Empowering All with Every Shimmy and Shake
By Rachel Shuster

Bored? Tired of the same old, same old? Looking for something new to explore? Belly dancer Phoenix Avathar can help you out. Owner of the Dancing Ember Studio, located at 51 Union Street, Phoenix is thrilled to bring the Middle East to Worcester.

Although trained in other forms of dance such as jazz and tap since the age of 3, Phoenix knew from the first swivel of her hips that belly dancing was her calling. She also knew that she wanted to own a studio so she could share that love with others. One day, after searching online for a location, she found the perfect space and “made it happen.” The studio officially opened and began classes on March 1st, celebrating its grand opening on March 22nd. The studio has been a growing success ever since, and Phoenix couldn’t be happier.

When asked how the name “Dancing Ember” came to be, Phoenix laughs and replies, “My husband actually came up with it.” An “ember” symbolizes “free flowing movement,” which perfectly embodies the type of dance that Phoenix teaches.

In her classes, Phoenix emphasizes that belly dancing is a great way to embrace and love your body. “When you’re dancing, it doesn’t matter how you look. You can be thin, heavier, young, old. People in the Middle East say that in belly dancing, the more you have, the more beauty you have…and the more you have to shake!” She also explains that belly dancing isn’t just for women. Men shouldn’t be afraid to embrace it as well. “Belly dancing accepts all ~ women, men, children, all ages. People don’t realize that,” Phoenix says.

Another subject Phoenix feels strongly about is the healing nature of belly dancing. She truly believes in the idea that belly dancing can bridge gaps between cultures. Regarding how many people perceive the Middle East nowadays, Phoenix wants to remind people that there is more to the Middle East than what we hear about from the news. “There are so many extremists out there, and it makes me happy to use belly dancing as a way to show people that the Middle Eastern culture, dance, and music are all beautiful.”

The Dancing Ember Studio offers about 11 classes per week, all of which run on 6 week sessions that cost $75 each. The studio offers all types of belly dancing including beginner level, beyond beginner ~ American cabaret style, tribal (which is improvisational and community building, not to mention Phoenix’s favorite) and gothic fusion. The latter is a new form of belly dance: “It’s very theatrical. It tells a story and is very dark.” She is also trying to get a kids’ class up and running in the next month.

Phoenix also says that the belly dancing she does and teaches is very family friendly entertainment. In addition to parties and family reunions, Phoenix particularly enjoys having “…Ladies’ night out or in parties. I open the studio and have a 1 hour long session. Women and their friends come, we eat, relax, I teach them belly dance. It’s a lot of fun.” So, if you’re looking for a fun and different night with you and your girlfriends, book a night at the studio, or have Phoenix come to you!

Also, check out Phoenix’s belly dance group, Pure. The group, which is open to both women and men, is a non-profit, no-audition organization made up of people who have belly danced before. “We go into the public and just perform!” The group originated in New York City, and Phoenix is the facilitator of this area’s chapter which brings music and dance to the community.

Phoenix hopes to continue to spread the joy, culture and word of belly dancing to all and is taking a big “shake” in the right direction with her studio and passion!

Contact Phoenix for booking or information at
phoenixavathar@gmail.com or visit
www.phoenixfirebellydance.com!