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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Shahdana is an international belly dancer from Argentina whose artistic journey began not with dance, but with music—studying piano and musical composition for nearly two decades, including performing in a tango orchestra. Her deep connection to music later found a new expression in belly dance, where Arabic rhythms became her primary focus. But it was a moment of emotional clarity—dancing to Piazzolla’s tango and breaking into tears—that reminded her to honor her roots. That decision to merge tango with belly dance not only defined her unique style but opened international doors, beginning with her first overseas performance in Korea. Today, Shahdana is celebrated for her emotional depth, musicality, and distinctive fusion of tango and belly dance, teaching and performing around the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Late start is not a barrier to build a dance career

• How setting a 7-year goal helped Shahdana stay focused through years of rejection.

• The role of intuition and networking in building a dance career.

• Why she emphasizes interpreting tango with authenticity rather than mimicking tango dancers.

• How to develop a unique style through consistent improvisation and personal storytelling.

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Jill Collins is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and educator whose versatile career spans contemporary, theatrical, and Middle Eastern dance. She began performing professionally as a teenager and later earned her BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2007, she joined Jillina’s Sahlala Dancers, eventually becoming Artistic Director and owner in 2021. Jill has toured internationally for over a decade with Bellydance Evolution, serving as both featured dancer and rehearsal director, as well as co-director of the company’s training branch, BDEx. In 2015, she founded Cathartic Art, a collective dedicated to advocating for mental health through creative performance. In addition to her work with Sahlala, she performs with LA Choreographers & Dancers and holds teaching credentials from Dance Masters of America and SharQuí: The Bellydance Workout.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How a Craigslist audition unexpectedly launched Jill’s journey into belly dance with Jillina’s Sahlala Dancers.

• The challenges of transitioning from ballet to belly dance—especially shifting posture and grounding.

• How the gig and performance landscape changed after the pandemic, including shifts in audience attention and show structure.

• The ups and downs of taking over Sahlala Dancers during the pandemic and rebuilding it from near scratch.

• Her current focus on work-life balance, adding Zoom rehearsals, and developing educational outreach performances.

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Shreeprada (Shree) is a captivating Indian Tribal Fusion dance teacher known for her layered style, artistic depth, and commitment to creativity. With a background in Bharatanatyam and a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, she brings a unique fusion of movement and visual artistry to her work. Trained in printing, embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and knotting, Shree has an exceptional ability to conceptualize and design textured surfaces—skills that mirror her intricate dance style as well. Passionate about sharing the magic of Tribal Fusion, she inspires dancers worldwide through her recorded courses and online classes.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The impact of colonization and media on Indian clothing norms and perceptions of dance.

• How Shree discovered belly dance through television and dealing with cultural taboos in India.

• The strong visual and cultural parallels between Tribal Fusion and Indian folk aesthetics.

• The creation of "Tribal Fusion India" to showcase diverse Indian voices in the style.

• How she uses social media strategically to attract aligned students rather than just followers.

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Melli Sarina is a pioneer in the Tribal Fusion and Fusion Belly Dance scene with over 26 years of dance experience. Based in Augsburg, Germany, she discovered her passion for Tribal Fusion at sixteen after a transformative workshop with Sharon Kihara. Her signature style—known as “Liquid Fusion”—blends Zoe Jakes' DanceCraft-inspired technique with the fluid artistry of urban waving, creating a powerful fusion of isolations, body control, and expressive flow. With intensive training from masters like Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Mira Betz, and Jill Parker, including 49 hours at The Tribal Massive in Las Vegas, Melli has become known for her precision, biomechanics focus, and deep muscle awareness. She teaches online classes and leads her own Liquid Fusion intensives designed around body awareness, mobility, and personal movement needs. A celebrated performer and educator, she has graced stages across Europe and the U.S., earned titles like 2011 Tribal Star Award winner and 2010 Vice Tribal Bellydancer of the World, and continues to shape the next generation of fusion dancers with her technique-driven, heart-centered approach.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The influence of urban dance styles—especially waving—on Melli’s movement vocabulary.

• The creation and meaning behind the term “Liquid Fusion Belly Dance.”

• How discovering pelvic floor awareness transformed her understanding of belly rolls.

• The value of working with a somatic therapist rather than just dance teachers for deeper growth.

• Her thoughtful approach to teaching levels in Liquid Fusion Belly Dance.

