Rachel Kay Brookmire is the founder and creative director of Sahara Dance, one of the largest and most well-established belly dance schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Sahara Dance has been a thriving center for Middle Eastern dance for over two decades, offering 30+ weekly classes, nine performance groups, and a hybrid model for both in-person and virtual students. Rachel is also the creator of Sahara Dance Foundations, an intensive teacher training program, and directs the professional ensemble Raqs Sahara and student troupe Raqs Caravan East. A specialist in Egyptian raqs sharqi, Rachel blends technical precision with lyrical expressiveness and is known for her detailed, community-centered teaching style. She has performed widely, taught thousands of students, and produced major theatrical performances and international retreats. In 2023, her school proudly represented Middle Eastern dance at the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC, with 100 dancers performing a Jillina-directed choreography on the National Mall.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Transitioning from regular job to a dance career

• How to understand if you are ready to teach

• Dealing with a team of 15 teachers, and keeping consistent curriculum throughout the school

• Why performing on stage is a magical part of your dance and personal growth

• Managing workload and avoiding burnouts

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Maya Youssef is a multi-award-winning composer and qanun virtuoso, acclaimed by the BBC as the "Queen of the Qanun." Recognized as the world’s leading mentor in Maqam and Taqsim, she has spent over a decade guiding hundreds of Arabic music enthusiasts and dancers in deeply understanding and embodying Arabic music — without relying on dry theory or vague clichés. Maya offers practical, dancer-friendly insights into recognizing Maqam by ear, understanding the true structure of Taqsim, and interpreting the emotional dynamics in the works of legends like Umm Kulthum and Farid al-Atrash. She is currently preparing a free "Maqam for Dancers Challenge" to help dancers forge a meaningful connection with Arabic music through embodied experience.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is Maqam

• Nine most commonly used Maqamat, and how they “behave”

• The structure and rules of Taksim improvisation

• How to predict Tarab moment

• Why is it important for dancers to learn about Maqam and Taqsim

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Ojasvi Verma is an accomplished Indian dancer, content creator, and entrepreneur whose journey began on YouTube in 2016, growing to an audience of over 800K subscribers and nearly 1 million Instagram followers. Trained in a variety of dance forms including Bharatnatyam, Waacking, Jazz, Salsa, and Belly Dance, Ojasvi has developed a unique fusion style blending Oriental Belly Dancewith other genres. She has taught over 3,500 students worldwide through her online and offline classes. Alongside her creative work, Ojasvi launched "Ojasvi’s Bellydance Closet," a costume line designed to offer affordable and elegant dance wear for performers. Recognized for her influence both on stage and social media, she has performed at prestigious events including TEDx, Mumbai Hafla, and shows for UNICEF, and has been featured in numerous media outlets and awarded for her contributions to dance and digital artistry.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How belly dance helped Ojasvi to stay dance-active and recover from the knee injury

• Taking it slow with your training, and benefits of focusing on the beginners moves for a long time

• Stereotypes surrounding belly dance in India

• Developing unique fusion style, including Ojasvi’s signature back moves

• Taking a decision to put on hold a super successful dance wear business in order to find fulfilling balance in life

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Raïssa Leï is a multifaceted individual celebrated for her creative and cultural contributions. She is an advocate for the warrior spirit of Amazigh women, reflecting her dedication to preserving and promoting Amazigh heritage and values. Her work often highlights themes of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. Raïssa is featured in interviews and podcasts that explore her journey and the impact of her advocacy on empowering women and communities. Raïssa is renowned for blending traditional North African tribal dances with modern styles like hip-hop and Waacking, creating a unique fusion that celebrates Amazigh heritage while embracing contemporary artistry. She directs the Kif-Kif Bledi troupe, showcasing her leadership in promoting North African culture. Through her art and public engagements, Raïssa actively challenges stereotypes and colonial erasure, using dance as a medium to reclaim and celebrate Amazigh identity.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The Amazigh culture in Moroccan landscape

• Stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Amazigh community

• Quitting a “regular” job to focus full time on activism and spreading awareness about the Amazigh culture

• How fragile the copyright protection of the intellectual property of a choreographer is

