Sharon started dancing at the age of 3. Coming from a Russian Ballet background Sharon has studied many types of dance including Tap, Jazz, Toe, African, Modern, and Dancercise w/Sharon. She started taking Belly Dance in the 1970’s and rediscovered her passion for it in 2003.  She is a Dance Major from MCC and has taught Russian Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Dancercise w/Sharon, and Belly Dance. She has taught dance in California and Michigan.  Her stage name is “Žahirah” which means, luminous, shining. She has studied with Thornton School of Dance, Judith Brooky, Linda Jones, Christina Tejchma, Cyrena White, and Laura Armenta. Sharon has also taken intensive workshops with Yesmina, Bozenka (2000 Miss America of Belly Dance and one of the Bellydance Superstars), Jillina (Choreographer for the Bellydance Superstars and one of the Bellydance Superstars), Rachel Brice (one of the Tribal Bellydance Superstars), Suhaila Salimpour, Amaya from New Mexico (formally from Muskegon), Karim Nagi from Egypt; currently living in Boston, Amel Tafsout, Amar Gamal (from Bellyqueen & Bellydance Superstars), Megha Gavin from Devyani, Carolena Nericcio from Fat Chance Belly Dance, Yasmina Ramsey, Tamalyn Dallal, and Crystal Dunlap from Unveiled & Bellyqueen, Minnie Morey (Pacific Island Dancers). To enhance her performances and classes, Sharon continues her education in Middle Eastern Dance by taking many intensive workshops throughout the year from highly respected and talented national & international instructors. In 2007 she received her GS Certification w/FCBD for American Tribal Style Belly Dance (ATS).  Sharon currently has weekly workshops for Belly Dance in Muskegon, Grand Haven, Montague/Whitehall area.  In 2005 Sharon started the dance troupe called The Johara Dancers, which translates to The Jewel Dancers.  Venues include the Holiday Inn Muskegon, Grand Haven Eagles, University Park Assisted Living, Hume Home, MCC, Reeths-Puffer High School, Muskegon Heights Middle School, Spring Lake Library, Lakeside Eagles, various VFW’s, Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, various other Nursing & Assisted Living Homes in Spring Lake, GR, Grand Opening of Klingman’s Furniture “Twilight Shines” for Senior Neighbors of GR, St. Mary’s Church, and many other private parties.  Žahirah has been a Guest Performer at Mezze Café’ & Cabaret in Grand Rapids numerous times. The Johara Dancers look forward to expanding their performances throughout Michigan in 2009. Sharon also dances with The Pacific Island Dancers.