AC-T: Bellydancer, teacher Lisa Zahiya means to empower

Here’s an excerpt from the Asheville Citizen-Times article:

Lisa Newton Zahiya loses herself in dance.

She wondrously wanders through other worlds. In other times, cultures and continents — all with the shake of her hips.

Zahiya, an internationally recognized bellydancer who operates Studio Zahiya in downtown Asheville, found her true self, her best self, in this art form, says the 35-year-old Maryland native.

“I say bellydancing is the love of my life,” she said, “because it’s done the things people say great loves do for them. It’s been a continuous support system. It makes feel me so good, and I am part of such a great community. Part of my motivation to move here was to open a studio. It’s given me the ability to fully come into myself.”

Since moving from Baltimore to Asheville eight years ago, Zahiya has emerged as not only a popular performer and instructor, but as a devoted ambassador for the power of dance.

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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