Both Maria Hamer and Christine Andrews formerly danced with the Zafira Dance Company. Christine Andrews has been dancing with her sister, Maria Hamer for decades. 

Maria Hamer is a long time bellydancer/ Middle Eastern performer of Pittsburgh, Pa, training tirelessly & passionately for close to 3 decades with some of the most sought-after teachers in this dance form including Jill Parker, Suhaila Salimpour, Zoe Jakes, Helena Vlahos & Aisha Ali.  Training culturally & respectfully, Maria continues to delve deeper into folkloric dances involving specific traditional & regional dances from North Africa & Asia as well as exploring 'vintage American" style bellydances.  She has co- directed & helped in pioneering East Coast companies such as 'Folkloric inspired' Ghawazee Middle Eastern Music & Dance Ensemble in the mid 90's to the more theatrical & earthy glamour/contemporary elements of award winning Zafira Dance Company, active for over 11 years.

Maria's traveled the globe studying, teaching, performing & has collaborated with some of the most notable dancers in her genre such as: Jill Parker, Zoe Jakes, & many others. Currently as a solo artist, she collaborates with her sisters Christine Andrews & Jennifer Imashev as 'The Hamer Sisters' as well as with local dance artist, Joanna Abel as Starry Moon Dance Co. As a local Pittsburgh teacher and Bellydance community supporter she contributes with her exciting student troupe EvilEye. She holds certifications in the Suhaila (L2) & Jamila (L1) Salimpour formats, & Key of Diamonds in Zoe Jakes's format.

LABDA is excited to host a dance camp May 2023 with these sisters. Event page will have details.