Martina Tellini is an Italian professional belly dancer, teacher, and choreographer known for her dynamic, powerful, and natural style. Born in Florence, she began her artistic path with music, singing, and acting before dedicating herself to dance. Martina trained extensively with leading figures of Oriental Dance, including Randa Kamel, Tito Seif, Yousry Sharif, and Wael Mansour, and went on to win numerous international competitions across Europe and Asia, as well as becoming a finalist at the prestigious Raqs of Course Festival in Cairo. She has performed, taught, and judged worldwide. Deeply committed to artistic individuality, Martina’s teaching focuses on strong technique, unconventional choreography, and helping dancers discover their own unique voice. Alongside her belly dance career, she is also the president of the Renaissance dance association Il Lauro, performing historical dance across Italy and Europe.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Starting belly dance directly in festivals and masterclasses, not beginner classes

• How progressing too fast can cost you foundational technique

• When audience love can mask what you need to work on — but competition feedback exposes it

• The role of choreography vs. improvisation at different career stages

• How pregnancy reshaped priorities, body awareness, and pace

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Roxxanne Shelaby is a Southern California–based performer, teacher, and producer whose work is rooted in her Lebanese/Brazilian heritage and a lifelong immersion in Egyptian Style Oriental Dance. Raised in her family’s legendary nightclubs, Fez and Cascades, she grew up surrounded by live Middle Eastern music and dance, learning directly from iconic artists such as Feiruz Aram, Marie Silva, Sahra C. Kent, and members of Egypt’s Komeya Troupe. Roxxanne began performing at age five and professionally at sixteen at the request of Farida Fahmy, later studying with masters including Mahmoud Reda, Fifi Abdo, Aida Nour, and Ahmed Hussein. She spent 11 years performing with and serving as Assistant Director of Sahra C. Kent’s Ya Amar! Middle Eastern Dance Company, appearing in major U.S. festivals and international performances. Beyond performing, Roxxanne produces the showcases with live Arabic music, teaches internationally, and is the producer/director of the acclaimed Fez Documentary, preserving the history of belly dance on the U.S. West Coast while honoring its pioneering artists.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The story of The Fez club in Hollywood and why it changed belly dance history forever

• The surprising origin story of the Maya movement term and the dancer it was named after

• The journey from “this should be a book” to creating a 90-minute documentary against all odds

• The loss of long-form performance and what modern dancers are missing because of it

• Why watching other dancers perform is as important as performing yourself

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Fascinated by the arts since childhood, Nivetha Shree discovered Belly Dance at the age of 21 and has since trained with renowned teachers around the world. She holds certifications in DanceCraft – Key of Diamonds by Zoe Jakes and Krysalis – Invocation by Kami Liddle, and is an FCBD® Teacher, proudly leading the first officially recognized FCBD® Sister Studio in India. A Level 2 Yoga practitioner certified by the Government of India, she integrates a holistic body–mind awareness into her dance practice and teaching. As a solo artist and director of Saara – The Tribe, Nivetha has performed on leading dance platforms and, through Saara – The Bellydance Space in Bangalore, cultivates a supportive environment where dancers grow with confidence and self-expression. Her performances and workshops across India, Germany, the UK, and Australia reflect her mission to share the depth, artistry, and joy of Belly Dance worldwide.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How growing up with a dancer father shaped Nivetha’s creative foundation and artistic discipline.

• Why costuming became an extension of her storytelling rather than just decoration.

• Her deep connection to music as the core inspiration for choreography and improvisation.

• The philosophy behind her fully improvised performances and how she accesses “flow state.”

• Co-creating energy with the photographer instead of just posing.

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Snigdha Sachdev is a Delhi-based fusion belly dance artist and dedicated yoga enthusiast. A Biotechnology graduate with a master’s degree in Stem Cell Technology, she discovered her pull toward belly dance at a very young age. Her dance journey began with extensive training in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and Kathak—foundations she later blended to deepen her belly dance technique and develop her own distinctive movement style. In 2019, Snigdha co-founded The Dance District, a studio that has since expanded to multiple locations across Delhi NCR. Today, the studio offers a range of dance forms, and Snigdha leads the belly dance division, where she continues to share her passion, discipline, and unique fusion approach with dancers across the region.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The secret to creating choreography that actually feels alive: improv first, structure later

