Wow, let's see I met her about 11, 12 years ago. I was taking classes at Marliza's and met her from there. I took some classes from her too. She was such a wonderful teacher. She never held back info and was so supportive. I just loved her right away. She actually was the person who got me my first restaurant job at the Mammounia. I don't remember exactly the first time I saw her dance but I do remember how captivated I was and still am when I see her perform. I do remember a party she had for her students at the Mammounia. We all danced and performed for friends and family. She snapped pictures like a proud mom. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

It has been a long time. I have known Aradia for going on 18 years!! I met her when I started taking classes from Marliza. From there, I couldn't tell you the first time I saw her dance. I have had the privilage to dance with her on many occassions for conventions, Jaycee State Faires, and Olympic Cafe moments to keep me busy. I even had the privilage to dance with her doing Polynesian dancing on TV!! That was probably 10-12 years ago I can't remember.

I have watched Aradia grow in the last 18 years into quite an amazing dancer and I am trully blessed to have known her for long long.

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her yet but hope to someday!

I *think* that Aradia and I e-mailed each other a little bit before I moved out here (from Chicago.)
I met her when I took a class with her shortly after moving out here, but then my stupid work schedule wouldn't allow me to take her class. :(

I got to see her dance at Marrakech a few months after that with the imfamous Shira (of Shira.net) and then a couple nights later, the three of us hung out in Shira's hotel room watching horrifically funny bellydance videos. (Remember Estelle, Aradia?)

I'm so blessed to know such an amazing woman...she is an inspiration to me in many ways. And she gives good advice, too. :)

*hugs to Aradia*
:)

I have not meet her yet, but can't wait until april 11 !! She will be performing here in Anchorage , Alaska!!!

I met Aradia in November of 2006 as we sort of had a "blind date". I have unfortunately not had the pleasure to see Aradia dance, but I hope to in the very near future. From what i've heard and read I can see how she's captured the hearts and respect of many who have seen her perform. She's an incredibly enchanting woman and I expect nothing but enormous success and accolades for her now and continuing into the future.

In Manhattan, Oreet sponsored her 2 years in a row, my Dad lives there, so I was visiting him both times in June. I learned more from her in that short time, then probably any other teacher I've studied with. She is so giving with her information, she gives credit to every dancer she borrows a move from, very humble in her status, she doesn't think she's a star at all, she is just one of the gals, even though she dances like a queen. I think that's the sign of true confidence, no ego, just quiet confidence.
I'm waiting for more DVD's from her. The Egyptian, Lebanese Turkish was so good with so much information. Most video's are skimpy on content, but this one was packed with history, technique, style, I worked on it for a long time, just trying to get that Lebanese turn with the arm flourish!!!. Definately not a fluff video that you can blow through in an hour and you are done.

I hope someone in Chicago will sponsor her for a workshop, I've never done the promoter thing, so I'm nervous about trying it myself, but she has so much experience, so much passion, and her lecture we did last year on becoming a pro dancer was invaluable, the tricks of the trade without getting burned, man that's priceless!!! Maybe I can convince some of the girls to make a trip to Vegas for the big event she does in Sept!!! I hear you ladies put on a very fun weekend!!

I just met Aradia earlier this week at Marrakesh. My husband and I drove up to Vegas for a couple of days and we decided to have dinner there. I didn't get to talk to her for very long, but she was so sweet. She's a beautiful dancer and, even from meeting her so briefly, it's obvious she has a lovely spirit.