Due to the ever-increasing interest in Middle Eastern dance, AtirArts has expanded their schedule and has welcomed “Amira” and “Leyli” as new instructors of the Belly Tease and Belly Drills fitness classes.

“Amira” (princess), Kathy Persons, is a Foley native; she has been in the AtirArts performing troupe, the Ghazalla Dancers, since 2006.

Persons has an extensive fitness background. In the past 10 years, she has earned certifications in group fitness such as yoga, Pilates, spinning and kickboxing, and she is a personal trainer. Persons has competed in the Galaxy competitions held in Florida and Texas and the military field obstacle courses in Alexander City, Ala. Students describe “Amira” as energetic. In her leisure, she enjoys yard work and fishing.

“Leyli” (dark-haired woman), Mary Dunavant, hails from Virginia Beach, Va., where she started taking ballet lessons at 6 years old. During her teen years she was a figure skater; and as an adult she taught aerobics at The Firm in South Carolina.

In 1992, her family moved to Gulf Shores. At the recent Sands of Time Gala, “Leyli” captivated the audience with her solo dance “West Ghazalla, Ghazalla’s Hips,” which had a Doumbek drum accompaniment.

Students describe “Leyli” as being very graceful and always having a smile. In her leisure, she likes to read and is a computer guru.

Belly Tease classes are slow, controlled movements for 45-minutes. It improves isolations for proper belly dancing techniques and develops muscle strength.

Belly Drills are a 45-minute cardio workout that include floor work, and are a way of perfecting your belly dance techniques.

Both classes complement the intermediate class that focuses on the ballet of belly dance, an Egyptian style called Raqs Sharqi or “Oriental dance.”

Spring classes of Belly Tease and Belly Drills are now forming; the spring dance party will be held May 18 at the Silverhill studio.

For more information, call Atira Sofi, owner and artistic director of AtirArts, at (251) 228-1700, or e-mail atiraartsbellydancingpublicity@yahoo.com.