• Her class-building process: 90 minutes of prep for every hour of teaching

• The “punishments,” the homework, and the tough-love philosophy her students know well

• Why collaboration thrives in India’s tiny but fiercely supportive belly dance community

• The ethics of taking inspiration vs. copying—and how she credits her teachers with integrity

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Gracie Mandujano was born in Honduras, a land rooted in ancient Mayan traditions, and from an early age felt called to reconnect with life’s true purpose and the depth of her courageous spirit. Guided by yoga and dance, she returned to her physical body and divine power, dedicating herself to ancestral arts and becoming a healer and light worker. Her lineage eventually led her back to the ways of her ancestors, committing to the Camino Rojo and the Danza de la Luna, where she studies traditional forms of ceremony, prayer, and healing. Uniting these paths, Gracie and Estelle co-created a series of transformative containers under the school Modern Organic Dance & Sacred Arts, sharing this sacred space of essential growth with women and men across the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Gracie’s journey from dentistry to discovering tribal fusion and Oriental dance.

• The hidden energetics behind “inward” and “outward” movements in Oriental dance.

• How class energy, rhythm choices, and even the moon cycle shape her teaching.

• The story of healing a pre-cancer diagnosis through intentional dance practice.

• The birth of “Modern Organic Dance” and why belly dance didn’t feel like the right label.

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Esmeralda Colabone has dedicated herself to Arab dance and culture since 1999. From 2002 to 2014 she worked with Belly Dance Brazil and Lebanon’s famed La Maison de L’Artiste, becoming the agency’s youngest dancer at 19 and spending 12 years performing across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria, and Lebanon. She was the first Brazilian to tour the Maghreb and held one of Tunisia’s longest foreign dance contracts—experiences that shaped her both artistically and personally. After her “Enta Omri” video went viral in 2015, her influence spread worldwide. She helped popularize Lebanese style globally through her 2014 workshop and even co-created the first belly dance shoes with Capézio Brazil. A soloist, teacher, choreographer, judge, writer, and producer known as “The Turban Dancer” and “The Tunisian Treasure,” she has performed in 38 countries, inspiring dancers everywhere with her musicality, presence, and lived connection to the Arab world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The painful gap between YouTube criticism and the power of her live performances.

• Feeling “outdated” in an industry racing with new trends and younger dancers.

• The birth of the Silver Tour and her decision to call it “one last time.”

• The hidden reason behind her tribute performances—and how they helped her survive emotionally.

• Feeling more like a displaced performer rather than a true teacher.

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Leli Neeraja is a dancer and teacher who has dedicated over a decade to guiding others toward inner balance through movement. Her work is a continuous exploration of fusion between East and West, blending the grace of Indian classical dance with the expressive freedom of contemporary forms. She spends several months each year in India, deepening her study of traditional disciplines that help her explore and love her inner world. These experiences have profoundly shaped her artistic voice, where echoes of Odissi and other Indian styles merge seamlessly into her unique Fusion dance. Deeply inspired by the beauty, refinement, and spirituality of Indian culture, Leli feels a calling to share its essence in Italy—keeping her artistic journey ever-evolving through new encounters, discoveries, and creative adventures.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The spark that made Leli leave music to pursue dance full-time.

• How studying Odissi in India made her body “vibrate” with new awareness.

• The deep connection between dance and yoga through alignment and breath.

• Dance as her therapy for anxiety, anger, and panic attacks.

• Launching a handmade clothing line inspired by Indian textiles.

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Suhaila Salimpour, of Sicilian-Greek and Kurdish-American heritage, is a second-generation belly dancer and a pioneering figure in the global dance community. A former house dancer at the legendary Byblos nightclub in Beverly Hills, she toured internationally for over a decade, performing across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. As the visionary creator of the first codified pedagogy and certification system in belly dance, she transformed both performance and teaching, building a worldwide network rooted in discipline, anatomy, and cultural respect. Now directing the Salimpour School of Dance, she continues her mother’s legacy through global online education, choreography, and community leadership. A recipient of the Gerbode Foundation’s 2024 dance award and the Isadora Duncan Special Award (2023/24), she also serves on multiple dance boards and is completing her MFA in Dance at Saint Mary’s College of California.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Suhaila’s decision to pursue an MFA in Dance after decades on stage

