March 20, 2017

Meet Jerri Washington AKA Saniyah of The Art of the Hips

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerri Washington AKA Saniyah.

Jerri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began taking belly dance classes after seeing a video with a beautiful dancer who then become my Mentor and teacher-Samora in 2005 or 6 (time has gone by fast). I was immediately addicted and took classes before my first performance about 1 1/2 years later. Since then I have steadily taken classes with a variety of local, National and International teachers. I have had the opportunity to perform at restaurants, festivals, shows and private events. I have performed solo, as part of an amateur and professional troupe and collaborated with some of my favorite Atlanta dancers. I am still and always be a student who enjoys attending and performing at dance intensives/workshops and festivals. I support the Atlanta dance community by performing, volunteering and attending all the wonderful events that are offered throughout the year.

At the end of 2015, I was offered the opportunity to do something that I had been planning which is teach beginner classes in South DeKalb County. I started The Art of the Hips and began the Shimmy with Saniyah (pronounced su/NEE/yah) Bellydance Workout Classes which are offered Saturdays (10am & 11:15am) at Browns Mill Recreation Center. (Wednesday evening class coming soon) I want to use bellydance (formally called Raqs Sharqi) to introduce my community to this dance form, music and culture as well as provide a fun, safe way to get in shape. I want to help grow the Atlanta dance community to and keep it thriving. I am continually inspired and supported by this community which is made up of some teachers and performers doing great things. I am looking forward to expanding my business with more classes and services, producing shows and workshop events and eventually opening my own space.

I am also a Project Manager of the Essence of Belly Dance festival offered in September 14-17 2017 and produced by Faaridah Taylor owner of Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance. This 3 day festival offers workshops, shows and a competition featuring International and National teachers who offer Cabaret/Oriental and Fusion/Tribal styles of bellydance. If you have never seen a professionally produced show–please get your tickets and experience performances from traditional Egyptian to Indian from some of the best performers and teachers in the business. www.essenceofbellydance.com

This has been an amazing time and I was blessed to find something that I wake up loving and go to be wondering how to make better. I love what I do whether on a stage or in front of a group shimmying. Every time I am hoping to share a little piece of myself with those around me and lift their spirits. I am known as the best hugger in Atlanta and a lover of all things glittery.

You are invited come and visit Shimmy with Saniyah classes. Your class is free! Please I began taking belly dance classes after seeing a video with a beautiful dancer who then become my Mentor and teacher-Samora in 2005 or 6 (time has gone by fast). I was immediately addicted and took classes before my first performance 1-1 1/2 later. Since then I have steadily taken classes with a variety of local, National and International teachers. I have had the opportunity to perform at restaurants, festivals, shows and private events. I have performed solo, as part of an amateur and professional troupe and collaborated with some of my favorite Atlanta dancers. I am still and always be a student who enjoys attending and performing at dance intensives/workshops and festivals. I support the Atlanta dance community by performing, volunteering and attending all the wonderful events that are offered throughout the year.

Has it been a smooth road?
My only challenge is actually my motivation. I want to get to the point where I can make this my full time career. I have to acknowledge that I can’t do it all at once. I am happily working towards my end goal. I am one of those people that once they know where they want to go, the small steps it takes to get there can sometimes be frustrating. I am learning to enjoy and relish the small steps because when added together they become part of the journey. When asked a question that if money wasn’t an issue what would you do? This would be it. I am working hard, planning and staying excited every day that I am getting closer to my bigger dream which is using dance and classes to help women in a way that impacts their lives and spirits.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Shimmy with Saniyah Bellydance Workout classes are the first offerings of The Art of the Hips. We offer dance fitness classes that are structured around bellydance technique with a touch of Yoga, Pilates and Zumba-like moves and structure. We do moves, drills and combinations that incorporate many styles of belly dance to Middle Eastern, Latin, African and American music. The classes are low impact, great cardio and really fun. Many participants say they didn’t expect to sweat that much and that it was a better workout than expected.

We also offer private individual or small group lessons that can be a workout or teach a choreography or technique/style. We perform at events like parties, anniversaries, weddings, bachelorette (no men only parties) and Girls Night Out. As a performer I specialize in Egyptian style dance. I am also versed in Lebanese, Spanish, and Turkish, Romani, Persian and other folkloric styles. Performances have included tahtib/cane, candles, veil, sword, and fanveils. I have been known to take Western music and put it together to create a unique performance experience inspired by the event and audience.

These services have not been available in South DeKalb and as a longtime resident I wanted to bring this to my part of town.

I think that what sets me apart from others is that people can feel my genuine love for what I do and my passion for sharing it with others. They see that ultimately my bigger goal isn’t to focus on myself but how I can make others feel good. When you make people feel emotions because of your performance or someone leaves your class feeling energized and happy, that is what makes me proud.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Atlanta is a great place to start a business. It has so many different areas and neighborhoods that are unique to themselves that it allows businesses to market their good & services to these communities. There is something for everyone here. There are services and resources for businesses to help them get started, grow and flourish.

There are always ways to get better. I think Atlanta as a community is aware of where we need to improve and grow and are working on meetings those challenges. As technology and people change, Atlanta will react and respond to those changes. We have always been a city with that something special that makes people love it.

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