Owner and Director of Ammara Dance Lisa cannot remember a time when she did not dance. Starting at the age of 4, Lisa has been a student of dance, music and art. Her journey has taken her through the worlds of tap, ballet, jazz, various types of folk dance, theater, and music. Lisa has been involved in Middle Eastern dance for over 10 years, actively studying, teaching and performing. Beginning her studies with Venus, Lisa has expanded and continues to develop her dance knowledge and teaching skills through various forms of study with instructors both local and international. Lisa's passion for Middle Eastern dance and music is contagious, which makes her classes both entertaining and educational. Lisa is also a member of Ala Nar Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, performing and sharing the art of Middle Eastern Dance at private, corporate and high-profile events around BC and Canada. Lisa's recent activities include: featured dancer on Omni TV's "Bellydance Workout", Slice TV's "Bulging Brides" as a guest instructor, and Ala Nar's featured performances at the International Belly Dance Congress of Canada in Toronto and with Club Bellydance (Bellydance Superstars) in Vancouver.

For almost 20 years, Angela has studied movement, meditation, and practiced yoga as a way of life. Using yoga as a way to take care of her body as a gymnast and dancer during her early years, Angela continued to study and practice while becoming a coach of rhythmic gymnastics, then moving on to study and teach belly dance, and finally earning her certification to teach from the esteemed Prana Yoga Teacher College of Canada with her dear friend and teacher, the ever-inspiring shakti mhi. Angela's classes have been described as inspiring, welcoming, peaceful, and invigorating. Her unique approach to this ancient practice weaves together the art and science involved in classical yoga, and encourages students of every level to find their own balance and become their own greatest teacher.

Stephen has studied yoga, mediation, spirituality, religion, sociology, metaphysics and trance for over a 15 years. A certified graduate of the Prana Yoga Teacher College of Canada, under the direct tutelage of the renowned shakti mhi, Stephen’s dualistic approach to holistic living influences his yoga style to create a moving meditation for body and mind. His classes offer traditional Hatha style yoga with emphasis on moving fluidly with the breath. Working with all levels, he encourages students to find their own inner balance.  Through the practice of asana, students enjoy invigorating bodywork as well as relaxation and stillness.

TAMARA: Tamara is forever student and teacher, believing in a lifetime of learning. Her style of Belly Dance is rooted in the Oriental tradition but her energy and charisma bring a stylization of modernism to the dance that really comes alive on stage. The way she fuses the music to the dance is expressed through her movement in a way that will delight even the most sophisticated of audiences. A delight wherever she performs, Tamara is a teacher and dancer not to be missed.

MAKI: Maki started her dance career with ballet at the age of four, and has been studying Raks Sharki (bellydance) since 2001. As a dancer, Maki is known for her fluidity and warm, engaging stage presence. She presents the Raks Sharqi style with respect and sincerity - her dance is classic with a modern touch, staying true to Middle Eastern nuances. Maki has appeared on the Main Stage at the International Belly Dance Congress of Canada, was a featured Belly Dancer in the film "Almost A Turkish Soap Opera", and had a featured role in the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Most notably, Maki won a world-wide casting competition to be part of Jillina's internationally renown production "Bellydance Evolution - Immortal Desires" and performed along side notable performers such as Kaeshi and Jillina.

Gina Fernandez teaches Bollywood and Bhangra dance. She entered the world of dance as a cheerleader and for the past 10 years has been competing across North America in various Indian dance styles including Bhangra, Bollywood, Garba and Raas, mixed with hip hop and jazz. Gina has appeared in Indian dance videos with Shin and Juggy D, and has performed live with various international Indian musicians such as Jazzy B, Josh, and Jassi Sidhu. She has performed at the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, Granville Island Performance Works, Vancouver Celebrates Diwali, the Bollywood Crossover fashion show, Vancouver International Dance Festival, World Urban Festival and the Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. Gina is currently the main choreographer and dancer for A-Slam Music Productions.