• The need for Arab and immigrant voices in academia

• Her research on how colonization codified cultural dance forms, and the idea of “outside and inside colonization”

• The growth of the Salimpour School into a full online institute

• Three generations of Salimpour women carrying the dance forward

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Badriyah is a professional oriental dancer based in Belgium, dedicated to Egyptian classical and folkloric styles, modern fusion, and the Golden Age of belly dance. With over a decade of teaching experience, she offers regular classes at Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent and travels across Europe to teach and lecture. A former lead and troupe member of Jillina’s world-touring company Bellydance Evolution, Badriyah has performed more than 60 shows across 13 countries, from Hollywood to Morocco. Passionate about preserving dance heritage, she is also the founder of the Raqs Sharqi Museum project and a devoted collector of vintage belly dance artifacts dating from the 18th to the 20th century, bridging the past and present of this art form through both performance and research.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How becoming a mother and going through a divorce reshaped Badriyah’s life, art, and priorities.

• The transformation of her dream of “Raqs Sharqi Museum” from a private project into a global cultural collaboration.

• How the war in Gaza profoundly affected her worldview, anxiety levels, and artistic expression.

• Practical methods for managing anxiety and creative burnout — from micro-task planning to “first aid for the mind” through movement.

• Her unique approach to storytelling in Golden Era acts — blending historical recreation with deeply personal authenticity.

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Melissa Gamal is an award-winning dancer, instructor, and event producer based in Toronto, Canada. As the director of the Ya Amar School of Dance, Melissa is dedicated to providing comprehensive training in Egyptian dance, blending refined technique with a strong awareness of history and cultural context. Her work has taken her across North America and to Egypt, where she continues her studies to bring the most authentic and up-to-date knowledge to her students. In recent years, she’s gained recognition for her elegant Golden Era style and her mastery of sagat—culminating in a remarkable performance at the Cairo Opera House in 2021.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The turning point that made her quit a stable 9-to-5 job to follow dance full time.

• The moment she decided to open her own studio instead of staying “comfortable” with already established organization.

• The story behind her performing as a zill player at the Cairo Opera House.

• The advice she’d give her younger self about self-doubt and body image.

• Why dancers must go beyond aesthetics and stand in solidarity with cultures of origin.

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Virginia Danielson (PhD, Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, 1991) is an associate of the Harvard Music Department and a visiting scholar at New York University Abu Dhabi. She is the author of The Voice of Egypt: Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the 20th Century (University of Chicago Press, 1997), the first English-language biography of the Arab world’s most celebrated singer. Through rich ethnographic insight and historical analysis, Danielson traces how Umm Kulthum—known as “the voice of Egypt”—rose from rural beginnings to become a unifying cultural icon whose songs shaped modern Egyptian identity and Arab popular culture. Danielson’s work illuminates the complex interplay between gender, media, and nation-building in 20th-century Egypt, showing how one woman’s artistry transcended social boundaries to define an era.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How a village Imam’s daughter became Egypt’s most celebrated voice through talent, strategy, and relentless discipline.

• The clever business deals and radio contracts that secured Umm Kulthum’s financial and artistic independence.

• The myth-making and media control behind her carefully protected public image.

• The musical evolution of Umm Kulthum’s ensemble, blending classical Arabic poetry with modern Western instruments.

• Why audience described her concerts as a national ritual where “life stopped” every Thursday night.

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Elen Oriental (Elen Chikhladze) is a Georgian choreographer and dance instructor from Tbilisi, specializing in oriental dance since 2002. Beginning her artistic journey at the School for Athletic Fine Arts and later the Department of World National Dances, she graduated with honors from the College of Choreography and the N. Pridonishvili School of Popular Dance in 2001. As President of the International Association of Oriental Dance in Georgia and founder of her own belly dance school, Elen emphasizes the historical depth, elegance, and physical artistry of the dance. Her teaching method combines elements of gymnastics, yoga, and dance to strengthen muscles and joints while fostering psychological readiness, enabling students to master the demanding yet captivating techniques of oriental dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The danger, stigma, and literal risks of working as a belly dancer in Georgia during the chaotic post-Soviet years.

• How Elen fought back against prejudice by going on national TV, writing in magazines, and reframing Oriental dance as an art form.

