SPOTLIGHT ON OMARIS: THE DOMINICAN ROSE
BY STACY REYER
Omaris is a professional dancer and instructor known for her passionate and intense performances. To watch her dance is not just a passive event; Omaris makes one feel. A true artist, Omaris is able to evoke from her audience the emotion she wants it to experience: passion, longing, pain, and joy. One is often left sitting in their seat, stunned by her captivating performance.
Omaris’ Links:
Testimonials
" You are amazing, so talented!" Amy Sigil of Unmata- USA
“ I'm Lee hye-jin who joined the workshop which held in Korea in September 18th, 2011. Actually i'm not really good at English thanks to the workshop, I learned lots of things and becoming a big fan of you(Omaris) to be honest with you, before you come to Korea, I saw you through the video.
while I was watching the video, your dance was so beautiful and wanna learn how to dance from you so I'm glad that I grab chance to get lesson from you".
Lee Hye-Jin - Korea
“I learned so much, thank you Omaris”
Seo Hee Shin - Korea
" You are poetry in motion."
Mike Asher - USA
"I love seeing all of your new beautiful pictures, you will always be my greatest belly dancing inspiration."
Christina Robertson. - USA
"I watched one of your videos on you tube and you are the best belly dancer I have ever seen. I like how elegant you are and I would like to be like you one day. Just to know,you have fan from Serbia. :)".
Sonja Todoric - SERBIA
"Thanks for being such an inspiring teacher!!!"
Cheri- USA
"Of the many dance teachers I have had in the 46 years of my life, you consistently invite your students to dance from the heart. Your gift for teaching is as great as your gift for dancing, Omaris"
Maria Hernandez- USA
"You're an awesome teacher, accent and all =0)."
Gina Castellano-USA
INTERVIEW WITH OMARIS
Omaris possesses a strong technical foundation to back up her artistry. Her classes at Hip Expressions are popular in that she fuses technique with insights on showmanship that are priceless for any dancer. An often overlooked component of Omaris’ dance is her musicality. Her specialty is expressing the melodic lines in pieces seamlessly –and her drum solo’s aren’t too shabby either. So, let’s get to know our sultry Dominican Rose and Queen of Smiles, Omaris.
I feel dance is part of me; that is inside of my veins. Yes, this is a dramatic answer, but I just feel it that way. It is one of my biggest passions…
Do you consider yourself a bellydancer?
Yes, but also just a passionate artist who loves to dance to the music that inspires her.
How did you come to teach dance?
After six months of taking lessons with my first teacher Denize Khalil, I became her assistant. Then I started covering other groups of classes, and the rest is history.
How would you describe your style?
I think my style is sassy and full of passion. I think you can see a lot of my personality when I dance. So, I will name it “Omaris´ Style”. Oh, I also love acting during my performances. I would love to have taken acting lessons… I like to create a history in most of my performances.
Je je je …<smiling in Spanish>. Yes, some of them are good to be broken so we create new concepts and ideas. I think that is the way that creative people invent things--by breaking the rules.
What inspires you?
A sad melody, movies, my good memories and bad memories….I think everything that touches me in a way inspires me.
When is your favorite time to dance?
If I am dancing alone, I like to dance at night…with a subtle light…when I can see a brief reflection of my movements. I like to see how my body communicates without being able to see the expressions of my face. If I am sharing my dancing with friends and audience then I love to dance anytime!
Do you have another job?
Yes, I work twice a week at LifeStyle Family Fitness in the Kids Club Department and also as a freelance Graphic Designer. Oh, I am the main graphic designer for Hip Expressions… Did you know that?
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Passionate, impulsive, creative, stubborn… outspoken, romantic...very sensitive…just five?
I think now it is pink´s turn.
Favorite Drink:
Hot coffee with milk.
Other hobbies:
I loveeee movies. I am a collector of my favorite movies.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cereal.
What are you working on currently?
I am working on a professional training course with Johanna to help dancers reach the next level and also understand the business of belly dance, creating a bigger belly dance community. The dates are April 16, 17, 30, and May 1 at Hip Expressions. Also, I am working with Najmah Nour and Daniela with the Passion Project. Together we try to help students find their inner passion, feel it and communicate it to the audience with movement and texture. Our next stop will be in Miami June 4th and 5 at Art of Belly Dance Studio.
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Omaris teaches several classes from Level I to Advanced, including choreographies and specialty classes at Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio. She travels internationally teaching, performing, and sharing her passion for dance!
She co-hosts The Harem Hafla at Mythos Clearwater along with Angelina, the last Wednesday of every month. Make your reservations at (727) 538-4273
To find out more about Omaris, visit her at www.omarisdancer.com
Photo by John Mazzello
