Membership What is MECDA?
The Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association (MECDA) is a group that works for you! Created in 1977. MECDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community as a source of education, communication, promotion, and inspiration for the near and middle east music, dance, and arts community worldwide. Our members include dancers, musicians, artists, and other persons interested in Near East and Middle Eastern culture, music, dance, and arts. Our goal is to bring a sense of unity to a richly diverse community as well as celebrate the culture and its arts. Join us in bringing the community together and working as a whole.
Ohio Chapter Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Ohio chapter of the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association (OH-MECDA) to promote and support Middle Eastern culture, dance and music through education and representation in community events throughout Ohio; we will strive to elevate the perception of "bellydance" as a legitimate dance form within the mainstream dance community, and will serve to bind our area dancers together to create a standard of professional courtesy, best-practices, warm support, and continuing education---all with the spirit of cooperation and communication between the various dance schools/instructors, students and performers of Ohio.
Ohio Board 
Amira Star
Current President of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Amira Star is a performer and workshop instructor from the Toledo area. You can check out her info at www.amirastar.com
Athena Nile
Current Epic Information Officer of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Athena is a fiesty performer in the Columbus area. Check her out at www.athenanile.com
Leyla Al Shams
Current Board Member of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Leyla can be found dancing around the Toledo area and at www.leylabellydance.com
Leyla Billman
Current Vice President of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Layla can be found teaching and performing all around the Columbus area. Track her down at www.blackmarketbellydance.com
Sherena
Current Board Member of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Sherena is Ohio's own Bellydance Superstar! Sought after performer and instructor, follow Sherena at www.sherena.net
Lissa Beck
Current Treasurer of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, find Lissa performing around the Columbus area
Mariah
Current Board Member of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Mariah is a sought after instructor and multi-award winning dancer. Check out Mariah at mariaparasson.com
Chandara Gamal
Current Board Member of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, Chandara can be found teaching and sponsoring events in the Columbus area. Find out what she's up to at www.chandaragamal.com
KayLouise
Current Board Member of the Ohio chapter of MECDA, KayLouise can be found performing, vending, and teaching throughout Ohio and Michigan. Check out the exploits of KL www.kaylouise.com
