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Michelle De Vine
Director, Choreographer & Costumer
Michelle De Vine grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area belly dance community. As an appreciative observer, dancer, instructor and promoter, she has developed a background which gives her a unique perspective on belly dance as an art, outlet and industry. With extensive and ongoing study of the many facets of belly dance, as well as other dance forms, Michelle combines this training with personal visualization and life experience to bring to life her vision of this dance art form. Currently residing in NJ where she teaches weekly classes and directs Spring Caravan, Michelle also travels throughout the United States instructing workshops and performing with her troupe, Mahalat.
Crystal
Assistant Director, Assistant Choreographer, & Assistant Instructor
Lisa
Troupe Member
Lisa was introduced to the world of belly dance as a teen and has been addicted ever since. She has been belly dancing since 2002 and has been performing with Mahalat since 2005. Lisa’s been involved in theater since childhood and received her B.A. in Theater Arts from Temple University. Lisa lived and taught belly dance in New Zealand before returning to the United States to pursue goals of being an artistic welder.
Monica
Troupe Member
Monica was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. She has been a resident of the United States since 1991. Monica has two children that are a lot of fun. She has been studying belly dance since 2003. Monica has studied with Kim Leary and has been Michelle De Vine’s student since 2004. She joined Mahalat in 2007.
Laurie
Troupe Member
Laurie was introduced to the world of Middle Eastern dance in 2003 when she took her first class as a favor to her friend, and first teacher, Sarah Lee. Her interest in the dance form was awakened. Since then, she has taken many workshops and classes in the various styles of bellydancing. In 2004, Laurie met Michelle De Vine, and intriqued by her unique approach to this dance form, became a student of hers. She is proud to be a member of Mahalat and also a member of and assistant to Michelle's traditional/folkloric troupe, Kinnari. During her spare time, she likes to read, and spend time with her very supportive family.
Mayra
Troupe Member
Mayra was born in Havana, Cuba and has lived in New Jersey since the age of one. She has always loved all forms of dance and began studies in Middle Eastern Dance in New York City in 2002 with various fabulous dance instructors. She began studying with Michelle in 2006 and joined Mahalat in 2007.
Lauren
Troupe Member
Lauren is a new member of Mahalat. She has been belly dancing since 2004, studying and performing in New Jersey and New York. She started studying with Michelle in 2008 and performed with her traditional/folkloric troupe Kinnari. Lauren also dances and choreographs with a belly dance trio, Desert Reveries. When not dancing, she works as a drama teacher for children in grades K-6 at a Montessori school and is also a professional face painter.
Amy
Troupe Member
Amy began studying bellydance with Alia Saleem in 1999. She then moved on to direct Mahira Tribe in 2004, which performed regularly at area events until 2010. After a brief hiatus, Amy began studying with Michelle Devine, and was thrilled to be invited to join Mahalat! She enjoys the challenges of Michelle's instruction and choreography, and the looks forward to continuing to grow as a dancer!
