ALL EPISODES

Phaedra Darwish is a Chicago-based dancer, musician, instructor, and cultural advocate with a background in instrumental and vocal music and musical theatre. Inspired by Arabic dance and music and their connection to her own heritage, she has spent more than 14 years performing and teaching throughout Chicago and across the United States, while also participating in cultural events, community fundraisers, and dance festivals as both a dancer and musician. Her approach to Oriental dance goes beyond movement, incorporating music, regional traditions, and cultural context. Through her teaching and professional performances, Phaedra is dedicated to increasing awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Middle Eastern dance and sharing the richness of her cultural heritage with wider audiences.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The fact that many dancers were never actually taught how to practice

• Why private lessons can accelerate a dancer’s individual growth

• How to make choreography look spontaneous instead of rehearsed

• The role of breath, tension, and release in bringing movement to life

• How “soft focus” can help group dancers move as one unit

Olena Sinelnikova is an internationally acclaimed belly dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Ukraine. She is the founder and director of the Isfahan Dance School and the organizer of the Isfahan Bellydance Festival. An international judge and mentor to numerous Ukrainian champions and stage stars, Olena is recognized for her dedication to developing the next generation of dancers. She is also a winner of multiple national and international competitions, including first place at the Nile Group Festival in Cairo in both the Folklore Duet (2011) and Solo (2012) categories, and continues to teach and perform at festivals around the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The qualities every student should look for in a great teacher

• Why learning to be a student is just as important as learning to dance

• The importance of knowing when it's time to let a student grow independently

• Why starting belly dance at 30 is not too late to succeed

• How the war in Ukraine changed life for dancers and dance schools

Kira Lebedeva is a Tribal Fusion belly dancer, yoga instructor, and mentor from Lviv, Ukraine, with over 16 years of experience in dance and more than a decade of teaching. Known for her exceptional body control, fluid musicality, and expressive storytelling, she has become one of the leading artists in the international Tribal Fusion community. Her work is distinguished by a seamless fusion of technical precision and emotional expression, inviting audiences to experience dance as both an art form and a deeply personal story. In addition to her artistic career, in March 2022 Kira transformed her dance studio into a shelter for displaced Ukrainians following the outbreak of the full-scale war. Through both her performances and teaching, she continues to inspire dancers around the world with her unique blend of technical precision, creativity, and emotional depth.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What coaching can offer that self-discipline sometimes cannot

• The mindset that helped Kira continue creating through war in Ukraine

• How limiting beliefs about money hold dancers back

• Why every dancer needs to understand WHY they dance

• Funny misconceptions belly dancers and fusion dancers have about each other

Maris is an Estonian belly dancer, instructor, performer, and recording artist who has built an international career across Europe and the Middle East. After beginning her dance journey in 2005 and teaching from 2012, she launched her professional career in Egypt with daily performances in Sharm El Sheikh before moving on to Dubai and eventually settling in Cairo, where she has become a sought-after performer at prestigious weddings, events, discos, and Nile cruise shows. She has also taught and performed in numerous countries worldwide and is widely recognized in the Arab world for her appearance in Mostafa Shawki's 2019 hit music video Maltashet El 2loub. In addition to performing, Maris regularly teaches workshops internationally and, in 2024, released an album of original music created specifically for belly dance performances.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What it really takes to build a sustainable performing career in Egypt

• How media exposure can completely change a dancer's career in Cairo

• The truth behind common myths and gossip about Cairo dancers

• The changing trends in Cairo costumes, music, and audience expectations

• Practical advice for dancers dreaming of building a career in Cairo

Nadia Sueoka is a Japanese belly dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Singapore, with an international career spanning performances, teaching, and choreography around the world. Since beginning her professional career in 2005, she has trained extensively in Egypt and Turkey with world-renowned masters. Having traveled to more than 30 countries, she has developed a distinctive artistic style inspired by diverse cultures. An award-winning performer, Nadia is known for her powerful stage presence, exceptional musicality, and soulful improvisation. She has created over 100 choreographies in Oriental, Folklore, and Fusion styles. Her signature JAPANESE ORIENTAL FUSION series, which blends Middle Eastern dance with Japanese aesthetics, has earned international recognition for its originality and artistic vision. Nadia is the founder and artistic director of NADIA Oriental Dance Arts Singapore and NADIA ONLINE. She is regularly invited to perform, teach workshops, and serve as a judge at international festivals and competitions worldwide.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How belly dance helped her transform from a shy Japanese girl into a confident international artist

• What makes Egyptian, Turkish, and Japanese dance philosophies so different

• The story behind creating her signature Japanese Oriental Fusion style & how to blend two cultures without losing authenticity or respect

