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Faydora is truly one of a kind. Born under the sign of the Aquarius, named JOY (Joyce Olivia Young), as her mother used to tell it ---is a Joy no matter which way you turn or look at it. By the same token, Joy came up with the name “Faydora” for her yet unborn daughter years ago -- who turned out to be her son --- and the name was long forgotten and placed in a memory bank, until she started taking oriental dance lessons and the idea of taking a stage name was no threat. So once again, Fay honoring her good personal friend and dora honoring Isadora Duncan (mother of modern dance) --- hers was a name that had been waiting for many a year to be claimed and suited her personality so well. Hence Fay-door- rah! One of the first things Faydora had to overcome --- was the perception that Black women aren’t Middle Eastern Dancers (the word “bellydancer” -- truly an American description and name) or that real sized woman aren’t oriental dancers! Both are untrue and that is the primary reason she continues to dance. From the moment of awareness she has tried to learn, yearn, appreciate, and been fascinated -- indeed consumed and groomed by the art of Oriental Dance. Being aware of the many styles representing many countries --- no one country can lay claim to this dance. However, there are several styles which claim Faydora’s heart dearly. In trying to find a style not form of dance -- Faydora has resorted to Raqs Sharki with Egyptian, Turkish, African, American influences coupled with her unique background and environment. Truly the only term that might fits Faydora is American bellydancer. Her first thought was to merge the uniqueness of African dance with middle eastern style and combine them to explore her joy of the dance. Through the appreciation of the dance, Faydora has choreographed and presented unique slices of expression that has been described as “polished and professional,” warm and playful bringing a sense of joy and rhythm that shines in a class of her own. Faydora currently dances in the Washington metropolitan/ Maryland/ Virginia area and gives generously of her time and talents to noteworthy fundraising campaigns, local charities, nursing homes and area dance programs staged in restraunts. She is a favorite at several annual student/teacher recitals and festivals. She occasionally dances at private affairs.
Faydora is a staff writer for the Washington Area Metropolitan Middle Eastern Dance Association (WAMEDA) and Secretary to the same organization. Faydora is also a member of Bellydancers of Color Association (BOCA). Faydora also holds a bellydancing title for the East Coast Bellydancing Classic, Fantasy Goddess 2003 -- 2nd Place win and the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the East Coast Bellydancing Classic 2003. She has danced at the world renowned Rakkasah East in New Jersey, Five Seasons Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, The Casablanca Restaurant in Alexandra, Virginia, Athenian Restaurant in LaPlata, Maryland (2001), Pars Restaurant in Vienna, Virginia, and numerous other localities. Because Faydora believes that dance is always evolving, she continues to enrich her dance skills by taking workshops and seminars with the world’s greatest Bellydancers and actively seeks resources to enhance specific skills of interest to her. Faydora has become a role model and an audience favorite because of uniqueness as a fabulous woman and her willingness to share her talents and her skills. You may reach Faydora at the following email addresses:
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All content © 2005 Faydora. All rights reserved - do not use any content without permission. |
Faydora resides in the Hillcrest Heights, Maryland area where she currently gives private instructions in the art of Danse Oriental for fabulous women. Faydora studied the art of middle eastern dancing under Cha’l’mar aka Verna Thompson, a renown veilist. Currently she is studying the art of Egyptian dance under the famed 