Melody Jones (a.k.a. Ayanna) first started Belly Dancing in 1998. What originally started out as a fun class to fill one evening quickly became much more when she discovered a real passion for the dance. Melody spent her first 3 years studying Belly Dance in Calgary with several instructors that specialized in Egyptian, Greek and Turkish Belly Dance. Upon moving to BC she has continued her studies with Tamara and Julia at Dance with Me Studio.

Melody has been an instructor with the Studio in the community since 2003. She has continued to hone her dancing skills by regularly attending additional classes with two of the foremost instructors in the Lower Mainland. Melody is also an active MEDA member and continues to explore the world of Belly Dance by attending workshops held by some of North America ’s pre-eminent dancers. Melody has extended her passion for the dance by launching Ayanna’s Tent at the beginning of 2003 where she imports Egyptian and Turkish dance products as well as custom design costumes for Belly Dancers.

Melody has performed for specialty parties and groups through out the Lower Mainland and is currently a member of the dance troupe the Nefertara Dancers. Melody’s love of the dance is projected in her classes as she encourages new dancers to find the joy of the dance themselves. Currently Melody has classes in Surrey and Maple Ridge.