• Dealing with random people and organizations using your photos for commercial purposes

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Mar is an Egyptian American woman and source dancer based in Los Angeles who founded Move And Radiate Inc. (M.A.R.). She created M.A.R. to provide a safe and non-judgmental space that steers away from competition & perfectionism. Mar’s classes are a home away from home to many MENA women & a new home to women who are excited to embrace the Egyptian culture. Her work includes empowering & uplifting women from her community and abroad to step into their power, connect with their bodies & heal from within. Her deep passion for her vibrant culture inspires her to educate and build confidence amongst women through the art of belly dance. She aims to restore confidence, boldness, strength, and unity amongst women. M.A.R. is now a national & global name w/ students taking classes from all over the country & world. Mar’s mission can be seen in & through her dance company. As Mar likes to say, “It’s bigger than belly dance.” She strives to spread love & she welcomes all women into this space!

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is limiting your potential

• Vanessa’s decision to stay in the USA

• Learning at look at a bigger picture

• How to deal with criticism, rejection and self-doubt

• Mentorship program “Trasform”

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Ansuya is an award-winning belly dancer, instructor, and pioneer in online belly dance education. Raised in the artistic world of American Cabaret Bellydance by her mother, Jenaeni Rathor, Ansuya began performing at the age of four and went on to become a three-time Golden Belly Award winner, a Bellydance Superstars member, and a sought-after performer in Hollywood and international theaters. Her career spans television appearances, music videos, choreography for film, and collaborations with celebrities. Known for her expressive, fusion-based style, she integrates yoga and sensual empowerment into her teachings. Today, she continues to inspire dancers worldwide through her online training programs and certifications.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Being a daughter of a belly dancer, and learning her first choreo at 4 years old

• Treating props as spirits

• Ansuya’s experience with Belly Dance Superstars

• Belly dance as a tool to release stress, or a source of stress

• Pushing the acceptable boundaries of exploring sensuality and sexuality through dance

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Aliah is a renowned professional belly dance artist, international teacher, and judge. With a career spanning over a decade, Aliah has performed and taught in numerous countries including China, Switzerland, Norway, France, and many more. She is the founder of the Aliah Bellydance fashion brand and choreographer of the Aliah Oriental Dance Studio in Warsaw. Aliah has a rich background in competitions, having won several awards, and her students have achieved notable success in Belarus, Poland and beyond. Since 2015, she has been based in Warsaw, where she continues to inspire and educate through her classes and the Dance Weekend in Warsaw festival.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Aliah’s experience on TV project

• Building successful school in Poland

• When and why to start participating in competitions as a beginner

• Combining international travels with teaching locally

• Managing two festivals

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Marlene Tafle is an Argentine dancer specializing in Raqs Sharqi, with a profound passion for Egyptian culture. She began her dance journey at the age of 13 and earned her teaching degree from the Maiada Arabic Dance Academy in 2011. In 2014, Marlene opened her dance studio, Helwa, in Buenos Aires, which became Helwa Online in 2020. Over six years, she taught hundreds of students and organized numerous events. With over a decade of teaching experience, she employs a student-centered methodology that fosters personal growth and emotional connection through music. Marlene has performed extensively in solo shows and with live orchestras, and she has trained with international masters. In 2022, she moved to Cairo to work as a freelance dancer and has since collaborated with Mohamed Shahin's team on various events. Currently back in Argentina, Marlene continues to inspire and grow the local and international dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Empowering yourself to move towards your goals

• Marlene’s first trip to Egypt

• Taking the leap to open a studio, and then eventually closing it

• Comparing performance experience in Egypt, Emirates and Tunisia

• Organizing events in Egypt vs Argentina

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Vanessa of Cairo is an international performer, award-winning choreographer, and instructor specializing in Egyptian dance and folklore. A native Texan with a BFA in ballet, she honed her craft in New York City, studying with Broadway legends before moving to Egypt in 2008. As the first American woman to own a production company there, she performed and produced shows in Sharm El Sheikh and held a 30-month residency at Cairo's Sofitel El Gezirah. Vanessa has taught, performed, and judged competitions worldwide and is now the Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company in Minneapolis, continuing to inspire students through classes, workshops, and her mentorship program, "Transform."

