Sahira~earth, moon, spring which flows constantly;"I choose this name because my real name means earth. I thought it was fitting to have my dance name and the name I go by in my every day mean the same thing."

• BECAME A GYPSY IN: Gypsy Rhythm January 2006 and Desert Gypsy in January 2009

• DANCE BACKGROUND: I have 20 plus years of classical ballet training. I've also had training in jazz, modern, lyrical and funk :o) I started belly dancing 7 years ago.

• YEARS DANCING: I've been dancing since I could walk. My mom said I use to always walk around on my toes and she knew then that I was going to be a dancer. I've been in one type of dance lesson or another since the age of three.

• INTRODUCED TO MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE BY: My dad actually took me to a belly dancing performance at the University of Utah when I was a student there. I was intrigued with this style of dance since attending that performance and when I saw that there were classed offered through UVU's continuing education I thought I would give it a try.

• FAVORITE STYLE OF BELLY DANCE: I love Taksim and dancing with the veil.

• STRENGTH: I think my strength is that I love dancing, it's a time for me to remember who I am and to let all my other worries and cares fall by the wayside. Many moves don't come easily to me so I have to work on it, but I am a faithful dancer and can always be counted on to be there and it give it my best.

• WEAKNESS: Weaknesses are much easier to count than one's strengths. Zills are something that I will need to continue to work on in order to master. I also have a ways to go before I can be successful at belly rolls.

• EMBARRASSING MOMENT: I can't recall an embarrassing moment while dancing that's not to say there won't be one in the future. Embarrassing moments are what make us human.

• FAVORITE PERFORMANCE: Thia's Electric Circus in May of 2009. I had been on bed rest for 10 weeks prior to this performance and it was so good to be amongst my troupe sisters and to have the freedom to be dancing again.

• PASSION FOR DANCING: I dance because that's what I love. I hope that I will be able to continuing dancing as long as my physical body will allow. I love the other women I dance with there is such a special sisterhood amongst the dancers. It's a privilege to dance with them and to learn from them.

• OCCUPATION WHEN NOT DANCING: I am the CEO and CFO of our household. My proudest title however is that of a mother to three beautiful sons that are the joy and loves of my life.

• HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Dancing is obviously one of my hobbies, but I also enjoy running. I love camping, hiking, biking and anything else that allows me to be out spending time with my family.