Your North Texas Bellydance Artist & Instructor

Welcome! My mission is to provide, my clients and students alike, an outstanding professional bellydance experience that enriches and delights everyone! ~ Raena

Award-Winning Entertainer

Dallas Bellydancer Raena dances for special events in black and silver costume with a pink sik veil blowing in the air

My clients seek high-caliber, authentic entertainment, so I’m proud to be one of the most in-demand performers in North Texas.

I’m known for my playful, feminine energy, a fluid refined elegance, and the ability to capture the attention of every guest with my smile.

But being a great performer is more than just dancing well - it’s about connecting joyfully with guests and mesmerizing them with the magical atmosphere of silk, swords, and the mysteries of fire. See Raena's awards and certifications

Bellydancer Raena competing at NYC Cairo event
Bellydancer Raena posed in a lunge dramatically holding a large sword over her head
Texas Bellydancer Raena Wins 1st Place in the Orlando FL Bellydance Competition
Bellydancer Raena performing with fire at Camperet show in south Texas
Bellydancer Raena 1st place winner of River City Raks Bellydance Competition

Experienced Teacher & Trainer

Dallas TX Bellydance Instructor Raena poses with her students before they performance

Over the last 15 years, I’ve been honored to share bellydance with hundreds of amazing students.

The bellydance community attracts people who are looking for something special to enrich their lives. They want a unique, exciting way to move and celebrate themselves. They enjoy exploring culture and world music. Bellydance offers all of these benefits in a fun, social setting. 

My own dance journey continues to inspire me to help others, teaching them the many benefits of belly dancing for mind, body, and spirit.

Raena and her bellydance students at an outdoor group show event in Sherman Texas
Raena and her dance students posed in front of Al Amir Addison
Raena and bellydance students at the Lebanese Festival in Lewisville TX
Some of Raena's students bellydancing at Stratos Greek Taverna
Raena and her bellydance troupe dancing at the Wildflower Festival in Richardson TX
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MY BELLYDANCE STORY

Bellydancer Raena teaches lessons and also performs professionally for weddings and other events.

While I don’t remember exactly when my passion for Raqs Sharqi (aka bellydance) began, my “mom” hobby evolved into a rewarding career as a dance professional. 

Today, I’m proud of my achievements but still consider myself a student of this beautiful dance.

As MY student, you’ll experience a learning experience that prioritizes authentic, culturally respectful lessons. Appreciating the Middle Eastern origins of this art is very important to me! I strive to make this clear in my professional performances, in teaching my students, as well as when educating those in my community. 

My other goal? As a certified fitness professional, I want you to stay healthy while having a great time learning.  Dance should be rewarding and empowering for everyone!

BACKGROUND

  • Bellydancing since 2003

  • Began teaching in 2006

  • Owner & Director of Mckinney Bellydance by Raena (formerly called Arani Bellydance)

  • Director of the award-winning competition troupe, Sisters of Arani

  • Director of student troupe, Raqsat Al Jamal

  • Founding co-director & member of professional DFW belly dance troupe Basbousa Bellydance (and member of former professional troupe, Nadi El Raks)

AWARDS

  • 1st place, 2021, Diamond Diva, Yaa Halla Y'all (TX)​

  • 1st runner up, 2019, pro category, Heart of America (MO) ​

  • 1st place, 2019, pro category, Orlando Bellydance Convention

  • 1st place, 2019, pro category, RiverCity Raqs (FL)

  • 1st place with NaDi El Raks, 2019 NY Cairo in the troupe category.

  • 1st Runner Up & People's Choice, 2018 Yaa Halla Y'all (TX); her troupe Sisters of Arani won 1st runner up.

  • 3rd Place, Pro category Heart of America (MO)

  • People's Choice, 2018 2nd Ahlam Al Raks Improv (TX)

  • 4th Runner Up, 2017 Yaa Halla Y'all (TX) soloist category.

  • People's Choice Winner, 2017 Heart of America (MO)

  • 1st Runner Up and People's Choice, 2017 live improv challenge at Ahlam Al Raks (TX)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • NASM certified, Personal Trainer; Behavior Change Specialist; Corrective Exercise Specialist 

  • TRX Certified Instructor

  • Certified® Zumba Instructor