About Us

Navah (NAH vah) beautiful / pleasant

Navah (NAH-vah) – “Beautiful, Pleasant”
Performer • Instructor • Choreographer • Director of Navah Mirage

Sparkle, shimmy, and soul — meet Navah, also known offstage as Jennifer Kornowske: wife, mom, grandma, and lifelong lover of all things belly dance! Inspired by the magic of swirling skirts and hypnotic hips in classic films, she took her first belly dance class in 2001 — and never looked back.

With 23+ years of experience, Navah has studied under legendary instructors, earned elite certifications (including from the Salimpour School and the Massive Pro Track), and graced stages nationwide. As founder and director of Navah Mirage since 2007, she’s led a dynamic troupe in creating theatrical productions, community haflas, and unforgettable special events.

From glitzy galas to heart-centered workshops, Navah brings joy, power, and a deep love for Middle Eastern dance to every performance. She’s also certified in CPR and Dance Therapeutics (DT1, DT2, DT3), blending safety and wellness into her teaching.

Whether you’re here to dance, dream, or simply enjoy the show — welcome. May your heart be lifted, your feet be tempted to move, and your spirit feel beautifully alive.

Kristin

Kristin began dancing at the age of three. Though, as soon as she found belly dance, she knew she found her dance "love of a lifetime". Not only was Kristin a professional Cheerleader for NBA basketball team, she also has formal training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballroom, Samba, and of course, Middle Eastern dance. Kristin has performed at restaurants, weddings, festivals, sporting events, private parties, themed events, parades, large stage shows, city wide performances, and corporate events. Kristin is an experienced performer who is dedicated to her art form.

Kristin is available for hire. (Shows & Events)

Kristy

Kristy stepped into her first belly dance class 20 years ago, and fell in love instantly. She was inspired by the rich culture and serpentine movements. Kristy is happiest on the stage, and enjoys the beautiful relationships built performing and teaching.

Kristy is intrigued by all forms of movement. Besides continuing her Belly Dance education, she is currently studying Aerial Dance, Flamenco, Hula and Odissi. She continues to pursue an understanding of the culture and histories of the artforms she enjoys.

Kristy is available for hire (Teacher, private lessons, shows and events). Holds certifications: Suhaila 1, Dancecraft Spades, 8 Elements Initiate, Dance Cohesion 1, Dance Therapeutics 1, Bohemian Blade Technician and Krysalis Invocation and Conception

grace, posture, belly dance, Navah Mirage, dance of life

Saniya (sa-NEE-ya) dazzling / brilliant

Saniya began her love of dance as a young girl. She studied ballet for five years, two of those years on pointe. She also studied during that time jazz, tap, gymnastics and cheer-leading. She coached cheer-leading at a local middle school for two years before moving to Seattle, Washington in 1993. It wasn't until the summer of 2016 that she became reacquainted with her love of dancing. She began her formal belly dancing studies in September of 2016 with Middle Eastern classes in Appleton taught by Navah. Her first performance as a soloist happened in early spring of 2017, and by May, she became a dancer with the Navah Mirage Troupe. Since then she has danced at several events, including Dance of the Elements. Saniya is a dedicated dancer who is continuously learning and practicing. She loves learning all aspects of belly dancing from history to movements to the many props that are used to enhance this beautiful dance. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and love and Navah for reigniting her true

passion and love of dance.

Saniya is available for group hired projects.

Hayley

My name is Hayley and I have been with Navah Mirage since April of 2020. I started belly dancing in high school from the De Pere community center and that is when I fell in love. After that, I danced with Tamarind Tribal and Samantha Fairuz while in college at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I was so happy to find a troupe when I moved back to Green Bay so I could start dancing again! My experience with Navah Mirage has been incredible, and I cannot wait to see what lies in the future for us! This is a fantastic group to be with and I know we will make amazing dances!

Melian ~ Dear Gift

The name Melian was chosen to represent the gratitude she feels for the gift of dance. She feels as though she was blessed to be able to dance, and to be a part of a wonderful troupe to share this love. Melian found her passion one year ago after taking a class with Navah Mirage. She was captivated with the music, rhythm, and movements. "You fall in love with yourself as you learn and see yourself moving to the music." Melian has always had a love for dance, but has not had an opportunity to participate professionally until now. She is excited to continue to grow in this art and to share it with all of you.

Zahra beautiful / flower

Zahra was first inspired by Middle Eastern dance in 2017 when she had the opportunity to watch a dancer named Sadie perform a magical and empowering solo. Zahra knew immediately she needed to explore this artform for herself. The music was especially meaningful because of her years of her music study in jazz and music theory. As a lifelong painter and graphic designer, belly dance became a perfect fit in her lifestyle. Zahra's lifelong goal is to continue her education in the study of Middle Eastern culture, and its connection to performance art. Zahra is a talented dancer who performed in several community events. She currently takes classes with Navah, and intensives with superstars including Sadie Marquardt, Deb Rubin, and more. As a performer, Zahra plays active roles in Navah Mirage productions throughout the Midwest.