Meet our Gorgeous Cast
MYRA KRIEN
Our show producer, principal choreographer and featured Star!
Myra Krien is an international performer, choreographer and teacher. She is known for her elegant and graceful presence as well as her stylistic versatility, from traditional Egyptian (folkloric and modern) to classical tribal and contemporary fusion forms, with a strong emphasis on Flamenco and East Indian dance. A highly sought after workshop instructor and choreographer, her workshops are often described as “profound and inspirational”. She imbues her teaching with a deep respect and abiding passion for the form, strong emphasis on anatomical technique and history of the art form and culture.
Born in San Francisco, the granddaughter of Zen philosopher, Alan Watts, Krien grew up in a family of intellectuals and artists committed to higher consciousness and a worldview. From an early age she attended the Renaissance Pleasure Faires. Inspired by Jamila Salimpour’s company Bal Anat, she began her first belly dance classes along with her mother at the age of three. In the many years since she has been privileged to study with some of the greatest Middle Eastern dance artists in the field. Krien has also devoted herself to the study of jazz, modern, hip-hop, flamenco, and East Indian dance. Krien began performing at the early age of eleven and began teaching at fourteen. She went on to perform extensively throughout the Bay Area and in 1983 moved to Santa Fe, NM.
In 1996, Krien was the opening act for Sony recording artist Ottmar Liebert. Krien toured internationally, performing to sold-out audiences in some of the most prestigious theatres in the world and appeared in the PBS special “Wide Eyed and Dreaming.” Krien’s work has appeared on Japanese television and has been reviewed by national publications: Dance Magazine, the Santa Fean, and Bliss Magazine. Krien was asked to speak, perform and teach at the Ms. Foundation annual conference 2006. In 2007, the Santa Fean magazine saluted Krien for her outstanding contributions to the city of Santa Fe.
Krien has been the Founder, Director and Choreographer for five dance companies: Azadeh , 1978-1983, Awalim ,1996-1998, Mosaic Dance Company, 1998, Ahatti Apprentice Company in 2001 and Almaaz Assahara, 2006. She is the Founder/ Director/ Master Teacher for Pomegranate SEEDs® (Self-esteem, Empowerment and Education through Dance) a youth development organization. Krien is the owner and Director of Pomegranate Studios, hosting over forty classes weekly in various movement arts. She is the creator of Funk-Ex Fitness, a state-of-the-art dance fitness program. She lives in Santa Fe, NM with her son Max. Krien holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from St. John’s College.
Our show producer, principal choreographer and featured Star!
Myra Krien is an international performer, choreographer and teacher. She is known for her elegant and graceful presence as well as her stylistic versatility, from traditional Egyptian (folkloric and modern) to classical tribal and contemporary fusion forms, with a strong emphasis on Flamenco and East Indian dance. A highly sought after workshop instructor and choreographer, her workshops are often described as “profound and inspirational”. She imbues her teaching with a deep respect and abiding passion for the form, strong emphasis on anatomical technique and history of the art form and culture.
Born in San Francisco, the granddaughter of Zen philosopher, Alan Watts, Krien grew up in a family of intellectuals and artists committed to higher consciousness and a worldview. From an early age she attended the Renaissance Pleasure Faires. Inspired by Jamila Salimpour’s company Bal Anat, she began her first belly dance classes along with her mother at the age of three. In the many years since she has been privileged to study with some of the greatest Middle Eastern dance artists in the field. Krien has also devoted herself to the study of jazz, modern, hip-hop, flamenco, and East Indian dance. Krien began performing at the early age of eleven and began teaching at fourteen. She went on to perform extensively throughout the Bay Area and in 1983 moved to Santa Fe, NM.
