MEET THE DANCERS!
Lindsey McCormick
Lindsey's love of dance began at an early age and has taken shape over the years in many forms. Several years ago Lindsey fell in love with Belly Dancing and hasn't looked back since. She teaches classical belly dance technique with a fusion flare, blending elements from dance styles learned throughout her life. Her goal is to help the belly dance scene in Frederick flourish, and to educate the public on the true nature of this beautiful art form.
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Lindsey strives to create a nurturing, inspiring environment for her dancers where they can feel free of judgement and learn to accept and love their bodies just the way they are.
Lindsey loves to cross train in varying belly dance styles including classical Egyptian, tribal fusion, Russian Romany and Flamenco Arabe skirt dancing. She has studied with Kristen Dorsey, Naimah Loren, Saeeda Kasym, Dalia Carella, Angela Petry and Belladonna Boheme. She is currently certified as a Level 3 Technician in Belladonna's Bohemian Blade technique.
Kalayla
From Union Bridge, Kalayla has been dancing for over 10 years. It's started with a jingle in a college common room and a love for belly dance was born. Learning from masters like Sadie Marquardt, Shahrzad, and Zoe Jakes and skilled friends, strengthening her dance skills is a key factor for her.
Veil was her first prop that she ventured in Belly Dance. Using gracefully movements, let her entice you for what is in store for the spring/summer session.
Troupe Anam Cara
Troupe Anam Cara, under the direction of Lindsey McCormick, formed through the bonds of sisterhood and a deep love for the dance. This is a group of incredibly hard-working women who somehow manage to juggle life, careers and children to foster their passion. The Troupe is an invite only group for Anam Cara Dance students.
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The Troupe's members currently are: Lindsey McCormick (director), Tracy Babylon, Jaelynn, Suzanne Lutsky, Katie Jacobsen, Thalia, Tracy Brown, Queen Bastet
Queen Bastet
Queen Bastet is the Dance Director at Luna Aerial Dance and Performing Arts in Frederick, MD. She’s been teaching belly dance for fifteen years and performing for twenty. A Baltimore native, she performed regularly at local restaurants, festivals, and parties and was the talent coordinator for the Desert Cafe. Trained primarily in the PiperMethod, she blends American cabaret, Egyptian raqs sharki, and Turkish Romany with elements of Modern Dance and Hip Hop. Dance is a powerful form of expression and Queen Bastet loves sharing it and guiding others to their own unique style.
Martina
Martina Desiree is the Founder and Owner of Love Your Vessel International! This is a movement using the creative arts to spread awareness for body acceptance and selflove. A key component for her love of dance and this belly dancing community is the empowerment of the amazing people within it! When she isn’t dancing, she is writing songs, making art, doing yoga, running her business or glass blowing.
Rachael
Rachael has enjoyed the art of dance since childhood. Beginning with ballet, she explored a wide range of styles including musical theatre, ballroom, and Latin. Belly dance came into her life as a happy accident as a teenager, and she is thrilled to continue being a dance student. She would like to thank all her instructors, friends in and outside of the dance studio, and everyone here today for coming. She hopes you enjoy her very first recital solo.
Katie
Katie began belly dancing in 2016 and began taking classes with Lindsey's troupe Anam Cara in 2018. Along the way she has studied classic Egyptian, American tribal, fusions, and the sword certificate/ BATS improve system developed by Belladonna Boheme. She has earned her level 4 Warrior certificate under Belladonna's program and intends to work up to earning her level 6 Master certificate. Other skills/styles she enjoys are skirt, veil, and improv.
Lotus Sol
Lotus Sol Skirt Troupe from Anam Cara Dance in Frederick under the direction of Lindsey McCormick was born out of a love for all things skirt dancing. Blossoming like a lotus and shining bright as the sun while performing innovative fusion dances with fabulous flying skirts, these incredible dancers put their heart and soul into what they do while executing Lindsey's unique fusion flare.
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Lotus Sol consists of Director Lindsey McCormick, Tracy Brown, Martina Desiree, Thalia, Jamie Fogle, Karen Peacock, Suzanne Lutsky, Deb Colley and Jaelynn.
Jaelynn
Jaelynn has been belly dancing for approximately three years and took up sword during quarantine. She enjoys all forms of movement and likes to mix styles when performing.
Deborah
As the owner of Studio D, Deborah offers specialty workshops in a variety of subjects including but not limited to: Raks Assaya (Stick/Cane), Sword, Dancing with a Skirt, Veil, Drills & Combinations, and How to Choreograph.
Known for her original troupe choreographies, She has provided artistic direction for several troupes and is available for coaching and direction. Need a choreographer, She's your girl!
She enjoys providing opportunities for women to learn, grow and shine and produces annual haflas and events.
She continues her own dance education through intensive programs and believes the best instructors are life long students.
Anam Cara Belly Basics
The belly basics class, under the direction of Kalaya, is comprised of both complete beginners and returning students who want to sharpen their skills. They have worked incredibly hard to showcase their routine!
Mayousse
Mayousse began her Raqs Sharqi journey after seeing a dancer in a restaurant. She was mesmerized and quickly signed up for classes. Years later, countless workshops, haflas, private events, and now online shows, her love for this art form grew even more. She continues to receive personal coaching from instructors of the culture & beyond. The dance, music, joy, costumes, and being free to express herself continues to capture her heart. When she dances, that is when we truly see her essence. She is honored to dance for you
Quetesh
Qetesh took her first belly dance class in 2008 and was drawn to the Turkish style of dance. She has studied with many great teachers over the years including Deborah, Artemis, Miramar, and Diana Jelena. Today she will be taking you on a folkloric inspired journey from the Ankara region of Turkey to the villages of Lebanon.
Oona
​Oona is a local dancer and performer in the DMV area. A proud member of Raks Ayla under Bee Law and the BOHO blade program under Belladonna. She teaches beginner belly dance in Sterling VA each Sunday morning and can also be found playing guitar, hiking or chilling with her best puppers, Zoey.
Thalia
Thalia, otherwise known as Dorie, has been belly dancing for 5 years and dancing like no one's watching since they were born. Their pronouns are they/them. They love making people hoot and holler with their electrifying performances, and asks you to vocalize when you like a shimmy or shake! Thalia has danced classic Egyptian, tribal fusion, and divine chaos skirt dancing. They've also dabbled in sword, fan veils, fan and skirt technique. Today Thalia will be utilizing a style they've deemed "belly dance disco fusion". Enjoy the chaos!
Tracy Brown
Tracy has been under the instruction of Lindsey McCormick since 2020 and draws inspiration from her Anam Cara and Lotus Soul troupe members. Her love of dance began at an early age and has taken many forms over the years. Her favorite movements are rooted in street jazz, hip hop and Caribbean fusion. Tracy enjoys the challenge of performing with a troup, and is so nervicited to be performing her first fusion belly dance solo!!
THE LINEUP!
Boho Sword
Rachael
Jaelynn
Deborah
Thalia
Queen Bastet
Martina
Kalayla
Lindsey
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INTERMISSION
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Anam Cara Belly Basics Class
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Katie​
Qetesh
Oona
Mayousse
Troupe Anam Cara
Finale/Audience Participation