• The story behind her iconic Arabic–Spanish fusion pieces, why they made audiences cry, and why she later chose to move beyond them.

• The critical difference between “advanced” and truly “professional” dancers.

• Why she insists on studying with Egyptian teachers rather than chasing festival choreographies.

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Laman Hendricks is an acrobatic gymnast, Azerbaijani and Caucasus folk dancer, teacher, and choreographer, as well as the Artistic Director and Founder of Dances of Caucasus. Born and raised in Azerbaijan and Turkey, she trained in classical ballet and folk dance at the Baku Choreography Academy while also competing as a member of Azerbaijan’s national gymnastics team and founding the country’s first post-Soviet women’s cycling team. A silver medalist in both cycling and mountain climbing, Laman has combined her athleticism with artistry, earning recognition at the 2015 Rakkas Istanbul International Dance Festival for her innovative performance as a male Caucasus dance part. She has since performed and taught at festivals and events across the United States and internationally, sharing the rich traditions of Azerbaijani dance while continuing to explore the intersections of ballet, gymnastics, Middle Eastern dance, and folk heritage.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How a 1001 Nights ballet production sparked her lifelong curiosity about belly dance.

• The transition from professional ballet training to belly dance, and tips for loosing up your shimmies.

• The challenges of cultural stigma around belly dance and the tension of being recognized only as a folkloric dancer.

• Folklore versus belly dance, and how folk dances enrich belly dance but are undervalued at festivals.

• How Azerbaijani and Caucasus dances remain a parallel passion alongside Laman’s belly dance career even today.

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Keti Sharif is an Australian dance teacher, performer, and choreographer who lived in Egypt for two decades, directing the Sphinx Festivals and collaborating with legends Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy. Creator of the A-Z Bellydance methodology—taught to over 6,000 students in 40 countries—Keti combines live Egyptian music, cultural dance traditions, and somatic movement to deepen musicality, artistry, and wellbeing. Her vision of belly dance as both a healing path and a communal art has shaped her global teaching, performances with international artists, and her role in preserving Farida Fahmy’s legacy through publications and archives. Today, she continues to teach, write, and inspire dancers worldwide through her studio, online academy, and cultural projects.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Connections between Chinese medicine and Zar rituals.

• The concept of “movement connectivity” and how body halves, upper-lower, and spinal movements influence creativity and decision-making.

• The contrast between authentic Egyptian embodiment and Westernized, fast-paced choreographies.

• Keti’s unique experience training with Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, and their complementary teaching styles.

• Farida Fahmy’s writing legacy, the preservation of Reda troupe history, and the emotional journey of documenting her life.

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Payal Gupta is one of India’s most sought-after master teachers of belly dance, celebrated for her structured classes, private lessons, workshops, performances, and intensives. Since 2008, she has trained over 10,000 students from all walks of life, earning recognition as a leading figure in the field. Coming from a culturally rich background where the performing arts hold deep value, Payal has been passionate about dance since the age of seven, exploring a wide range of styles before finding her true calling in belly dance. An Electrical Engineering graduate and lifelong dance enthusiast, she eventually chose to leave her corporate path to pursue dance as a career, sharing her love for belly dance with students across India and beyond.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Overcoming shyness and stage fright, and later guiding her own students through performance anxiety.

• The role geography played in Payal’s early success as one of the leading local teachers in her area.

• The difficulty of leaving behind her 15-year dance “empire” in Bangalore and starting over in Mumbai.

• Lessons that motherhood taught Payal, and the concept of nurturing students instead of just teaching them.

• Comparing dance life and opportunities in Mumbai and Bangalore.

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Rachel Brice is an internationally renowned dancer, teacher, and choreographer recognized as one of the key figures in the evolution of tribal fusion belly dance. A former member of the Bellydance Superstars and artistic director of The Indigo Belly Dance Company, she blends decades of experience in American cabaret, FatChanceBellyDance Style, and world dance traditions with her own distinctive artistry. Based in Portland, Oregon, she founded Studio Datura, created the 8 Elements of Belly Dance training, and continues to share her work worldwide through Datura Online and international tours.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Rachel’s first spark for belly dance and the role of goth culture and live music in eventually shaping her unique dance style.

• The downside of early success: why it can make you afraid to risk and try new ideas.

