About Us Zira founded Gypsy Rogues in 2005 with the inspiration to bring American Tribal Belly Dance to Austin Texas. After years of studying a variety of dance styles, she decided to stay true to her art and pull all the techniques together. In 2006 she started teaching dance and training a group to fulfill her dream. After a hiatus from belly dancing, Angeyja was inspired by Zira’s tribal style belly dancing in 2005. To her, this art form allows creativity and individuality through the variety of music, the colorful costumes, and the fusion of movements.  As the music, the dance is ever changing and Angeyja attends classes and workshops from a variety of performers to always bring new steps and fresh ideas to the troupe.  In the past Angeyja performed solo and group dances as a member of a large performing troupe focusing on cabaret style belly dance, Hawaiian and Tahitian dance and was also an all-level instructor of dance, veil, and zil work.  Angeyja has studied under and attended workshops by Cynthia Miller of Houston, the late Bert Balladine, Susanna De Vecchio, and others, and more recently by  Stacey Lizette, Angela Nations, Urban Gypsy, Lily, An, and Michelle, Pin-Up Belly Dancer. Ashtoreth has been studying the art of bellydance for a number of years, inspired by the strong feminine energy of the dance, and uses this dance name to honor the strong Canaanite Goddess also called She of the Womb who is often represented as a tree.  Ashtoreth started her studies under the direction of internationally renowned Raqs Sharqi dance instructor and performer, Kathryn Ferguson of Tucson, AZ.  While in Tucson, Ashtoreth also began training under the direction of Haven Heffner and Jen Bentz of DOMBA! Tribal Fusion Dance Troupe out of Tempe, AZ.  Upon moving to Austin, Ashtoreth quickly began training under the direction of Zira and has enjoyed being a member of Gypsy Rogues ever since.  She continues to attend workshops by various instructors, including Rose Harden & Michelle Sefcik of PinUp Bellydance. Eanna has been performing Middle Eastern Dance for many years. Carabaret and now American Tribal Fusion, dance is a way to spread life and joy to others. Celebrating the feminine is essential in this life of dance and creativity. Eirebel LaKali has been twirling and spinning all of her life. She saw her first Raqs Sharqi bellydancers at a Mediterranean Festival at the age of 13, began studying at 18, and converted to Tribal Fusion bellydance in 2007. Eirebel has been a member of Gypsy Rogues since January 2009. Ila started belly dancing to fulfill a lifelong desire to dance on stage. She learned the art of tribal belly dancing under the instruction of Zira. Ila loves the Austin dance community and looks forward to every performance. Dancing with the Gypsy Rogues is a great experience! She enjoys every moment in the spotlight and always dances with passion. Yemaya never thought she would be belly dancing. She was looking for something that took her out of the comfort zone and started doing something just for her. One day, about four years ago, she took her first belly dance class and was hooked! She really enjoy the dance, and the music was inspiring. She has also established that she like creating her own belts and tassels for costumes.