Saltanah Dance
The Saltanah Dancers
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Joyful, Enchanting Belly Dance for theater, festivals and celebrations of all kinds! The Saltanah Dancers are Deborah Newberg (director) and Misty Raivo, and bring in an array of talented guest dancers and musicians to add to the joy. We provide a dynamic, elegant, beautiful Belly Dance show! We combine elements of Egyptian, Orientale, Folkloric, Persian, Spanish and Fusion dances in our diverse and colorful shows. We specialize in Veils, Fan Veils, Finger Cymbals, Sword, Candle Tray and Cane, offering Scintillating Solos as well as Belly Dance Troupe Choreographies, with glamorous and accomplished Belly Dancers in dazzling costumes. Enjoy our ongoing Performances at many venues! We look forward to making your celebration truly memorable.
Deborah Newberg
Deborah Newberg is the founder, director and lead choreographer of the Saltanah Dancers and Saltanah Studios. Since 2005, The Saltanah Dancers have
presented over 800 performances in NM, at venues ranging from the Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza to the Lensic theatre, from Cleopatra's Cafe to the Scottish Rite Temple. Her student troupe, the Habibis, also performs regularly with the Saltanah Dancers.
Deborah has been on the faculty of the Dance department of Santa Fe Community College since 2008, and also teaches at EmiArte dance studio and teaches yoga and Stretch like a Cat at Quail Run.
Deborah is honored to teach at the renowned Mendocino Middle East Music and Dance camp in California each summer, as well as being an instructor in NM BellyFest.
Deborah is known as an enthusiastic and giving teacher, and as a dynamic and musical dancer and choreographer. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Middle Eastern Belly Dance, she also enjoys contemporary innovation and cross-pollination. Her work is enriched by continuing study and performance of a variety of dance styles, especially Egyptian-style Oriental Dance (aka Raqs Sharqi or Belly Dance), Folkloric Middle Eastern Dances, Persian Dance and Turkish Roman, as well as focused study of Middle Eastern music. Her passion for dance travel and study has taken her to Egypt, Morocco and Spain. Her collaborative work with the Saltanah Dancers and her deep involvement in teaching dance are based equally upon her dedication to the beautiful art form of Raqs Sharqi and upon her commitment to the sisterhood, joyful self-expression and empowerment of women, which is embodied through the dance.
Misty Raivo
From Minnesota, Misty Raivo began her dance studies at the age of 5. Growing up as a dancer, she studied ballet, tap and jazz. In college she majored in Arts and danced extensively. She performed as a modern dancer in Minnesota and in Austin, TX. Her interest in Belly Dance came into the foreground when she began studying in Santa Fe with Deborah, and then joined the Saltanah Dancers. She is a certified yoga instructor, teaching at Santa Fe Community Yoga since 2012. She is also the owner of Raivo Modern, a company she created to house an evolving collection of jewelry design inspired by visual artwork and movement disciplines.