• Behind-the-scenes lessons from her Bellydance Superstars experience on leadership, rehearsal discipline, and handling pressure on tour.

• Why she believes “do what you love and you’ll never work a day” is a myth — and what actually happens instead.

• Rachel’s plan to partially retire in 2029 so she can return to more play, creativity, and collaboration.

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Murat Tekbilek is a Turkish percussionist celebrated for his dynamic artistry and deep roots in Middle Eastern music. Growing up in a family of renowned musicians, he has performed since childhood and spent over a decade as the lead percussionist in his father Omar Faruk Tekbilek’s ensembles. Specializing in darbuka, def, and bendir, Murat has appeared on stages worldwide, from intimate belly dance shows and weddings to international concerts and festivals. His career bridges Arabic and Turkish musical traditions, blending classical rhythms, Sufi influences, and contemporary collaborations, while carrying forward the vibrant legacy of his family’s music into a new generation.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Early inspiration from Murat’s father and uncle, who played in the legendary band The Sultans.

• How being a Middle Eastern musician in the U.S. meant playing for diverse cultural communities.

• Why eye contact and nonverbal communication are the secret to magical dancer–musician connection.

• Differences between Arabic and Turkish music cultures in how percussion is treated.

• Learning complex odd-meter rhythms in Turkish classical music and how they reshaped Murat’s playing.

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Alex Delora is an internationally acclaimed belly dance performer, teacher, and choreographer who has been sharing her art worldwide since 2012. Invited to more than 50 countries to teach, perform, and judge competitions, she is especially recognized for her unique technique and charisma in drum solo style. In 2020 she launched her first online program, Drum-Matic BellyDance, followed by the creation of her fashion brand, Alex Delora Design, which has since expanded into handmade and ready-to-wear collections. Today, Alex focuses on teaching at international festivals, offering private coaching, and developing new online courses, while continuing to inspire over a million followers through her vibrant social media presence.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Performing more with live orchestras and how to establish connection with musicians.

• High-heels training: a different movement system, lyrics-led listening, and amplified emotions.

• Learning to remove mental blocks around sensuality in dance.

• Seeing dance styles as different roles or characters to embody.

• The effect of gym training on the belly dance technique.

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Sonia Ochoa is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over 25 years of experience on international stages. Rising to prominence as a principal dancer with the Bellydance Superstars (2002–2010), she toured the world performing in renowned theaters and television shows under the direction of Miles Copeland. A lifelong student of movement, Sonia has traveled extensively through India, Egypt, and Spain to study Odissi, Egyptian folk dances, flamenco, and classical Spanish dance, weaving these traditions into her own signature style. Based in Los Angeles, she directs the Sonia Ochoa Dance Co., leads workshops, judges competitions, and collaborates with artists locally and abroad. With her deep passion for music and dance, Sonia continues to bridge cultures and inspire global audiences through the beauty and diversity of artistic expression.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The importance of understanding goals when studying multiple dance forms.

• Similarities and differences between Polynesian, ballet, flamenco, and belly dance.

• How joining the Bellydance Superstars shifted Sonia’s career path.

• Sonia’s perspective on fusion—valuing both creativity and cultural respect.

• How flamenco and belly dance share both strong/masculine and soft/feminine qualities.

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Amera Eid is one of the leading figures who brought belly dance to Sydney and helped it grow across Australia. For more than 40 years, she has performed and taught around the world, sharing her love for the dance with students and audiences everywhere. She is also a talented fashion designer who created the first belly dance boutique in the Southern Hemisphere in 1987, creating stunning costumes for performers, fashion shows, and films — from Moulin Rouge to Kylie Minogue’s Sydney 2000 Olympic outfit. Beyond dance, Amera is deeply committed to foster care. As a foster carer and adoptive mum, she works to recruit, train, and support others in giving safe and loving homes to children in need.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The challenge of pursuing belly dance with no family support and almost no local training opportunities in the 1980s.

• Founding one of Sydney’s first belly dance schools and a boutique that became a hub for dance community.

• Working as a professional dancer across the Middle East, preferring Lebanon over Egypt for contracts.

• Returning to Australia due to industry age bias and shifting focus to teaching.

• How Australia’s belly dance scene differs from Europe in competitions and festivals.

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