The Goddess Garden

Improvisational Tribal and Modern Fusion Bellydance Troupe

Natium which is pronounced Nah-Tee-Umm is the phonetic spelling of a word from India which means dance. Natyam is a happy, celebratory word which is much like the overall feel of this dynamic, fun dance ensemble. Natium was formed in 2005 out of classes taught by then leader, Makara who later turned reins over to K-lee.

Since 2005 the troupe has expanded dance vocabulary from improvisational tribal styles to add other fun dances like Asian fan dances, sassy skirt dances, fire performances, and dance styles from India.

The troupe includes at times, students from K-lee's tribal classes who bring afresh vibrant energy to the seasoned group of performers.

Tribal Fest, CA 2007 

 

Natium performs annually at Maricopa County Fair

Natium at Layalena January 2008

 Natium also performs funky fusion under the name Diabolique featuring modern costumes and fusion bellydance styles

      Citrus Festival 2008

K-Lee- Director

K-Lee has been bellydancing since 1998 when she befriended Jazille (Heidi Alexander) of Domba who urged her to try some classes at a community center. K-Lee took beginner level classes under the tutelage of Yasmina in Mesa and was clumsy, lacking grace and the ability to actually turn the moves into dance. She was truly a vision of sorts! 

Sticking with it as it was the only form of exercise she enjoyed, K-Lee eventually tried some classes closer to home, at another community center before she discovered tribal style. Traveling a couple of hours up north to Cottonwood/Jerome, K-lee and Jazille embarked on their first tribal class taught by one of the key dancers of Fat Chance Bellydance. Frustrated again that she couldnt "get it" but desperately wanting to dance like those women in Domba, K-lee again stuck it out and began taking tribal classes taught by her friend Jazille. In 2002 she auditioned for Bedouin Tribe and was grateful to make it in. In 2005, after dancing with Bedouin Tribe and guest dancing with Domba on occasion, as well as being on of the Domba Studio teachers, K-lee left to embark on her own dance studies. 

  Soon after, an opportunity to substitute direct a budding student troupe came available as their director Makara had to leave to tend to some family business. What began as temporary directorship has lasted since 2005 when Makara, unable to return to the group handed the leadership role over to K-lee permanently. Natium has been in existence since spring of 2005 and came under K-Lee's guidance in summer of 2005.

K-Lee continues to teach as teaching is her passion. She also owns a dance, fitness and wellness studio in Phoenix Arizona called The Goddess Garden.   

Anala- Dancer, Fire Arts

Anala has been involved in poi, bollywood dance and classical Indian dance studies since 2003 and in tribal bellydance since 2006. In addition Anala has occasionally taught classes for her mentor, Samantha of Domba & BoomBoom Bollywood on occasion. Anala now sets her mind to becoming the best performer she can be, not only for the love of these performing arts, but also for the obsession of dressing up in the costumes. "Im an exhibitionist and I love to dance..I also love to dress up in the beautiful costumes which actually feel more like my real clothes and my business clothes feel like costumes." she says. 

She says about her choice to be in Natium, "I'm in Natium because the girls in the group are really great to work with and hang out and have fun with. Also, in joining this group I will be able to grow as a performer under the direction of Kahlea." When she isn't loving life on stage or behind flaming fire balls, Rachel works in corporate hell, just like the Dilbert comics. She hopes to someday travel to learn more about the cultures where these arts are based. In what little spare time she has she enjoys going to rock concerts, outdoor festivals, spending time lounging in the pool with a good drink, hanging out with friends, and making various crafts. And don't forget about shopping! "Share Fire"   

Aradia- Dancer

Aradia is a 2001 graduate of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and continues on with her education.  She has a love of learning new things and plans on being a student for life.  Her massage is a nurturing and flowing experience in a way that makes her feel like she is dancing.  She is an AFAA certified fitness instructor and trainer since 1990 with an emphasis on women’s health and wellness.  Along with that, she has a love of dance, particularly the art of bellydance and incorporates that in her fitness classes.  She has been dancing since July of 2000 and is a member of Natium World Dance in Arizona.

Karen also enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, and creating her own lotions and potions using essential oils. With her caring, nurturing and cheery disposition, Karen is a fun addition to the troupe who  brings a cabaret edge to our tribal format. She likes to bring the Goddess out while experiencing the joy of the dance.

Daniya- Dancer, Fire Arts

Daniyah, one of NATIUM'S talented fire performers has been spinning poi since 2004, and hopes to create visually appealing moves and choreography with poi. "I like to find the moves that look exciting and beautiful to an audience rather than trying to do the most difficult trick. I would also like to become proficient with fire staff," says Daniyah about some of her future endeavors.

Tasya- Dancer

Tasya has been belly dancing for more years than she cares to admit. She started out as a traditional Middle Eastern dancer, but was drawn to the sisterhood and confidence she found in Improvisational Tribal Style. 

When she is dancing she feels as though she becomes a totally different person-someone strong, confident and feminine! As a wife and the mother of two sons, she also really appreciates some "girl time", as well as the chance to dress up in fancy costumes; why should the kids have all the fun? She is also a firm believer in the "use it or lose it" school of staying physically and mentally fit. Her husband loves the idea that he can show interest and support of his wife's activities by spending loads of time at belly dance shows--what a lucky guy!      

Alicia- Dancer, Alumni

Alicia went on to get married and is now living happily ever after. 

Araxie- Dancer, Alumni  

Araxie left in search of all of life's answers and we eagerly wait for her to bring those back to us!

 Diosa- Dancer, Alumni

 Hazin- Dancer, Alumni

Hazin has decided to put roots down in Flagstaff Arizona some day soon.  

 Raisa- Dancer, Alumni

Raisa left due to the flare up of an old automobile accident injury and sadly has been unable to return.  

 Raqzuel- Dancer, Alumni

Raqzuel left for more time with her family and continues to flourish in her self made dental practice in Scottsdale.

Seraphina- Dancer, Alumni

Seraphina left in search of higher education and is enjoying the pines around her in Flagstaff.  

Ziva- Dancer, Alumni

Ziva departed Natium to move to Tucson where she now writes and directs Cabaret Boheme a stage variety show and is a school nurse.