Dark Euphoria began her studies 3 years ago with well-known Philadelphia instructor and performer Valerie Rushmere. She began with tradional Egyptian and Cabaret style bellydance, then expanded into Lebenese, Turkish, Gypsy, and finally American Tribal Style. With a love and devotion to the Gothic lifestyle, she has incorporated a dark, mysterious, and sensual technique into her classical training, creating a Gothic Tribal Fusion style all her own.
Under the "more accepted" professional name Akima, she performs regularly at several restaurants, nightclubs and private events throughout the Philadelphia Tri-State area. She is a regularly featured dancer at The Oasis Grill Restaurant in Cherry Hill, NJ; and Cinderella Sabbaba in Turnersville, NJ, also making appearances at Fez in Philadelphia.. She has also performed as special events for Philadelphia Mayoral candidade Tom Knox and the Vice President of Merril Lynch. Her dance style is a blend of Egyptian, Cabaret, Turkish, and American Tribal Style with influences from local, national and international performers and teachers. Her repertoire, which includes classical and contemporary music, incorporates veil, zills, sword, and Isis Wings, her specialty and favorite dancing accessory.
Dark Euphoria's dance background began as a child, taking classical ballet for 5 years and jazz for 3 years. She also continues classical training in Italian and German Opera. Of late, she has stayed focused on Middle Eastern dance, yoga, and several world dance styles, including Indian, Tahitian/ Polynesian, Hula, Fire dancing, and Oriental styles.
When not dancing, Dark Euphoria maintains Dark Euphoria Apparel & Décor. This site includes professional information such as booking info, and Dark Euphoria's Shops, which feature hand made Halloween and Gothic inspired home décor, bellydance and tribal wear, and witchcraft supplies. Other interests include painting, opera, marine biology, fashion, collecting vintage Halloween items, her cat/familiar Liu Jun Pei, various animal rights organizations including PETA & ASPCA, travel, holistic healing, organic living, and Eastern medicine. She is currently focusing her intellectual studies on an Associates degree in Music, and plans to continue on towards a Bacherlorette in Dance.