Originating from Sicily, Anaiya Mussolini began belly dancing as a way to express the vibrant and creative forces inside of her. While writing for an adventure travel book that studies indigenous tribes, El Viajero, she immediately identified with the Tribal Fusion dance style as her specialty, given her fascination to tribal communities.  As a believer in signs, she knew this dance linked her to ancestral pasts, global populations, and to the fundamentals spirits that reside within us. Her love of dance as well as her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts led her Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, and Italy; even teaching dance empowerment workshops in Nepal for the Dhapasi women and placing second in Turkey. 

The expressive art of belly dance allows her to showcase her talents while connecting to the world through her vulnerability. Because to her, dancing represents what she went through in life, while honoring the stories and history of her ancestors. She believes that when one has the courage to share the true essence of who they are, it allows others to do the same, to feel free to become one; to bridge the souls that keep us on the surface level distance.

This is why one of her most cherished aspect of this communal process is sharing with indigenous tribes, who reciprocate by inviting her to participate in their ancient ceremonies, which include sacred dance. This is one of the purest forms of connection and celebrates each other’s lineages.  “We are inclusive regardless of race, color, or language because we know dance is like a sacred poem, where each movement is a word”, says Anaiya.

She sees dance as allowing new forms of communication to rise and release through this interpretive art that was once forgotten. She believes, “it celebrates diversity and helps us remember our song and reminds us of who we really are. Dance represents a love of community, a quest for knowledge, and the desire to help others discover The Heroine we All have within”.