Special Guest Performers of Raven's Night 2026
We are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of special guest performers to this year’s Raven’s Night: Arcana — coming to the stage Saturday, October 10 at The Birchmere.
Brenna Crowley
New York City, NY / Instructor
About Brenna
Brenna is a NYC-based dancer, choreographer, and instructor known for her fierce, funny, and powerful performances. Since beginning her dance journey in 2004, she has performed coast to coast - featured as a soloist, ensemble member, and collaborator with companies like Solstice Ensemble, Dalia Carella Dance Collective, her own Zilla Dance Project, and many more.
With an infectious charisma, she seamlessly blends traditional belly dance with a contemporary twist, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates audiences. A true entertainer, she loves moving to the beats of popular hits, turning each performance into a memorable dance party. A vibrant presence on stage and in the classroom, Brenna currently teaches at Bellyqueen School and continues to share her unique blend of movement through performance and education.
Crystal Slimi
San Francisco, CA
About Crystal
Crystal Silmi is a belly dance and fusion artist, instructor, and choreographer from San Francisco. Drawing on her Arab American heritage she blends classical Middle Eastern dance with contemporary fusion styles. She has performed and taught internationally and currently directs DC Dance Junkies, a Washington, DC–area belly dance fusion group.
Raven's Night performers include Ashley, Paula & Crystal.
Irina Akulenko
New York City, NY / Instructor
About Irina
Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based artist, with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Since 2001, Irina explored both Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal Style belly dance, Classical Indian (Odissi), contemporary, and Flamenco and now enjoys fusing these art forms.
Today, Irina performs on various New York stages and tours nationally and internationally as a soloist fusion dancer; offers numerous online classes in a variety of styles: is a teacher and principal dancer with Bellyqueen Dance Theater and choreographer and Assistant Director for NASA-powered multimedia show Bella Gaia.
Kamrah Raqs
Chicago, IL / Instructor
About Kamrah
kamrahdance.com
Viral TikTok star, teacher, performer, and more, Kamrah is known for his dark fusion, creativity, “killer” isolations, and theatricality. He currently teaches and performs, headlining festivals throughout the USA and internationally.
He has trained extensively with Zoe Jakes and Suhaila Salimpour and holds certifications in DanceCraft (Diamonds and Spades) and Suhaila level 1 and 2, and Jamila level 1 and 2, and has performed with Beats Antique and Bal Anat, the longest running belly dance show in the world.
As an instructor, his approachable, inclusive teaching style enables him to coach students to dance powerfully, safely, and sustainably.
Rin
Washington, DC / Instructor
About Rin
Rin is an experimental artist from the Washington, D.C., area, with a lifetime of exposure to a diverse array of movement styles. Often described as otherworldly and subtly strange, Rin's uniquely fluid and evolving voice in dance offers a peculiar stretch beyond genres.
As her ever-expanding artistry continues to unfold to match the reaches of a boundless imagination, Rin focuses on staying centered and honing a sense of embodied flow in her own life, shared offerings, and beyond.
Starry Moon
Pittsburgh, PA / Instructors
About Starry Moon
Starry Moon Dance Company is a Pittsburgh-based fusion dance ensemble where otherworldly glamour meets old school belly dance. The company features powerhouse artists Maria Hamer, Christine Andrews, and Joanna Abel, each bringing a distinct voice shaped by decades of experience.
Together, they create visually rich performances that weave movement, music, and imagination into dance experiences.
Starry Moon’s work highlights both individuality and unity, three unique artists moving as one. From theatrical stage productions to festival performances and workshops, Starry Moon Dance Company invites audiences and dancers alike into a world of magic and artistry.
Teri Knox
Rehoboth Beach, DE
About Teri
Teri Knox is a poet, visual artist, and creative maker whose work blends spoken word, storytelling, and soulful expression. With a voice rooted in presence, rhythm, and imagination, Teri creates moments that invite audiences to listen deeply, feel fully, and connect with the magic of the present.
Returning to The Birchmere for Raven’s Night: Arcana, Teri brings her creative fire back to the stage through spoken word that is both intimate and powerful.
Fun fact: Teri introduced Belladonna to Ken Vegas — and without that introduction, Raven’s Night would not have been created. Thank you, Teri, for bringing these creative worlds together. We love you!