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is limiting your potential

• Vanessa’s decision to stay in the USA

• Learning at look at a bigger picture

• How to deal with criticism, rejection and self-doubt

• Mentorship program “Trasform”

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Veronika Shulkevich is a renowned Ukrainian belly dancer, choreographer, and educator from Odessa, celebrated for her contributions to oriental dance. Beginning her dance journey at a young age, she gained international recognition by winning numerous competitions and teaching at prestigious festivals like Ahlan Wa Sahlan in Egypt. As the founder of VEROSHDANCE, she trains aspiring dancers and conducts workshops all over the world, blending traditional and contemporary styles in her performances.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Teaching dance classes in Ukraine during the war time

• Managing her own clothing brand

• Working with professional models

• Tips for improvisation & improving musicality

• Veronika’s routine before going on stage

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Acia Legras comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts, having started her artistic career at a young age with the Folkloric Troupe of Réunion, which was directed by her family. This involvement allowed her to learn traditional dances like Séga and Maloya, as well as gain experience in various musical instruments native to her island. Her family's influence played a crucial role in shaping her passion for dance, particularly when she was introduced to authentic Egyptian folklore at just seven years old, sparking her lifelong dedication to belly dancing.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Childhood years in artistic family

• Touring and rehearsing shows vs attending regular school

• Finding passion with Egyptian dance

• Teaching postpartum dance classes

• Sharing her passion to dance with her own daughter and students.

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Cassandra Fox is a prominent Canadian belly dancer based in Ontario, Canada. She has garnered attention for her unique blend of belly dancing and Caribbean dance styles, reflecting her Jamaican heritage. Cassandra's early interest in dance led her to pursue a career that combines performance and education. She shares her passion through various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and Patreon, where she posts videos showcasing her dance routines and offers tutorials on dance techniques and costume making. In addition to her dance career, Cassandra is known for her work as a costume maker, further enhancing her artistic expression in performances. Her vibrant dance style and engaging content have helped her build a significant following within the dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Online boom during lockdown times

• Separating your dance activities from your self-identity

• Difficulties during a post-pregnancy recovery

• Dealing with a postpartum depression

• Approach to social media comments

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Zahra Zuhair is an internationally acclaimed performer, instructor, and choreographer celebrated for her authenticity, musicality, and dedication to Middle Eastern dance. With a foundation in raqs sharqi from a young age, she has studied extensively across North Africa and the Middle East, specializing in Egyptian dance with prominent teachers like Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, and Dina. Founder of the Ghazella Dance Company and PoNaNa Dance Theatre, Zahra has choreographed productions blending Middle Eastern stories and dance. She also co-founded DanceGardenLA studio and has led beloved retreats and study tours, fostering excellence in Oriental dance. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, Zahra continues to teach and inspire the global dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Belly dance in the 1970 vs now

• How performance venues and audience influence the art

• Finding your personal voice in dance

• Interacting with trends in a healthy way

• Popularizing dance among kids

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Igor Kischka is a notable Brazilian belly dancer and choreographer, recognized for his vibrant performances and contributions to the art of belly dance. He has gained a reputation not only in Brazil but also internationally, showcasing his talent through various performances and workshops. In addition to performing, Igor Kischka is dedicated to teaching and sharing his knowledge of belly dance. He conducts workshops and classes that emphasize the importance of authenticity and personal expression in dance. His philosophy encourages dancers to stay true to themselves while exploring their artistic potential.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Dealing with body shaming

• Overcoming trauma and abuse influence

• Finding piece with your own mirror reflection

• Tips for teachers on how to approach students who don’t accept themselves

• Being vulnerable on stage

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Ciya, an artist since childhood, began her journey with ballet, later exploring circus arts and contortion. At sixteen, she discovered oriental dance, which became her true passion. Over her career, Ciya has performed at prestigious events, including for the Moroccan royal family and Gabon’s presidential family, and appeared in the film L'Immortel. She has danced with notable Parisian companies and created her own, Sheherazade’s, in 2009. Currently, she leads the Egypt'Ciya Ballet, selecting top dancers annually to represent her artistic vision. As a dedicated teacher, Ciya has run her own dance school, Espace R'Danses, in Montrouge since 2015, known for her technical focus and interactive, student-centered approach. Since 2012, she has also contributed to professional training at the Sultana Association, teaching aspiring instructors and expanding the reach of this rich dance form.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Pedagogy principles in dance

