In 1997, dance friends & former 'Topkapi Dancers' Donna (Iesha) and Anthea (Kawakib) began a collaborative effort to find venues in Fredericksburg in which to showcase their art. 
  They were instrumental in opening many local doors to the art of bellydance. 

  Places they've entertained include Senior Communities, Rehab Centers; 
private parties and a special events. 

  The Diva Dancers also produced two sold-out weekend bellydance workshops called "Dancing In The Woods" (1999 & 2000) in Fredericksburg that featured two days of classes and percussion & dance jams. Workshop attendees came from 3 states to learn.

  In 2000 they also produced a spectacular all-professional show, "Magic of Bellydance", featuring professional soloists and troupes - a first in Fredericksburg! 

  Donna & Anthea continue to promote the lively art of bellydance in Fredericksburg through their classes & performances.

Anthea's premiere group, Pearls of Rhythm, was founded in 2000, and performed until 2004. Highlights include winning 2nd Place (performing synchronized group improvisation, 'Tribal Odyssey') at the 2002 East Coast Classic in VA Beach.

  Past performances include weddings, multi-cultural and community festivals, Girl Scout and Boy Scout events, First Night/VA, and numerous seminar shows and fundraisers.

  Beside showcasing their dance talents, past shows featured members performing original percussion compositions in authentic Mideastern tradition on doumbeks, tars, riqs; as well as classical song. 

Pearls' Articles About Dance  Free Lance Star Feature Article on Pearls
 

Tribe Odyssey (East), sister tribe to T. O. (West) in Winchester VA, was a student performing group under Anthea's direction that performed only Tribal Odyssey group improv. They've now blended with the Prism Dancers, a student performing group open to current students.  Click HERE for more Tribal info and links.