In 1996, Krien was the opening act for Sony recording artist Ottmar Liebert. Krien toured internationally, performing to sold-out audiences in some of the most prestigious theatres in the world and appeared in the PBS special “Wide Eyed and Dreaming.” Krien’s work has appeared on Japanese television and has been reviewed by national publications: Dance Magazine, the Santa Fean, and Bliss Magazine. Krien was asked to speak, perform and teach at the Ms. Foundation annual conference 2006. In 2007, the Santa Fean magazine saluted Krien for her outstanding contributions to the city of Santa Fe.
Krien has been the Founder, Director and Choreographer for five dance companies: Azadeh , 1978-1983, Awalim ,1996-1998, Mosaic Dance Company, 1998, Ahatti Apprentice Company in 2001 and Almaaz Assahara, 2006. She is the Founder/ Director/ Master Teacher for Pomegranate SEEDs® (Self-esteem, Empowerment and Education through Dance) a youth development organization. Krien is the owner and Director of Pomegranate Studios, hosting over forty classes weekly in various movement arts. She is the creator of Funk-Ex Fitness, a state-of-the-art dance fitness program. She lives in Santa Fe, NM with her son Max. Krien holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from St. John’s College.
STAR
Our show's co-producer and promoter, secondary choreographer and local Belly dance/ Brazilian Zouk dance instructor. Star has been teaching classes in Kona, Waimea, & Hilo weekly training over 20 performers to create this exciting show. She believes that we are ALL dancers and truly enjoys helping people tap into their creativity and express themselves. Star has been captivated by Belly Dance since she was 17 years old and has traveled to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Europe, and the US mainland to study with master teachers (namely Myra Krien her personal mentor who she hosts on the Big Island annually). Star lives at & operates Orchid Isle Manor, a retreat property that can host retreats of 12-26 people in Holualoa. Star is a professional visual artist as well with a degree in Fine Art. She studied in Orvieto, Italy & Santa Barbara, CA. She is a third generation artist whose maternal & paternal grandmothers were painters, her father is an architect & sculptor, and her mother owned & operated several art supply store full of teaching artists along the CA coast. She has taught Art classes in both private & public schools since she was 18 years old and (she went to college at 16). She currently teaches Cup 'N Canvas Painting Parties on Tuesdays & Thursdays through Airbnb Experiences. |
KAT REUSS
Kat Reuss has been a stage performer for as long as she can remember. She attended a prestigious performing arts high school for theater, and majored in vocal music performance at Bradley University. Kat's main passion is teaching, and she taught children’s theater across the country for several years before moving to Hawai‘i. Kat has gained local recognition for a multitude of performances, including "Crazy" -- the glitzy 20s themed aerial performance last September in Hilo; Nellie Forbush in Kahilu Theatre’s production of South Pacific; Ariel in the Waimea Community Theater (WCT) production of The Little Mermaid; as well as the choreographer for Spamalot in Waimea. She has been teaching and performing aerial silks and fire acrobatics for over five years on Hawai‘i Island with Cirque Hale in Kona, and the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. |
NIKKI GOUR
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AILEEN KUNEWA Co-Choreographer of our Bellynesian Section. Aileen was born and raised in Kailua-Kona and begin her passion for dance at the age of three with Hula. She joined the hip-hop dance team in high school and eventually made her way to Argentina as an exchange student where she discovered her passion for Argentinan Tango. Throughout college she explored a variety of cultural dances such as Kathak, Bollywood, Cumbia criollo, Bachata, Flaminco and Salsa. Aileen currently works in Kailua-Kona as a Polynesian and Fire dancer for Island Breeze Productions. She also teaches Hula and occasionally works as a Special Events Coordinator. |
BINTI BAILEY Binti Bailey is a vocalist, musician and performer based out of Hawaii. A Singer/Songwriter sharing love and uplifting through music. She has recently received standing ovation for her magical role in Into The Woods at Aloha Theater. She is a music teacher at Big Island Music Academy & mother. This is her second appearance in our annual Big Bellydance Show & Party. She will be singing and dancing in our latest production Flappers & Fringe at Honokaa People’s Theater on Friday March 13th 6-10PM |