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Lidiane is a Brazilian belly dancer currently based in Egypt, known for her expressive style, stage presence, and deep dedication to the art of Oriental dance. She began her journey as a teenager in Brazil and eventually left behind a stable career to pursue her dream of dancing professionally in Egypt. Since arriving originally in Sharm el-Sheikh, and eventually moving to Cairo, Lidiane has performed nightly shows, reshaped her technique, and immersed herself in the cultural nuances of the Egyptian dance scene. Through discipline, emotional resilience, and a commitment to authenticity, she has built a name for herself not only as a dancer but as a performer who embodies the spirit of the stage both on and off it.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why competitions never brought her medals—but did lead to her most important lesson about confidence on stage

• Leaving a secure job in Brazil to pursue dance in Egypt

• Reshaping her technique and musicality to survive the demands of Egyptian stages

• Learning about branding and applying those skills to her belly dance career

• Why gym workout is an important part of her lifestyle

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Estelle Zaghloul Ramia is a Lebanese-born, Costa Rica-based belly dancer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador who rose to fame after winning the first season of Hezzi Ya Nawaeem on Lebanese TV and later became the first belly dancer to perform on the national stages of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In recognition of her artistic and community impact, she was honored in 2017 as one of Costa Rica’s Women’s Empowerment Icons. Her most recent project, Modern Organic Dance and Sacred Arts, is a creative and spiritual collective she co-founded, combining dance, music, videography, ritual, and energy work to create immersive, transformative experiences rooted in sisterhood and sacred expression. She shares her work through performances, teachings, and online platforms.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Oriental dance as a vessel for ancestral memory and feminine empowerment

• What it means to dance with the elements and how fire, water, air, and earth can shape your movement practice

• The role of ritual in Estelle’s classes, from altars and candles to setting intentions before movement

• What blocked shimmies can reveal about your deeper energetic or emotional patterns

• How Egyptian mythology holds simple truths about energy, healing, and feminine power

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Pinky Selim is a banker by profession, a dancer by passion, and the founder of the AUC Alumni Folklore Group, a troupe dedicated to reviving Egyptian folkloric dance. While studying at the American University in Cairo, she was deeply involved in the university’s folklore club, and after graduation, she couldn’t imagine letting go of this art form. In 2013, with the support of AUC’s Alumni Office, she launched AUC Alum Folk to preserve and celebrate Egyptian heritage through performance and education. Inspired by legends like Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, Pinky has choreographed and staged numerous shows that bring folklore to life for new generations. As a proud mother and twin sister, she leads a growing troupe of dancers of all ages, teaching workshops and organizing performances that honor the richness and diversity of Egyptian folk traditions.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How a simple alumni club became a full dance company

• The deep influence of her father on Pinki’s view of music and culture

• The growing disconnection between young Egyptians and their own cultural heritage

• Why teaching folklore felt urgent in a culture where kids mock their own language

• What it takes to lead amateurs who dance like pros

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Rae Chrysalis is a classically trained dancer, embodiment coach, and leading voice in the silk fan community with over 30 years of experience in movement and performance. She is the founder of Chrysalis Silk Studies, an online school that has trained students in more than 60 countries in the art of silk fan dance. Rae’s work is at the forefront of Silk Fan Fusion, helping shape the future of this emerging art form through her signature blend of technical dance foundations, flow arts, and soul-driven expression. She has toured with artists like Seven Lions and Ayla Nereo and performed at premier festivals including Shambhala, Lightning in a Bottle, and Envision. As both performer and educator, Rae is celebrated for her ability to make advanced movement accessible while creating transformative spaces for deep embodiment and artistic discovery.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Rae discovered fan veils and made them her signature tool

• Common mistakes dancers make during their learning process, how Rae built her teaching system over years of exploration

• Why belly dancers are drawn to her work to deepen their connection with fan veils

• How to choose fan veils that match your style and purpose

• What is the essence of ritual art, and Rae’s personal journey into it

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Dawn Devine, also known as Davina, is a costume designer, author, and lifelong dancer with a passion for belly dance and all things that sparkle. Best known for her popular books on how to design and construct belly dance costumes, she has built a unique career at the intersection of dance, fashion, and education. With a background in tap, jazz, modern, and ballet, Davina discovered belly dance as a teenager and has since taken the stage as a performer, teacher, and creative mentor. She is dedicated to helping dancers create beautiful, well-fitting costumes and is constantly writing—whether it’s books, blog posts, or magazine articles. A true costume historian at heart, Davina also enjoys diving into archives to uncover the origins and evolution of fashion, textiles, and stagewear.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Davina’s passion for sewing turned into costume repairs for local dancers and eventually her own costume book

• Learning self-publishing from sci-fi zine culture, selling her first 50 books on spot, and writing over 20 books since then

