My name is Mary Jane but when dancing I'm Zakarrah. I live in Jacksonville Florida, but I'm originally from New Jersey. I started becoming interested in Middle Eastern Dance in the early 1980's, but was busy raising 3 young sons. My first classes were in New
Jersey in the late 1980's.

When I moved to Florida in late 1993 I found classes being offered through the Community Education Program. I've been with the same troupe ever since. We have a
wonderful group.. great energy and a lot of love and respect for each other and the dance form. I thoroughly enjoy traveling to dance seminars and shows with these lovely ladies as it always ends up a laugh fest.. Most people who see us dance think that it is so easy until they try it....then they get a full picture of how hard we work to make it look so easy.

My favorite style of dance is Gypsy..Flinging skirts, hair flying, attitude, tambourines, zills...gotta love it!!

When not dancing I can be found at my mundane job as a manager in an HR benefits office or spending time with my friends , family and grandson. Occasionally I can
"recruit" my sons to accompany me to an event. My grandson, now 2 years old, attended his first performance at the tender age of 2 weeks old and slept right through it..

My family has learned to live with zills, sequins and costume parts and an odd assortment of music always playing in my car. They even like the music now..I guess it grows on you.

Hopefully I will be dancing until I can't dance anymore.. Even if I need a walker it will have some coins, tassels and fringe on it.

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