After a childhood spent learning classical ballet and jazz, Samina began training in Folkloric Bellydance in 2000, and it has been her passion ever since. It is a dance style she wishes had been available to her as a girl - particularly as a teenager - and is dedicated to raising awareness of Bellydance as a valid dance form for parents when selecting dance classes for young children and teenagers.

Over the years Samina has studied with the Hilal School of Raqs Sharqi, and participated in workshops with bellydancers from Canberra, interstate and overseas. She has a practiced understanding of both musicianship (studying from the age of 9) and dance (studying from the age of 3) which enhances her choreography and teaching skills. She has been invited to dance with several different dance troupes in Canberra, performing as a member of Awalim, The Roving Raqs Sharqis, Kahi Hiomi: women of earth, Daughters of the Peacock Padishah and also performs as a soloist. She is currently the artistic director of, and a performer with, TABLA bellydance

"I love absolutely everything about bellydance. There are so many different styles and variations to enjoy. We are so fortunate in Canberra to have such a supportive and inclusive bellydance community."

As an active member of the Canberra Bellydance Community, Samina began Bellydance Canberra, an online social network and information service (now moved to facebook), and continues to act as it's administrator and moderator. She has been the assistant director of Veiled Attitude: the national youth bellydance festival since 2008, and looks forward to seeing it's continued growth and support for young bellydancers.

Samina is an experienced teacher, choreographer and workshop presenter - encouraging, enthusiastic and supportive. Instructing since 2003, she has taught bellydance as a fitness class, as a technique and choreography class for adults and young women, and has also taught classes in Creative and Cultural Dance for young children.

Whilst Samina does add a personal flair to her interpretation of bellydance, her movements and choreographies are well grounded in the Folkloric roots of the dance, and she continues to find inspiration through study of its culture and traditions.