Remember your Roots...

Of Mediterranean and Latin descent, dance was

something that was ingrained in JeniViva’s genes.

She began dancing as soon as she could walk and

by the age of 3, JeniViva was enrolled in creative

movement classes at the Second Avenue School in

Lower Manhattan. JeniViva’s dance training

continued over the years: classical ballet with the

Rabovsky family, dancing competitively in Jazz

and Modern dance, and exploring her roots by

studying Salsa, Flamenco, and Sicilian Folkdance.

JeniViva comes from a long line of performance

artists and her Grandmother claims that

performing was imprinted upon JeniViva’s spirit

from lifetimes ago. Surrounded by artists her

whole life, some how it was inevitable that

JeniViva follow in the footsteps of those who came

before her.

The Journey Begins...

Although she has studied and performed various

genres of dance, JeniViva felt most “at home” with

the genre of Bellydance. She states “there is

nothing more natural, more organically based

than the sensuous and earthy movements in

Bellydance. Its as if the movements were always a

part of me, of every woman…our birthright, and

all we ever had to do was remember.”

JeniViva’s passion for Bellydancing was founded

within the form of Classic Cabaret Bellydance. She

began her training in Egyptian Bellydance with

such Master teachers as Rayhana, Jehan, and the

late great Serena. Some years later JeniViva found

a deeper connection to Turkish Oriental Cabaret

Bellydance and also in the basics of Romani

(Gypsy) dance having been heavily influenced by

taking repeated workshops with Artemis Mourat,

Eva Cernik, and Tayar Akdeniz.

All Things Change...

JeniViva has the distinct pleasure of being one of

the pioneers of a new genre of dance: Gothic

Bellydance. This genre blends the old with the

new, adding a dark twist of Gothic elements to

classic genres of Bellydance. The fruits of

JeniViva’s efforts can be seen in numerous Gothic

subculture magazines and websites. She also has

been featured on the first ever Gothic Bellydance

Dvd by World Dance New York and

performed in and appeared on the cover of the

Gothic Bellydance 2: Revelations Dvd. Gothic

Bellydance is an aesthetic, it is an expressive

emotional form, and it is an alternative movement

that is sweeping the globe.

Where Y'at?!

Over the last 5 years JeniViva’s focus has shifted

towards Gothic and Fusion Bellydance, which

essentially blends all the Bellydance styles she’s

had the privilege of studying over the years.

In

2004, JeniViva had the great honor of studying

with Kajira Djoumahna of BlackSheep Bellydance.

Kajira introduced JeniViva to another incarnation

of Bellydance: Tribal Bellydance. JeniViva felt an

instant connection and has since

studied with Sarah Locke of Gypsy Caravan and

workshoppped with Mardi Love of The Indigo.

Today JeniViva performs and teaches both

Classical Cabaret and Gothic Bellydance in New

York City and does shows & workshops all over

the United States.

JeniViva has appeared on The Conan

O’Brien Show, the WB 11, at the House of Blues,

the Rainbow Room, and numerous prestigous nightclubs in

NYC.

JeniViva has performed for such clients as

Jay-Z, Marc Jacobs, and Esquire Magazine, Alma

entertainment.

She recently had the pleasure of

being cast with her favorite NYC girls in

 Sex in the City part 2!

JeniViva  is an advocate for Poly-Cystic Kidney

Disease  Awareness.

Having been diagnosed with the illness a few

years ago, JeniViva seeks to raise awareness and

money for the cure. Together we can do it!

JeniViva is also a dedicated contributor to the

rebuilding of her favorite city in the world,

New Orleans.

Visit her links page to make a donation!!!