• How to get ready for the class

• Promoting belly dance classes and shows in France

• Changing stereotypical opinions about belly dance

• Coordinating dance groups

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Mahin is an internationally acclaimed dance educator, known for her expertise in Middle Eastern dance and her science-based approach to movement. She holds a B.S. in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University and is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, integrating her scientific knowledge of body mechanics into her dance instruction. Creator of the popular “Bellydance Quickies,” Mahin teaches workshops worldwide, weekly classes at her studio One World Dance & Music, and online. Celebrated for her musicality, classical technique, and exceptional zill playing, Mahin’s motto, “In the ears, out the hips,” reflects her deep connection to Arabic music and dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Different connection with the audience when performing at restaurant vs theatre

• Tips on how to overcome stage nervousness, and how to help your students

• Funny ‘disaster’ stories from performance experience

• The value of knowing how to make your own costumes

• Balancing teacher-student relationships

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Levana is an acclaimed Spanish belly dancer, performer, and instructor celebrated across Europe for her artistry and dedication to oriental dance. With over 20 years of experience, Levana’s background includes rigorous training in ballet and competitive gymnastics, which gives her an elegant, powerful presence on stage. She is not only recognized for her performances and teaching but also as the founder and organizer of the renowned Etoiles d'Orient festival in Palma de Mallorca, where she brings together top international talent in oriental dance each year. Levana’s work continues to elevate the art form, inspiring students and audiences alike in Spain and beyond.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Levana’s decision to become a full-time dancer

• Running a school and festival

• Bringing “Ukrainian” vibe to the competition

• Navigating stressful situations during the event

• Managing a team of people to work with

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Soraya Art Factory is a professional dancer, entrepreneur, and cultural mediator at Place des Arts in Montreal. She is celebrated for her vibrant energy, eclectic style, and professionalism. Soraya’s dance journey began in Morocco, where she took her first belly dance class in 2007. Inspired by Egyptian icons like Neima Akef, Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Fifi Abdo, Dina, she pursued her passion for dance. In 2015, she left her law career to travel, share her love for dance, and train globally. Her unique style blends Afro, belly dance, salsa, and more, with a strong emphasis on musical interpretation. Today, she lives in Canada, continuing to share her passion for dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Soraya started her dance journey back in Morocco

• Her experience of moving to a different country

• Learning different dance styles at the same time

• What is true body awareness during your dance

• Variety of Moroccan dances

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This is a best of episode! You will hear how various types of conditioning exercises are the integral part of their training.

You will hear from Hayal, Shahrzad, Jasirah, Dipika, Nabila and Heather (Henna) Louise.

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Check these full interviews with the podcast guests:

Ep 271. Hayal: Functional Training For Belly Dancers

Ep 214. Shahrzad: Changes in The Cairo Dance Life During The Last 4-5 Years

Ep 19. Jasirah: How to Practice on Your Own. Tips & Tricks

Ep 281. Dipika Vijay: Comparing Dance With Design And Geometry

Ep 105. Nabila: It's Never Too Late to Start and Succeed

Ep 291. Heather (Henna) Louise: Focus On The Experience You Wanna Have

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Christine “Shiraz” Şahin is a dance practitioner-scholar and ethnographer specializing in contemporary Egyptian raqs sharqi (“belly dance”) and other MENAT (Middle Eastern, North African, and Turkish) dance genres. She has a Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Delaware, and  is currently serving as Acting Assistant Professor of Dance in the Department of Dance at the University of Washington in Seattle. She also specializes in geriatric fitness and mind-body wellness. Her research has been published in Kohl: A Journal for Gender and Body Research.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Christine’s book “Core Connections. Cairo Belly Dance in the Revolution's Aftermath”

• Belly dance as a tool of empowerment

• The influence of 2011 revolution on the dance scene in Egypt

• Strong connections between art and politics

• How you can support Palestine

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