Jaiyana is a bellydancer in Portland, Maine. She performs regularly at the Acropolis restaurant in Portland as well as other events around town. Recent performance highlights include the League of Young Voters’ annual fundraiser, and the “Arabian Nights” theme night at a local nightclub.

Jaiyana has been studying various dance forms from a very young age, including ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom. She finally found inspiration in movement in 2003, when she began studying tribal-style bellydance with Crimson of Troupe Shuvani in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Since moving to Maine, she has continued her study with local bellydance legends including Josie Conte, Jamileh, Adira, and Marianna. She has also begun to explore flamenco with Deborah Freedman. Recent workshop highlights include Heléna Melone, Karim Nagi, Donna Mejia, Karina Khan, and the flamenco dancer La Conja.

Jaiyana holds a B.A. from Harvard University in History of Science and Women’s Studies.