Since the age of 3, Karianne has experimented with many dance forms, but Middle Eastern Dance, otherwise known as Belly Dance has been her true love. Belly Dancing since 1996, she attributes her skills to her teachers Christine Andrews, Olivia Kissel and Maria Hamer of Zafira Dance Company. Known for her musicality and beautiful taxims, her dedication to the art form can be seen through her unique stylization of the form.

Karianne is one part of the dynamic, sultry Belly Dance troupe Sadiqa with her dance partner Joanna Abel and can be seen performing regularly around Pittsburgh and nationally as a soloist and with Sadiqa as well as with her student troupe Benafsajii. In addition, she teaches weekly lessons on Wednesdays at Studio Pantera as well as private lessons from her home studio.

Karianne continues her education with workshops, classes and takes private lessons with well-respected Belly Dancers around the world. She also enjoys working collaboratively with local artists and is currently part of the sparkle gang collective Beledi Bellies with Berna, Janim and Jemeena as well as a member of Olivia Kissel's HYBRID Dance Project.

Photo Credit: Caelivs