AnJa

(Ahn-Jah)

With her wicked belly dance movements, precision fire dancing and hypnotic soundtracks, AnJa conjures up a sultry spell for the senses. This multifaceted artist is the creative force behind every aspect of her performances, from hand-designed costumes and fire tools to the choreography that accompanies her digitally-edited selection of Eastern beats.

As the creator of the dance troupe Indirani, AnJa brings together a special selection of Southern California’s finest belly dancers and fire performers. Her company’s name embodies AnJa’s guiding approach to belly dancing and fire performance: equal parts exotic and powerful.

AnJa’s first exposure to the fiery dynamics of tribal fusion belly dancing sparked her imagination in 2004. Her connection to the performance was instantaneous and strong.  “I was immediately drawn to it. I had never seen anything like the beautiful, earthy movements of this dance style,” AnJa says. “It was like gazing into a campfire and feeling – not just seeing – the movement of the flames. I was mesmerized.” 

AnJa began taking tribal belly dance classes under the guidance of Sabrina Fox of Atash Maya, Heather Stants of Urban Tribal, and acclaimed Middle Eastern dance instructor Suhaila Salimpour. Incorporating her previous training in yoga and ballet, AnJa soon began to create her own belly dance choreography.

AnJa

Early on, AnJa saw the primal power of fire as holding great potential for her shows. She began designing and creating her own line of fire performance tools. And when a growing passion for the tribal aesthetic of sumptuous fabrics and layered, opulent jewelry opened up new avenues in costume design, the path to her artistic career as a performing artist was clear.

“Producing one-of-a-kind shows became a passion for me when I realized that this medium could allow me to express myself on so many levels,” AnJa says. “I knew that my lifetime of creative pursuits had led me to the right place: the center, not only of the stage, but of myself as an artist.”

These days, AnJa’s absorption in her craft translates into complete creative control over every aspect of her shows. She begins the process selecting her music: Western electronica infused with traditional Indian and Middle Eastern instrumentals. Digital sound editing comes next as AnJa blends the beats and tunes that will become the soundtrack to her new show. Choreography and the incorporation of fire-base movements soon follow. Depending on the performance, AnJa may bring one or more dancers into this process. AnJa rounds out her production by designing and sewing each of her own costumes.  

“I believe that the right costume is essential to any performance because it creates the mood for both the audience and the dancer,” she explains. “That’s why I choose to make each costume as unique as each soundtrack or dance.

Indirani has had the pleasure of performing with talented artists such as Cheb i Sabbah, Carl Cox, Danyavaad and The Shimmy Sisters, DJ Sandbag, HoopCharmer & Charmed Life Productions, Atash Maya, RaviDrums, Fire'n'Ice Entertainment, Middle Earth, and UBUV.

What does the future hold for AnJa and Indirani?  “At the moment, it’s Wing Dancing,” AnJa grins. “I’ve started to choreograph shows with these gorgeous Isis Wings,
and they’re starting to generate lots of interest in Southern California. I’m really excited about the potential that Wing Dancing brings to Indirani’s stage shows.

Choosing the right entertainment can be confusing these days because there are so many options available – that’s why AnJa takes the time to explain every aspect of her performance options to those interested in contracting with Indirani.

“No question is ever too small,” AnJa says. “Performing with belly dancing, wings and fire is my passion. I look forward to sharing it with you.”

Thai Tribal Fingers

Fire Fans

Fire Headdress & Fire Fingers

Wing Dance Performers