Providence -based Ankhara (Julie Porter) is a Performer and Instructor in American Interpretive Bellydance.  Member of the Northeast Belly Dance Association.

American Interpretive Bellydance is just as its sounds - a dance form based on traditional Middle Eastern movement under the influence of the American experience.  Bellydance is an art form with a fluid movement language. Cultural influences are an inescapable part of the ancient folk-art.  Indeed, most cultures who have adopted this form of dance have stamped their own particular imprint into the body language of bellydance, and the U.S. is no exception. Rather than to decide which version is "right", it is the dancer's job to interpret the feeling and mood of the music and express that to the audience.

Ankhara has a background in classical ballet and discovered belly dance while acting as a coordinator for the Newport, RI Women's Sacred Art Festival Exhibit.  During a middle-eastern movement class facilitated by Newport County's Katharine Carbone, Ankhara discovered the joy, freedom and sensuality of the movements of bellydance.  Since then she has enjoyed the luxury of living between New York and Boston, with access to many internationally-known dance teachers, seminars and other learning experiences.

Ankhara has performed at many locations in Rhode Island, Boston and Connecticut, including Effendi's Mediterranean Cuisine in Cranston, RI and The Narrows Center for the Performing Arts in Fall River, MA.  She sponsored a popular dance series for the Warwick Museum of Art entitled Casbah Nights!  Ankhara has taught classes in multi-level middle eastern dance at private workshops and at Dance Oasis in Warwick RI. 

Ankhara's next scheduled performance is April 12, 2008 at the Good Karma Show at Cambridge's All Asia Cafe, 334 Mass Ave, Cambridge MA. 7:30pm

For inquiries about performances or workshops, contact Ankhara via email at bellydancr@gmail.com.