Meet Our Dancers

Aysia                                                                                                          Aysia is of Sicilian descent, with centuries rich in many different cultures, contributing to her free spirited approaches! Her beloved mother was an avid dancer, winning many dance competitions, and imparting that great passion to her daughter. Aysia fell in love with belly dancing in 2002, in addition to her love affair with Latin dance! Originally very shy, belly dance has been incredibly inspiring for personal growth. Since 2002, she has taught over 7000 classes in Latin and Middle Eastern dance and fitness, at the local college, cultural arts and recreation centers. She teaches beginners & intermediate levels, with specialties including Veil, Goddess Wings, Spanish skirt, Finger Cymbals and Fan dance. She has performed in the C-U area since 2005, and created Classy Combination Dance Troupe in 2010, with the help of her most dedicated students,now adept performers enchanting audiences in central Illinois. She continues to train in a variety of Belly dance styles, constantly increasing skills that add new dimensions within her dance.

Aysia has deep gratitude to her teachers, including Susie Romans at the University of Illinois, Kahlira, Aliyah Abir, and Benazier Cari, for having shared their lovely styles of fusion Belly dancing. She's also studied with Sonya of Chicago, as well as Katya and Tomika Thomas, both of Indianapolis, and Ashley Lopez of Portland Oregon, currently touring worldwide.

Cindy
Dance has been a passion since I was 4-years-old and watched the square dancers on our old black and white TV. It wasn’t long before I was imitating them and dancing to my uncle’s bluegrass fiddle tunes he played at my grandmother’s house on the weekends. Coming from a rural farming community, there were few opportunities to take dance lessons; therefore, I continued to imitate the dances I saw on television or at local dances as I grew up.

It wasn’t until later in life and after moving to Urbana that I had an opportunity to take belly dance lessons at the Philips Park and Rec on the invitation of a coworker. She subsequently had to stop belly dance due to an injured foot, but I continued. The support, enthusiasm, kindness and patience of our belly dance instructor, Cindi Adkins, at Philips Park and Rec, helped to maintain my interest in belly dance. Now, it has grown to become one of my all-time favorite activities.

Learning about belly dance was an eye-opening experience.  I had no idea how welcoming and inclusive the belly dance community is or how many beautiful styles of belly dance there are.  Watching the talented dancers perform is truly inspiring.

With Cindi’s encouragement, I have performed solos and continue to work on solos and dance with the troupe.  At this time in my belly dance journey, I am  enjoying learning about and performing with fan veils, which will be in my next solo! 

Madonna                                                                                              Madonna discovered the world of belly dancing in 2002, when she explored local classes at the Champaign Dance Academy with Donna White of St. Louis. Belly dance inspired her beyond measure and provided an outlet to grow and allow her spirit to shine. Her charming demeanor blossomed through her dedication and expression of her dance. It quickly became apparent her love of the dance would be lifelong, and impressive skills were to be shared. She has trained since 2002 and is an accomplished performer in the C-U area since 2004. Madonna is a valued member and performs with both Classy Combinations and Gypsy Hips belly dance troupes. Her performances include 40 North Ace Awards, Downtown Champaign's Friday Night Live, Illinois Renaissance Faires and many Arts festivals and fundraisers. Her passion for belly dance charms audiences, as well as her always emerging and heartfelt smile!

Olivia                                                                                           
Olivia's bio is coming soon!