We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Kaiden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
The maternal side in my family is Cuban and we grew up dancing singing and playing music in the living room. My father also played guitar and did gigs with my moms sister. Art was a huge part of my childhood. My grandmother was a dancer and so is my sister so it was easy to find what my passion was early in life. I could not imagine a different future of one without art. I found Middle Eastern dance and Flamenco when I was 16 and I really felt a deep rooted connection to both. These two art forms are also rooted in improvisational types of dance, really having to practice creating in the moment gave me so much freedom and empowerment  artistically. The empowerment part I hope to pass on to my students.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My performances and my students. I primarily teach Bellydance and Flamenco Fusion and my students are everything to me. Their dedication  allows me to continue my own growth and it allows me to pass my passion on to others.
I’m also writing a book about the matriarchal side of my family living in Ybor City, time period 1920s -1960s. This has keep me very busy and helped me feel more connected to that grandmother that was a dancer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first take them for Cuban coffee and Ybor Cuban toast at Mi Apa in the morning.

In the evening we would go to a locally female owned resturant called Superette for some wine and cheese and great atmosphere. Then on Bellydance Saturday I would take them the family owned Blackadder Brewing Company for an amazing beer and show in the evening. Sites i would take them to would be some of natural springs and rivers in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The strong generious women that graced me with their guidance and inspiration. There is far too many to name. A lot of this inspiration comes from my students, but I will mention a couple that changed my life. My grandmother Rosa and my bellydance mentor Tamalyn Dallal gave me the gift of sight with my dance. My Grandmother gave me confidence to fight for what I am or what I want to achieve with no apologies. Tamalyn taught me that artistry starts from within and that its inspiration travels far beyond the the usual circles.

Website: https://najmahdance.weebly.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/najmahnour?igshid=ZmZhODViOGI=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/najmah.nour?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: Najmah Nour is my performance name

Image Credits
Carrie Meyer: The Dancers Eye Studio

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