Inanna started dancing at age 3 doing the general tap, jazz, ballet thing for nearly 13 years until . . . she got a bellydancing lesson, and was hooked!
Twentysomething years later she is still enthusiastic with all aspects of Middle Eastern and North African history and culture. She may have started in raks sharqi, but after years of watching Thais Banu at a local Renaissance Faire and training with FatChanceBellyDance and H'ahbi Ru, she fell in love with tribal & folkloric--and found that there is SO MUCH to love, learn, and share in this dance.
Now, teaching and leading a troupe of beautiful, unique, and outrageous ladies and gents has proven to be one of the greatest joys of her life!
My name is Afsana and when I was in high school I was taught how to do an Egyptian dance by 2 Iranian girls. I think that is what sparked to my desire to learn middle-eastern dance. I also have an aunt who learned to belly dance in her mid-fifties because of a back problems. The pictures of her in her costumes are so beautiful and those only fanned the flames.
With no dance background and thinking I had no ability, I took my first belly dance class with Inanna, at age 40.
Now my daughter says she wishes she could move like me!
I am Sabah, or "Morning Light". I joined Banat Casablanca in 2002 and have been shimmying ever since.
Belly dancing is to me: exciting, celebratory, family-centered, sensual, and incredibly fun.
Banat Casablanca is a diverse dance family of fascinating people who all share the love of the dance and respect for each other.
Simply put, we are a tribe. And we all have Inanna to thank for bringing us together.
I am Aurora. Music and dance have always been a part of my life; I have been dancing since I was a little girl.
In 2003 I saw Banat Casablanca perform at the International Bazaar at Western Illinois University and I was both dazzled and mesmerized. From that moment I wanted to bellydance and that is exactly what I have been doing ever since.
It is so much fun, plus I love seeking out the authentic garb. I love being a part of the wonderful and talented dancers that make up Banat Casablanca.
My name is Hafa, which means "rain".
I began dancing in 2002, and since then have enjoyed my time with my dancing family in Banat Casablanca. I've grown as a performer, and have also been able to grow as a global citizen here in Western Illinois.
Our group shows that women everywhere have a connection in culture, dance, and experience, and I celebrate that every time I dance.
I hope to continue to be able to spread our message of understanding and sharing for years to come.
Hafa
I am Astara Laila. I have been with Banat Casablanca since the beginning. I started with classes at Spoon River College from Inanna when I was in 8th grade. When classes were over I still had the desire to dance and just kept going.
Usually I am not one to be in the spot light; however, when I am up there performing I love the way the audience reacts.
I have belly dancing to thank for helping me break out of my shell; it brings me to life.
Belly Dancing
RAKS!!!
Astara Laila
Astara Laila
Photo by Kim Couza
Hi! I'm Nimue and I love to bellydance! I first started with Inanna's WIU Rec Center classes and before I knew it, I was hooked. I joined Banat Casablanca soon after that.
I like how bellydancing allows me to express myself while dancing to just about any type of music. Dancing with the troupe is so much fun and one of the best experiences of my life!
MaiaGaia
I am MaiaGaia (double earth mother) and I have been wriggling with this fantastic, varied and delightful group of ladies and gents since September 2000.
I have learned about customs and cultures of the Middle East, India, and North Africa. I get to dress in as-authentic-as-possible outfits. I get an incredible aerobic workout during practices AND I am with other wonderful people who love the same things!!!
Thank you, Inanna, for believing
in us.
I am Najida and I began dancing with Banat Casablanca in the Fall of 2006. I was looking for unique way to stay in shape and found Inanna’s belly dancing classes at WIU’s Rec Center . At first, I had no idea what to expect, but after one lesson I was eagerly awaiting the next class. Soon after, I began taking beginner classes with the troupe and completely fell in love with the dance and my troupe sisters.
After choreographing a fusion dance with two other “Bints,” I knew my time with Banat Casablanca would never be forgotten. Since then, I have enjoyed exploring everything from American Tribal Style to Fusion. Getting to know each member of the troupe has been a wonderful experience and I will never forget these amazing women!!
Najida
Tinkerbell Boogaloo
I started belly dancing in the fall of 2000 when the beautiful, talented, and inspirational Inanna started teaching "oriental dance" classes at Spoon River College in Macomb.
I have stayed with belly dancing as a hobby and form of exercise. Belly dance also provides me with an opportunity to learn about history, world cultures, and women's rights and it is also an outlet for creativity in physical expression and costume design.
The troupe is a source for life-long friendships where the people are supportive, funny, creative, beautiful, and talented.
I have a good sense of humor when it comes to dancing so I created a stage name that reflected this; Tinkerbell and Boogaloo were two nicknames my father called me when I was a little girl. Now this name is my alter ego dance persona when I get all dressed up.
