People often ask me how I chose my stage name… When deciding on a stage name, you should choose a name that resonates with you. As you perform, becoming one with your alter ego allows you to step out of reality and into character. Your dance should personify the role you are playing. Sirena means "Mermaid" in the Spanish language; the literal translation is "Siren of the Sea". Mermaids and Belly Dancers are both mystical creatures with an enigmatic history rich in folklore. I've had a lifelong fascination with mermaids and as a dancer with roots from Spain, Sirena is a perfect stage name for me. The history of Belly Dance is also intertwined with that of the Spanish Gypsies, known as the Gitana. When the Moors conquered Spain in the 8th century, they brought their music and dance with them. They settled in Andalucia, an isolated region in the south of Spain. Andalucian music has Moorish elements and the influence can often be heard in Flamenco music. Sultana is a common female name in the Arabian culture and the term Sultana is also used as a title for a few female rulers in history. "Sirens of the Sahara" was chosen for the name of my dance troupe, lending an Arabian twist to the phrase "Sirens of the Sea". Founded in January 2005, the original members made their debut at the highly acclaimed Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, an event that draws thousands of spectators annually.