Jenny demonstrates the use of a prop in the Goddess category dance at the Belly Dancer USA Competition held at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
The Belly Dancer USA competition took center stage this past weekend at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre.
The annual contest showcases dozens of belly dancers from around the country, with a gala on Saturday and the main competition on Sunday.
Melissa begins her routine during the Hobbyist category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Anna in the Hobbyist Category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Merlyn shows a pose during the Hobbyist category routine at the Belly Dancer USA Competition held at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Zaidee Lys in the Hobbyist Category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition held at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Bijoux dances in the Goddess category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Lilah Z dances in the Goddess category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Zoriy demonstrates a fan technique during the Goddess category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition held at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Michelle during her Goddess category dance routine during the Belly Dancer USA Competition held at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)Aunna dances in the Goddess category at the Belly Dancer USA Competition at the Salem Grand Theatre on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Laura Tesler/Special to Salem Reporter)
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Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
