Basimah Kamar - Twin Cities Bellydance

The following are links to some of our favorite bellydance resources.

Jawaahir and the Cassandra School: The teachers of the Cassandra school, led by Cassandra Shore, focus on the Egyptian cabaret style of dance. They are particularly strong on technique. No local bellydancer's education is complete without at least one session here.
Aliyah Sahar: Teaching in the southeast metro area, Aliyah offers an interesting variety of styles. She's also well known for her use and encouragement of props in dancing.
Guild of Oriental Dance teacher listings: Still haven't found what you're looking for? Want something closer to home? Try the teacher listings at the Guild of Oriental Dance. There are many more wonderful teachers listed there.

Basimah Kamar does not benefit from your shopping at these sites, but they're great resources none the less.

L. Rose Designs: Custom pieces made-to-order. Many are equally appropriate for cabaret and tribal, depending on your selection. Mix and match colors and fabrics with the styles and sleeve designs available in their catalog.
Dahlal Internationale: Dahlal offers great cabaret costumes in a variety of price ranges. They also offer an excellent selection of CDs and DVDs, as well as other assorted items including some tribal and gift items. They have great customer service.
Audrena: Audrena offers some nice costumes and accessories. Her selection of isis wings is particularly noteworthy.
Flying Skirts: Tribal custom pieces. Always a pleasure to deal with. Very quick turn-around on orders.
Heirlooms by Laurie Olson Williams: Custom pieces made-to-order (dance and non). Also great for alteration work, and all local to the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area.
Best Friends Jewelry
: Because no costume is complete without the jewelry to match, check out the wares of these ladies. They're a pleasure to work with, and truly enjoy their costuming. If you're looking for the perfect earrings or necklace to go with your favorite costume, have them design something for you. If you're just looking for a necklace or earrings in your favorite color, browse through their website to find a design you like. Most designs are available in most colors. The fiber optic stuff looks particularly sparkly under stage lights.

Dave's photos: Flikr page for Dave, our sometime photographer. Flip through to find Basimah Kamar photos, as well as photos of other bellydance events, including CONvergence 2005.

The following sites belong to members and guest artists for their off-hours.

Iscah
: Jessica (Iscah) and her travels to India.
Selah: Lee (Selah) Keeps a wonderful, inspirational blog about life, living and bellydancing (among other things...)
Anaïs: Denise (Anaïs) is a fabulous fantasy artist.
Parisa: Nikita (Perisa) is a fabulous dancer who joins us when her busy schedule allows.
Totally Northern Tribal: TNT (Totally Northern Tribal) is a tribal troupe also local to the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. We share member Sherry (Hadarah). In addition, other members have been known to join us as guest artists.