Studio Zahiya

Raqs Sapphire, Studio Zahiya Intermediate student bellydance troupe member, Ramie Smith Thorstad
From bhangra to belly dance, Studio Zahiya's instructors, students, and special guests wowed a full house on Tuesday night, all for a great cause.

Lisa Zahiya of Studio Zahiya instructs students in downtown Asheville.
Next Tuesday, head to the Orange Peel at 7 p.m. for a night of dance from all over the world, benefitting LEAF Community Arts.

Lisa Zahiya. Photo: Nicole McConville
I am a performer, I am curvy, I am not skinny. I like tight, bold clothes and have no desire to hide myself, to attempt to “minimize” anything or abide by anyone’s decision of what I should wear.

Lisa Zahiya, DJ MP Pride, and Asheville Yoga Festival attendees
The Asheville Yoga Festival brought people from across the country together for a weekend of open-hearted celebration. All photos by Erin Fowler.

Dance Class at Studio Zahiya
Rethink happy hour with this led class and dance party from Studio Zahiya, happening Saturday, July 8 at the Orange Peel.

Studio Zahiya is on the second floor level of my favorite street in downtown Asheville. Learning to bellydance has been on my bucket list for a long time. Taking a dance class was on my to-do list every week for a year. So why did it take me so long to finally attend?

Western North Carolina's YMI Cultural Center is proud to announce the return of the 34th annual Goombay Festival on September 12th – 14th, 2014. And it's FREE!