Linda Hannah-Meyer

Linda has been teaching Bellydancing for 30 years and was among the first Albertans to receive fitness leadership certification. She was in junior high when she met two young sisters who had immigrated to Canada from Lebanon. Linda agreed to teach them popular Canadian dances such as “The Pony” in exchange for Bellydance lessons. Ever since, she has pursued a love for Middle Eastern dance, food, music, and culture. Soon after the birth of her youngest child, Linda decided to share her knowledge. In her efforts to learn the best teaching methods, she studied with Bellydance legends such as John Compton, Bahdwaia, Amir, Aiisha Ali, Jamila & Suhalia Salimpour. Linda’s structured approach to teaching encompasses the need for specialized instruction for different body types.  Her vast knowledge of diverse historical and contemporary Middle Eastern and North African dances and costuming enables each student to capture their own unique style and approach to Bellydancing. Linda’s belief is that Bellydance is for everyone, regardless of body type, age, gender, and background.

Nerissa Arielle Hannah-Meyer

Nerissa grew up surrounded by colourful swirling skirts and veils and sparkling coins and jewels while her mother taught dance classes. The rhythms of the music still run strong and true in her blood, and she has been swept away by her desire to bellydance. Nerissa spent two very intense years of personal training on techniques and teaching methods from Linda enhanced by workshops from Hindy Haymour and Hadia. She is expert in Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms, and is particularly adept at finger cymbals (zills) and veil work. She performs professionally and debuted as an instructor at Zozobey Creative Bellydance in the spring of 2004. Nerissa credits her mother  Linda Hannah - Meyer,  as well as Fifi Abdo, Hindy Haymour and Suhalia Salimpour as her greatest inspirations.

Cimmeron remembers being brought to Bellydancing class with her mom as a small child. She participated in her first Belldance competition at age 12. Although she wasn't officially allowed to compete she received an honorable mention and a coin belt as a prize. Cimmeron has danced on and off for the past 10 years and has performed professionally a few times. She loves to play zills.
Cimmeron also has worked professionally as a Production Manager and Lighting Designer for Theatre, Dance and Film for the last 8 years.
She looks forward to bringing her skills to Zozobey in coordinating the production of upcoming Shows that give everyone a chance to perform in a professional venue with high production values and to promote Bellydance in Calgary.

Audrey has been a student of Linda's for close to 5 years.  She brings with her a strong background in fitness and music and has taught fitness related classes  including Pilates, Yoga and Callanetics for over 15 years.   Her strengths in dance include veil work and zills.

Audrey truly believes that dance is a celebration of life!