GUNNER Gunner is a dancer and boylesque performer based on Oahu. Once a month, he leads the cast of @replayhnl at @scarlethnl in showing off their individual dance styles, and sexy personalities, ensuring every new show is unique and entertaining. He teaches ballroom dance with @arthurmurrayhawaii and is currently researching and working on his Master's in Electrical Engineering at UH Manoa. He is excited to take part in Flappers and Fringe and perform on the Island of Hawaii for the first time! You can also see him and his group perform Saturday March 14th at Gertrude's Jazz Bar in Kona in After Hours Speakeasy at the G-Spot, first show at 10:00PM & second show at 11:30PM. |
NAJLA Najla is a Professional Dance Artist with experience spanning two and a half decades and 18 countries. She is the Artistic Director of award-winning Fleurs d'Egypte Dance Company, whom she will be presenting for the first time in Hawaii in June. Najla has made a successful career performing at top hotels across the Middle East and worldwide. She now resides in Waikoloa. |
ALLISON TAN Allison grew up in sunny Southern California and now resides on the Island of Hawaii. She is a lover of all forms of dance, specifically swing and lindy hop and other vintage styles inspired by the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Allison is a former member of the dance troupes the Atomic Cherry Bombs and the Someday Sweethearts where she performed at dance venues, clubs, bars, weddings, corporate events, and even a music video shot in one take. Recently, she has embraced salsa, zouk, and bellydancing. Besides dance, her other hobbies include cooking, yoga, ceramics, lei making, and rescuing baby birds. MUSIC VIDEO Hyperlink - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DYy0EsC8TM LEI Hyperlink - https://www.instagram.com/allisonetan/ |
AUTUMN TYLER She has fabulous taste & a fabulous smile! This Big Island grown girl is the owner & creator of Kepola Design House, she sews and sells gorgeous clothing every Saturday at the Waimea Farmer's Market and from her online store. Check out her fashions on her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kepola.designhouse/?hl=en |
LARA HARTON My name is Lara. I'm originally from Louisiana but have lived on the Big Island for 13 years. I work as a bookkeeper for an Inn, farm, and an adventure company. I also teach guest how to rappel down waterfalls! I love hiking around (really just being outdoors) with my partner and babies as well as climbing my silks. I dont have much training in dance but I love to move and try new things. |
SARAH SAMADHI
Family is from Alexandria, Egypt - Now living in Hilo, Hawaii Sarah is an IP attorney (#NWEntLaw), political consultant (Insta @thepeopleforkai), vegan chef (Insta @yumcore.yumcore, yoga teacher (Insta @sarahsamadhi), musician / world traveler / animal rights advocate. Sarah grew up dancing ballet, tap, and jazz since the age of 3, but belly dancing has been in her bloodline for centuries. She has usually been on the musician's side of the stage playing the tabla or clarinet for belly dance troupes, and this will be her first time officially performing as a belly dancer for Flappers & Fringe. |
ANNA ROERS Originally from Minnesota Now Hilo Profession-RN Hobbies include studying Herbalism and natural medicine, Hiking, playing outside and dance! I enjoy partner dancing and flowing with another person. With belly dance, you can tune further into yourself and your movements, and get a great workout! I am really excited for the 20s music and costumes in this show!!! |
RACHEL IRVING I’m from Atlanta, Georgia and currently live in Laupahoehoe. I work in Honomu as a Zipline Guide and in Honokaa as a Goat Milker. My hobbies are dancing in my kitchen and belting out Aretha Franklin. I’m also a part of the Hilo Women’s Choir. My family loves to dance so I’ve been dancing pretty much from birth, but I was in a competition Appalachian style clogging team for several years as well as dabbled in hip hop, irish, tap and salsa dancing. I first got involved with belly dancing at Cafe Istanbul in Atlanta where I frequented often and took lessons. Though I declined joining the belly dancing team, I’ve always loved and admired the beauty of belly dancing and am so excited to be back on stage after a long hiatus! |