About Us

Navah (NAH vah) beautiful / pleasant

Hello and thank you for taking the time to learn more about belly dance.

My name is Jennifer Kornowske. I am a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves belly dancing. As a child I had an unexplainable interest and curiosity toward Middle Eastern dance. My first exposure to belly dance was through the old black and white movies, but unknowingly at the time, I now feel the allure has much to do with my heritage. The movement, and the costuming would soon prove to be impossible not to explore. In 2001, as an adult I took my first dance class and as expected Oriental Dance found a solid place in my heart, and I have not stopped since. The history of this dance, the people, the culture, and techniques are mesmerizing, and the costumes are just amazing. My desire and curiosity have only grown as I age and I have been fortunate to study under an impressive list of legendary instructors. It is important to me to continue my education. My studies have taken me on a journey both in showcased traditional stylings and fusion explorations. I continue my education and studies every year and have earned various certifications and completed many belly dance programs. Dance has helped shape me into a passionate person who longs to share the gift of dance with any age or gender. It has helped me heal emotionally and physically as I have overcome many obstacles in this life.

With over 23 years’ experience in belly dance, I have won various awards in performance of my art form. I have been featured in news articles and talk shows. I travel as a workshop instructor and have performed in shows with many of the big names of belly dance across the nation. I am the director of Navah Mirage where it has been my pleasure to create a team and support dancers since 2007. We produce theatrical productions, haflas, and special events. Community service is near and dear to my heart, and I love how dance can transform the individual.

Navah (NAH vah) beautiful / pleasant

is my stage name, and I am available for hire.

(Teacher, Choreographer, Private Lessons, Workshops, Shows, Birthday, Bachelorette, Weddings, Anniversary, Graduation Parties, & Other Events)

Certified in CPR, Dance Therapeutics DT1, DT2, DT3, holding 2 Salimpour Certifications, and Massive Pro Track Certification under the tutelage of Rachid Alexander, Karim Nagi, Sadie Marquardt, I also hold Training Certification in Gravity Yoga.

Thank you again for exploring belly dance and taking time to learn a little bit about me. May you be blessed in abundance and may I see you in class soon.

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.