Star Hachem

I began my bellydance journey in 1997.  Being part Greek, I was born with dance and music in my heart and my home.  So while living in San Diego, naturally I would have been entranced by the bellydance movements my friend was showing me.  She had been taking lessons.  She showed me a shimmy and zap!  I instantly got the feeling.  The feeling that this is something I HAD to do, and it was love at first shimmy.  After a few workshops and a lot of self study, I eventually moved to Tulsa where I sought out a bellydance teacher and found Shadia Dahlal.  I began taking classes at Shadia’s home studio in 1999.

Looking to learn more about the Esoteric side of the dance, I  proceeded to take classes from Janis Moody of Gypsy Fire Bellydance.  I joined the troupe in 2000 and performed at venues such as Tulsa’s Annual Mayfest Festival.  In fact, performing at Mayfest with Gypsy Fire was where I had one of my fondest memories.  I performed  a duet there with a dancer now known to Tulsans as Poppy Pie, the burlesque dancer.  She is a Pioneer of Burlesque here in T-town.  

Although, I didn’t get as many lessons as I would have liked; I was honored to take classes from the incomparable Marva Beair, who would teach at my studio for 3 years.  Marva continues to inspire and encourage me.  She is a major influence in my life.  And I am forever grateful for all she has taught me. 

Over the years, I have lived bellydance every day of my life.  I have spent time, energy, and money to learn all I can.  And to provide a spot for others to develop their art.  Never stopping in my mission to obtain more knowledge, I have gathered every bit of information I can find on the subject of bellydance.  I’ve purchased books, videos, teacher’s programs, and online courses.  I continue to take classes and workshops from various teachers such as Aradia, Zoe Jakes, and Mia Shauri. 

My love for this dance led me to teach in 2001.  By 2004, my student base demanded a much larger space than my living room.  Hence, the inspiration to open a studio...and the rest is one long, beautiful history.  I teach Egyptian Folkloric and Cabaret, Greek Cabaret, ATS (American Tribal Style), and Tribal Fusion styles.