Dance Journey
Roxzana was born to dance. She was three when first asked " What do you want to be when you grow up?" and she replied, "A Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader or a Solid Gold Dancer!"
How did Roxzana begin? She has been a student of Modern Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballroom dancing all her life. Upon a whim, she joined a friend in a Tribal Bellydance Class at a local Ashram (yoga center) and immediately fell in love. So the journey began that summer in 2001. She studied with many local Atlanta dancers, and even traveled to Turkey to study with a famous Turkish dancer. Under the encouragement of Najmah (Jennifer Keselowsky), she entered into the Imperial Fez Moroccan Restaurant's Amateur Contest. This was her debut, having never performed in front of anyone before. It resulted in a position at the restaurant on the prime days of Friday and Saturday.
Her choreographies have been featured at the Imperial Fez's ladies night events, Valentine's Day and the 2002 New Year's Eve celebration. Roxzana has performed at many wedding receptions, Birthday parties, and numerous other events within the American and Middle Eastern communities.
Influential Instructors
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Zi'ah of Awalim-
Taught the basics of tribal technique and emphasis on lady like transitions from floor to standing movement.
She is the founder of the East Coast's leading Tribal troupe winning kudos in the community year after year.
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![]() Aziza Nawal- taught me the fundamentals of sharp technique. She is the queen of musical interpretation, and an expert in choreography. She graces Atlanta's many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants with her flawless and upbeat flair of dance. |
Najmah-
strengthened my improvisational skills and taught grace and fluidity
smoothing transitions from one move to the next.
Another of Atlanta's most requested dancers,
her beauty shines and her grace moves the observer. |
Sema Yildiz- Famous Turkish dancer
and teacher, Sema taught me the ethnicity and passion that was lacking in
my dance. She has been the influence of all the modern Turkish dancers, and
I consider her the most amazing woman I have ever met.
She is truly dedicated to this art form and mesmerizing to watch. During her lessons, Sema chose a name for Roxzana... ZUHRE SULTAN. Zuhre in Turkish means "Brilliancy, beauty"
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Roxzana has also studied with Zahra Zuhair, Bozenka, and Fahtiem.
Roxzana also watches as many performances as she can whether through video or live show. Being a natural
mimic, she finds she obtains more learning and refinement of the dance watching others perform. Amongst her favorite performers are
Suhaila Salimpour,
Rachel Brice, Sonia,
Ansuya, Delilah, and
Bellyqueen.
She continues the study of the dance striving for authenticity and high-energy entertainment.
Roxzana currently studies Flamenco, Bollywood, Rajasthani, Gypsy (Turkish, Romani, and Dunyavi), Guedra, Khaleegi, and Moroccan folk dance, as well as Polynesian and Hawaiian Hula, Indian Temple Dances such as Bharat Natyam, and Kathak.
Elements of her performance include Veil work, Sword Balancing, Fire dance, and zils/tambourine playing.
"The Truest Expression of a People is in its dances and its music...." ~Agnes de Mille