Nilaja began dancing at the young age of 7.  She has a dance background in ballet, jazz, tap and choreographed group dance. Nilaja's spirited belly dance performances with live bands have graced stages in Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver, Ann Arbor & Milwaukee winning her audience with her passion for the dance and her captivating smile. She is the director of Dancers of Dunia, her student dance troupe. The Dancers of Dunia have performed at festivals, charity events and shows in Milwaukee, Madison, and all over Chicago and Chicago land suburbs. Nilaja continues to travel over the U.S. to further her dance education with masters instructors of the art. Nilaja is a belly dance instructor in Lake County, IL.  Her energetic teaching style has taught hundreds of student dancers to unleash their goddess within.  Nilaja's studio is located in Antioch, IL.

 

As the owner of Calico Garden, Nilaja brings a exquisite line of imported jewelry, clothing, accessories and home decor for all kind spirits. She is a supporter of the Fair Trade Federation. Nilaja travels as a vendor at belly dance events in the tri-state area.

 

Nilaja is the event coordinator of the quarterly Ultimate Accessory event. you will find an  amazing assortment of accessories, jewelry, clothing and home accessories all under one roof.  She is also the co-producer of Hiptastic!  Bellydance Festival.  Teamed up with her sister in dance, Zayna, they bring you an exciting annual outdoor event featuring vendors, drum circle, henna artists, massage therapy, face painters, mini workshops, belly dance show, hafla and so much more!  The next Hiptastic! event is scheduled for September 13th 2008  at the Cultural & Civic Center in Round Lake Beach, IL.