergraduate degree in art education, Betushka believes all of the arts--dance, music, drama, writing, or visual art--have a potential for being a healing force.  She finds belly dance especially powerful in its inclusive nature towards all women, its celebration of women's bodies in movement, and in the joy women can experience when they are together.

Fairoza (Traci Kruer) is currently working on her Ph.D. in Biochemistry with a focus on breast cancer research. Belly dancing has been a much needed stress reliever. She started dancing in 1998 while at Purdue University where she was under the direction of Kat Lebo and a member of both the Oasis Dancers and the Nur Misur Dance Troupe. She has danced with Gypsies of the Nile since 2005.

Fatima (Yvonne) discovered the joy of dancing 5 years ago, working her way up to local and national competitions. Hours of weekly practice paid off when she took first place dancing the Cha Cha, East and West Coast Swing, Waltz, and Country Two Step at the World Competition in Nashville.  Fatima loves the hard work required to perfect every dance step and develop graceful body motions. Two years ago Fatima discovered belly dance, and she joined the Gypsies this year.

Johara began taking dance classes for the first time in her life about 3 years ago.  She always had an interest in belly dance, but she never found the opportunity to pursue it.  After seeing a class schedule from IUS, Johara signed up for a belly dance class with Raqia and loved it.  She is currently learning American Tribal Style from Isis.  Johara is very moved by the music and feels a spiritual connection with the movements.  She feels honored to be performing with Gypsies of the Nile.

Kai Amara was first introduced to Middle Eastern dance when she happened upon a belly dance workshop presented during a music festival in 2005. It was love at first shimmy, and she's been dancing ever since. While she enjoys several styles of the dance, American Tribal Style and tribal fusion have become her passion.  She is delighted to have found a home with such a fun and inspiring group.

Maharet has had a long history of dance involvement, starting with tap and ballet just before her third birthday.   Being musically inclined, she was also active in high school musical theater as well as concert band through college. A licensed psychotherapist, Maharet discovered Middle Eastern dance when she began taking lessons with Isis in January 2003. She joined Gypsies of the Nile as a founding member when it was
formed later that year. Since then, Maharet has performed both with the troupe and solo at a number of local venues.  Recently she has begun teaching workshops and assisting the troupe with performance preparations.  Maharet also enjoys drumming and developing choreography.

Raqia (Rachel Reich) has trained with internationally known dancers, including Delilah, Rachel Brice and Petite Jamila. A senior member of Kentuckiana's Gypsies of the Nile Troupe, she has been featured in local and national press and was awarded Louisville Magazine Critic's Choice winner as Best Belly Dance Instructor in 2007.  Belly Dance has opened another dimension in Raqia's world which she shares with others through lessons, performances and belly dance empowerment workshops.  She brings a sense of mystery which is light and joyful.  For information on classes Raqia teaches, please visit http://www.raqiabellydance.com

Zahira (Debbie) began dance life at age six with ballet and tap.  She also participated in marching band in high school and college and explored different types of dance and movement, such as Tai Chi, Pilates, and Jazzercise.  In the Fall of 2003, she met Isis and was introduced to the art of belly dance.  Since then she has studied weekly and also has attended belly dance workshops by Jillina and  drum workshops by Carmine Guida and Melina.   Her first public appearance was in Belly Dance Unveiled II with Sisters of the Nile.  Zahira enjoys the physical challenges of belly dance as well as learning about the history and traditions of the various dance styles.

Zhia (Lorena) began belly dancing in 1998, although her passion for Middle Eastern and Moroccan music began a decade earlier. Her first love is American Tribal Style belly dance, but her personal dance style is a fusion of several forms including Turkish and Romany/Gypsy.  Zhia believes that the best part of participating in Tribal dance is the uplifting experience of working in communion with a group of strong, creative women.  She recently came to Louisville from a two year stint in Paraguay, and she joined Gypsies of the Nile in 2005. Zhia is very happy to be part of the Gypsies sisterhood.