"I loved your costume and dance at the Spookla, I was mezmerized by you" - Najida Razi
"Shaia has been my belly dance teacher for almost three years now. I was hooked from the first class! Belly dancing is fun, inspiring and empowering. It truly is an art form for all ages, shapes & sizes. Shaia's teaching style has made it especially enjoyable for me. She's knowledgeable and enthusiastic about dancing and her enthusiasm is contagious. She makes her students feel welcome and comfortable and she's helpful without being condescending. She encourages questions, feedback, and participation from her students but she doesn't pressure them. She offers performance opportunities to all students who are interested - no cliques here! I highly recommend signing up for belly dance lessons with Shaia today!" - Anais
"I started taking class with Shaia in March of 2008 as a one-time thing through a friend's encouragement but have since joined a troupe where I am still active. I had no idea I was going to like it this much. Shaia's teaching style is informative and very supportive of all abilities regardless of age, gender, body type, or prior experience. This builds self confidence, self esteem and positive body image. Everyone is welcome here. It's the most fun you'll ever have while exercising. If you get involved with a troupe, there are multiple opportunities for performances as well as ongoing practice opportunities which most dance classes do not provide. She also has drop-in parties where you can introduce yourself along with relatives and friends to the art of oriental dance in a fun, informal environment. I never imagined doing this myself but have discovered the enjoyment in this type of dancing. Why don't you try it and you to will learn something about yourself and have a lot of fun along the way." - Nabu of Extreme Taqisim
“This is so fun. I think I’d like to take lessons!” exclaimed Tiffanie Granitz as she and friend Amanda Sonnemann practiced the new steps. - The Alverno Alpha, December, 2008 article about Shaia's lesson at The Mug Coffeehouse.