• Challenges of affording professional costumes in the 80s and the importance of the costume making skills

• Her research into vintage Assiut fabric and what makes it so magical

• Deep dive into zills—why dancers need more context, not just technique

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Portia Lange is a renowned belly dance educator, performer, and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Belly Motions, a Miami-based studio turned global platform blending Middle Eastern dance with fitness and empowerment. With over 20 years of experience, she has developed a unique, inclusive teaching method that welcomes all ages and abilities. A champion of Cairo’s Nile Group Competition, a Miami Herald Top 20 Under 40 leader, and a two-time ELLE Oriental cover star, Portia has also trained instructors worldwide through her Belly Dance Fitness Instructor Training Program. She is the creator of MIAMI RAKS FEST and continues to inspire thousands through both in-person and online programs that celebrate confidence, joy, and self-expression through dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How exploring different cultures through dance can become a path to finding your own identity.

• How Arabic, Turkish, Romani, and Mediterranean influences shaped her unique style.

• The power of dance and music in healing, empowerment, and self-expression.

• A thoughtful take on cultural appreciation vs. appropriation.

• Why true presence matters more than perfect movement in dance.

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Núria Rovira Salat, trained in anthropology and born in Spain, transformed her passion for Oriental and Romani cultures into dance, songs, and choreographies. She studied with masters like Lamia Saffiedine and Pétia Iourtchenko, teaching Arab-Berber and Maghrebi dances and performing widely in France. Núria teaches and performs widely across France and at major festivals, continually evolving her dance practice by blending traditional forms with contemporary expression. Since 2010, Núria has built a rich singing career with groups such as Finzi Mosaïque and Kavkazz, blending Mediterranean, Balkan, and Latin influences. Her cover of "Lágrimas Negras" has over 15 million views on YouTube. Founder of Ensemble QUIMERA, she explores Mediterranean traditional music with contemporary reinterpretations. Collaborating with notable artists and creating choreographies like “Azahar,” Núria fuses Romani, Balkan, and Arab styles to celebrate cultural diversity from the Bosphorus to Gibraltar.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How exploring different cultures through dance can become a path to finding your own identity.

• How Arabic, Turkish, Romani, and Mediterranean influences shaped her unique style.

• The power of dance and music in healing, empowerment, and self-expression.

• A thoughtful take on cultural appreciation vs. appropriation.

• Why true presence matters more than perfect movement in dance.

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Sara Al-Hadithi is a Baghdad-born, London-raised dance artist, cultural consultant, and autism advocate currently based in the USA. Deeply connected to her Iraqi heritage, Sara brings a unique perspective to Middle Eastern dance, particularly Iraqi styles, informed by both her personal background and the legacy of her father—a renowned Iraqi vocalist and folkloric authority. She has become a respected voice in the global dance community, offering students not only technical training but also a rich understanding of cultural context and significance. Beyond the stage, she is the founder of Autism Care Los Angeles (ACLA), an initiative inspired by her journey as a devoted mother to a non-speaking autistic son. With each role she embraces—dancer, educator, mother, and advocate—Sara channels her passion into creating spaces of cultural understanding, artistic depth, and compassionate care.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Key differences between Iraqi dance and belly dance, including their movement philosophies and cultural contexts

• Common misconceptions about Iraqi dance

• The meditative and trance-like essence of Iraqi dance movement

• How Iraqi dance has evolved in recent years

• Modern trends and pop influences of dance and entertainment scene in Iraq

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Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and a deep expertise in the performing arts of Rajasthan. Following a long academic career in higher education, she founded Kalbeliya World, an initiative supporting digital literacy among Kalbeliya dancers in India through virtual dance classes. She also serves as the creative director of Maghenta, a platform for Indian-inspired arts. Drawing on her extensive on-the-ground experience, Ayla regularly provides consultancy on intercultural communication with Indian companies, Hindi language education and translation, and practical guidance for filmmakers, NGOs, students, and professionals working or relocating to India.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Ayla became interested in Kalbeliya dance, decided to quit school at the age of 16, and traveled to India

• The use of the term “gypsies” within the Kalbeliya community

• Analyzing the famous movie Latcho Drom

• The role of costume and jewelry in Kalbeliya dance

• How the recent popularity of the dance has changed gender dynamics within the community

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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:

• Becoming a troupe leader in Egypt at the age of 16

• The nuances of bringing folklore from life to stage

• Mahdy’s experience of moving to the Netherland and starting his teaching career there

• His decision to focus primarily on professional level students instead of beginners

• How to be responsible and supportive judge at a competition

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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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