Your North Texas Bellydance Artist & Instructor
My passion is to provide an outstanding professional bellydance experience that enriches and delights everyone!
~ Raena
Award-Winning Entertainer
My clients seek high-caliber, authentic entertainment, so I’m proud to be one of the most in-demand performers in North Texas.
I’m known for my playful, feminine energy, a fluid refined elegance, and the ability to capture the attention of every guest with my smile.
But being a great performer is more than just dancing well - it’s about connecting joyfully with guests and mesmerizing them with the magical atmosphere of silk, swords, and the mysteries of fire. Raena's resume
Experienced Teacher & Trainer
It’s been an honor to share bellydance with hundreds of amazing students, over the years!
The bellydance community attracts people who are looking for something special to enrich their lives. They want a unique, exciting way to move and celebrate themselves. They enjoy exploring culture and world music. Bellydance offers all of these benefits in a fun, social setting.
My own dance journey continues to inspire me to help others, teaching them the many benefits of belly dancing for mind, body, and spirit.
MY BELLYDANCE STORY
This is a story of how “mom’s hobby” evolved into a rewarding career as a dance professional.
Years later, I’m really proud of my achievements but still consider myself a student of this beautiful cultural dance.
As MY student, you’ll discover how a dance class becomes an cultural art experience. Appreciating the Middle Eastern origins of this art is very important to me so I strive to make this clear in my performances, in my classes, and when sharing group student shows in our community.
My other goal? As a certified fitness professional, I want you to stay healthy while having a great time learning. Dance should be rewarding and empowering for everyone!
DANCE BACKGROUND
Bellydancing since 2003
Began teaching in 2006
Owner & Director of Mckinney Bellydance by Raena (formerly called Arani Bellydance)
Director of the award-winning competition troupe, Sisters of Arani
Director of student troupe, Raqsat Al Jamal
Founding co-director & member of professional DFW belly dance troupe Basbousa Bellydance (and member of former professional troupe, Nadi El Raks)
AWARDS
1st place, 2021, Diamond Diva, Yaa Halla Y'all (TX)
1st runner up, 2019, pro category, Heart of America (MO)
1st place, 2019, pro category, Orlando Bellydance Convention
1st place, 2019, pro category, RiverCity Raqs (FL)
1st place with NaDi El Raks, 2019 NY Cairo in the troupe category.
1st Runner Up & People's Choice, 2018 Yaa Halla Y'all (TX); her troupe Sisters of Arani won 1st runner up.
3rd Place, Pro category Heart of America (MO)
People's Choice, 2018 2nd Ahlam Al Raks Improv (TX)
4th Runner Up, 2017 Yaa Halla Y'all (TX) soloist category.
People's Choice Winner, 2017 Heart of America (MO)
1st Runner Up and People's Choice, 2017 live improv challenge at Ahlam Al Raks (TX)
FITNESS CERTIFICATIONS
NASM certified, Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Behavior Change Specialist
TRX Certified Instructor
Certified® Zumba Instructor
Senior Fitness
Instructor at APEX Centre