Naia is a skilled and accomplished belly dancer from Japan who discovered her passion for this captivating art form as a teenager. She trained with renowned dancers like Cassandra Shore and Willow Chang and had the privilege of being mentored by Souhail Kaspar, a Grammy-nominated darbuka master from Lebanon.
This led her to tour across the United States, performing with Arabic musicians and becoming the first dancer to grace the stage at Shangri-La. Seeking to deepen her knowledge of folkloric dances, Naia traveled to Turkey and Egypt, immersing herself in their rich dance traditions. In 2008, she fulfilled her dream of opening the Naia Oriental Dance School, where she shared her expertise and passion with aspiring dancers. She also directed the troupe Samak Bala Hasak before returning to Japan in 2014. Back in Japan, Naia continued to perform internationally and gained recognition for her talent. In 2017, she had the honor of participating in the Enta Omri Project directed by Nesma Al-Andalus of Spain. Naia has produced numerous shows and currently directs DAHAB Dance Creation in Japan and co produces Iapana Sisters in Honolulu. Recently, Naia relocated to Honolulu, where she currently teaches belly dance through her online Belly Dance Salon. As a personal trainer, Pilates, and Yoga instructor, Naia not only teaches the art of Arabic dance but also helps her students develop grace, strength, and a vibrant lifestyle. Naia's journey has made a significant impact on the belly dance community worldwide, inspiring others to embrace this captivating art form and live a life filled with artistic expression and well-being. |