Meet our Mentors...
Helena &
Naj
 Helena
Vlahos
The Joy of performance and the
virtuosity that comes from a lifetime of devotion to one's Art are
the hallmarks of celebrated Middle Eastern Dancer/Instructor Helena
Vlahos. Phoenix's "Dancers of Eclypse" Belly Dance troupe is proud
to have this regal, gracious performer as their mentor. Beneath her
queenly demeanor is a warm-hearted, spontaneous and unpretentious
woman, as ready to learn, as she is to share.
Born
on the tiny Greek Island of Hydra, surrounded by the crystal blue
waters of the Aegean Sea, Helena's family moved to Los Angeles,
California when she was eight years of age.
A mere
seven years later at the age of fifteen, she followed the call of
her Muse, and began her career in professional Belly Dance. Helena's
native Greek influences blossomed and flourished in the popular
Middle Eastern Dance club culture of the early Sixties; she won
widespread critical acclaim and soon became known as "Jewel of the
Aegean". A mere two years after her L.A. debut, she appeared at the
Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas as the featured dancer with noted
violinist Hrach Yacoubian. From Vegas, Helena went on to star in a
steady stream of both public and private engagements throughout the
U.S., with gigs at famous clubs such as L.A.'s Seventh Veil, Greek
Village, The Gypsy, and Cabaret Tehran, Pasadena's Sayat Nova,
Hollywood's Athenian Garden, and Texas venues The Bacchanal and
Zorba's. Earning her permanent celebrity status in the Guiness Book
of World Records and numerous media appearances was her "coin
trick", first flipping all nine two times up and down, then one
quarter at a time up. Next, to the amazement of all, she moves every
other quarter down individually.
In the
early Seventies, Helena began to share what she knew with the dance
community, operating the successful "Helena's School of Belly
Dancing" in both Houston and Austin, Texas.
Her
media credits include a cameo appearance in the Allan Carr film
"Can't stop the Music", plus TV feature appearances on The Merv
Griffin Show, Mike Douglas, That's Incredible, Richard Simmons,
Thicke of the Night, Regis Philbin Health Styles, and an episode of
Dynasty, where she made a cameo performance as a Middle Eastern
dancer, inspiring Emma Samms' character to get up and join
her.
Today,
Helena's career has come full circle. Performance is still her first
love, and she continues to dance for audiences in the Phoenix,
Arizona metropolitan area. Favoring the Raqs Sharqi, or Egyptian
Cabaret, style, Helena has infused the Form with her own unique
performance style: an enviable fluidity, combined with exceptional
variety of step, and exquisite control and presentation of the body,
all blended into a dance that's completely natural and positively
enchanting. Equally important to her is promotion of the Art of
Danse Orientale, and the mentoring of sincere and dedicated
students, either privately or in small groups, by appointment.
Helena is an active member of AMEDA, frequently participating in
local events and contributing to the bi-monthly newsletter. She may
be reached by phone at: (602) 274-9188 (leave message), or e-mail
her at: helenavlahos@hotmail.com
Najla
.
 Tips
on Finding Your Mentor
Working one-on-one with a mentor is an
experience not to be missed, if at all possible. Choose your mentor
carefully, as if you were selecting a doctor, because your mentor
will become the "doctor" of your dance. Just as a good surgeon is
known for the delicacy and precision of their work, so a dance
mentor will leave their mark on your moves. More important than
"who" they are and what credentials they may have is their
demonstrated mastery of the dance AND their ability and willingness
to share the secrets of that mastery with others. Also a top
priority is a "good vibe" between you. Do you feel at ease with
them; is there a genuine sense of caring; do they work with your
special needs as they arise? These are all crucial questions you
should ask yourself when selecting a mentor. We all lead hurried
lives, but remember, you are making an investment in yourself, that
will ultimately become a part of the legacy of the Danse for future
generations. Take the time to choose wisely
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