Omaris, originally from the Dominican Republic, started studying Middle Eastern dance with Denisse Khalil in Puerto Rico in 2002; after six months, she became her assistant. Omaris also took classes with Valerick of the renowned studio Dancing World in Puerto Rico. While living in Puerto Rico, Omaris started teaching classes and dancing professionally in private events.
When Omaris moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2005, she continued participating in haflas (belly dance showcases) and dancing in restaurants. In 2007, she joined Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio where she teaches several classes per week. With her background in advertising and professional photography, she has also become the studio’s principal graphic designer.
Concurrently, she is one of the featured dancers at the Acropolis Greek Taverna in Clearwater, Florida. She is also one of the hostesses and co-creators of Harem Nights, a hafla that is held every last Wednesday of the month at the same restaurant.
Omaris continues to further her study of the dance by attending workshops around the United States and has kept improving herself through observation and practice. She has studied with such recognized masters as Aida Nour, Asmahan, Lubna, Bozenka, Amir Thaleb, Virginia, Aziza, Astryd Farah de Michelle, Zahra Zuhair, Yamil Anun, Saida, Faten Munger, Madrin’ha, Nathalie, Lacey, Tamra-Henna, The Mezmer Society, Alexandra King, Hanan, Sandra, Khadejah Eloueslati & Mustapha , Jill Parker, and Samay.
Omaris is acknowledged for her teaching methods and greatly admired by her students and peers. She captivates her audience with her natural and elegant movements and the passion with which she dances. Her talent was recently recognized by winning 2nd runner-up in the professional category of the 2009 Miami Bellydance Competition. Omaris is a natural born dancer who always dances from the heart.
