Ayana's performance experience encompasses 30 years and several venues, including: acting (stage and television), singing, dancing and music. Near Eastern Dance served as her introduction to playing percussive instruments with finger cymbals (zills, or sagat), taught her a new way to listen to music... and gave her the ability to express what she heard.
Ayana began dancing 20 years ago, her first lesson taking place at the Sirrom School of Belly Dance in Houston, TX. Thalia, the studio's owner, was her first teacher. She performed with the Sirrom Caravan at public events such as the Mediterranean Festival, the (previously named) Tenneco Marathon, Turkish Festival, Art Car Ball and the Houston International Festival. She has performed as a soloist in Houston, Austin, Dallas and New Mexico, and currently teaches in Houston. She founded the Qantara Dance Company, who aside from local workshop gala shows, has performed at St. George's Mediterranean Festival, The Cancer Society's Relay for Life, The Austin Bellydance Convention and in a Dance Houston showcase at Discovery Green.
In 2008, she stepped down as the Artistic Director of the Qantara Dance Company to further her education in other forms of dance.Ayana also works with the following non-profit organizations: President, Dance From The Heart
Guest Performer, Bere'sheet Ballet Company