About Samarra

Samarra began taking belly dance classes as the year 2002 got underway, following a trip to Morocco. When a colleague at Harvard mentioned she was thinking about taking a belly dance class, Samarra decided to join her. Her colleague didn’t end up getting into the class, so Samarra went alone. She was enthralled by the intoxicating music and sensual movements and immediately started buying vintage belly dance records, and found out as much as possible about the history of this intriguing ancient dance.

Samarra studied fashion design in college, and in 2001, was attempting to get back to designing clothes and started to look for a small studio to rent. She found one conveniently across the street from her favorite thrift shop, in Allston, MA. When work on the studio was almost completed, an advanced student and friend came by to see it. Pink and purple painted walls with stamped palm trees, pink coin-trimmed curtains, beads, brass vases, and vintage belly dance figurines made up the décor. Lara had been thinking about teaching, and she thought that this would be the perfect place to start. She taught many students there for a year and a half.

Meanwhile, Samarra began making her own unique costumes—many with vintage fabric and beads, inspired by old Hollywood movies. It probably actually started with one of her earliest memories—watching “I Dream of Jeannie” on television. Samarra used to dress up as this character, using all of her mother’s chiffons scarves, and even having her make a tiny fez to put a long ponytail through. Of course, Jeannie needed to have her bottle to retreat to. That would be recreated in the bedroom closet!

Samarra has performed at clubs, parties, and various events in the Boston area. She and her husband also produce shows every other month, at the All Asia Café in Cambridge, MA. They bring together lots of dancers and live musicians who want to do something fun and different together. They feature dancing to recorded and live music—with at least half Middle Eastern music. Some shows are just an interesting mixture of things: tango, Chinese dancers, and belly dancers using a variety of props such as a water jug, fire, sword, cane, fans. Other shows have had a rock ‘n’ roll theme—three of them with live Elvis music. Stay tuned for upcoming shows that will include science fiction/outer space, horror/gothic, goddesses and more Elvis!

Samarra has the look of an old-fashioned harem princess when she dances, and enjoys using unique props, such as peacock and marabou feather fans, electric lotus blossom candles; as well as traditional Middle Eastern props. She has a flair for the dramatic, and when creating special performance pieces, she finds the perfect music and makes a stunning costume to go with it. Seeing Samarra perform is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!

This page last updated on: June 10, 2008