• Why competition culture is transforming belly dance in Asia

• The surprising mindset differences between Asian and Western dancers

Ruxandra is a Romanian Oriental dance instructor, performer, choreographer, promoter, and storyteller. A graduate of the Floria Capsalli Choreography High School in Bucharest and the Performing Arts Department of Gheorghe Cristea University of Sciences and Arts, she has a strong foundation in ballet and has also studied contemporary, modern, folk, Latin, flamenco, African, and Oriental dance. After living for two years in Egypt and three years in Benin, Africa, Ruxandra came to believe that she did not choose Oriental dance—it chose her. For almost two decades, she has worked to challenge stereotypes surrounding belly dance in Romania, becoming the only teacher in Bucharest to establish dedicated Oriental dance classes for children and creating welcoming spaces where women of all ages can reconnect with their bodies, confidence, femininity, emotions, and joy.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why many women still feel ashamed to admit they take belly dance classes in Romania

• The harassment and safety risks belly dancers face while performing

• Why teaching belly dance to children remains deeply controversial in Romania

• The ways movement can reconnect women with emotions held in the body

• Why she created a women’s dabke group as an artistic voice of solidarity

Petite Jamilla is an internationally acclaimed belly dancer, choreographer, instructor, and performer who began her professional career at just 15 years old. Trained from childhood by her mother, folkloric dancer Jamilla Rasa, and further inspired by Polynesian dance, she has dedicated her life to bridging traditional folkloric roots with contemporary belly dance. Petite Jamilla toured internationally for nearly a decade with Bellydance Superstars, where she became renowned for her signature Double Veil performances, served as the company's spokesperson, and briefly held the role of Artistic Director. A multiple award-winning artist, accomplished choreographer, musician, and sought-after teacher, she continues to share her passion for dance through workshops, performances, and creative projects, inspiring dancers around the world with her distinctive artistry and lifelong commitment to the art form.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How growing up with a belly dancing mother shaped one dancer's entire artistic journey

• What it was like to spend nearly a decade touring the world with Bellydance Superstars

• How a fascination with whirling transformed into a signature style of turns and veil work

• The emotional transition from an international touring career to motherhood and family life

• What it's like to teach belly dance to your own daughter—and let her discover her own voice

Samantha Karim is an award-winning belly dancer, speaker, coach, and educator dedicated to helping women build confidence, overcome perfectionism, and embrace authentic self-expression. A 2013 USA Belly Dance Queen Champion with more than 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, Samantha combines her extensive background in belly dance with life coaching to help women cultivate body confidence, resilience, and self-trust both on and off the stage. Specializing in supporting high-achieving and perfectionist women through her workshops, speaking engagements, and coaching, she shares practical tools for cultivating body confidence, resilience, and the courage to live unapologetically, inspiring thousands of women to step into their full potential.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How an unexpected encounter with Palestinian and Jordanian roommates led to a lifelong passion for belly dance

• Why confidence isn't built through dance alone—but through the choices you make while dancing

• Practical strategies for overcoming frustration, self-doubt, and mental blocks in class

• How perfectionism and people-pleasing quietly hold dancers back from reaching their potential

• The mindset shift that helped transform a belly dance teacher into an award-winning coach and speaker

Katalin Schäfer is a Hungarian dancer, choreographer, teacher, costume designer, and psychology student whose work bridges Middle Eastern dance, modern fusion, somatic movement, and self-awareness practices. With more than 20 years of international teaching, performing, and judging experience, she is the creator of the NEUture Dance method, a neuroaffirmative approach that integrates movement, body awareness, creativity, and nervous system regulation. Katalin is the director of GoldenScarf Arabic Folklore Dance Theater, founder of numerous artistic and retreat projects, and an award-winning performer whose career has taken her to festivals and events across Europe, North America, and Asia. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, she combines her extensive dance background with research into neurodiversity, somatic practices, and personal development, helping participants cultivate authentic expression, resilience, and deeper connection through movement.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How an ADHD and autism diagnosis completely changed one dancer’s understanding of herself

• Why dance became a healing tool long before she understood the science behind it

• The surprising ways neurodivergent traits can become strengths in dance and creativity

• The difference between a dance retreat, somatic practice, and actual therapy—and why the distinction matters

• The challenges of balancing motherhood, a dance career, university studies, and personal wellbeing

Sahra Saeeda (Sahra C Kent) is an internationally respected belly dancer, researcher, teacher, and choreographer whose career bridges performance, anthropology, and deep cultural study of Egyptian dance. Originally trained in Modern Dance, she later discovered Arabic music and belly dance, eventually building a successful career that included nearly six years performing six nights a week at the Meridian-Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo, completing over 1,600 performances. While pursuing a Master’s degree in Dance Ethnology, Sahra studied and worked closely with Farida Fahmy, whose mentorship deeply influenced her artistic path. She later founded the theatrical dance company Ya Amar! and created the acclaimed Journey Through Egypt program, an immersive educational experience exploring Egyptian dance, folklore, music, and culture through an anthropological lens. Today, Sahra continues to teach workshops, lectures, and Journey Through Egypt worldwide, sharing more than three decades of research and lived experience.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What it was like to have Farida Fahmy as a university classmate at UCLA — and the emotional story of unexpectedly meeting an idol

• How one “dream performance” in Cairo unexpectedly turned into a hotel contract

• What zaffa really means in Egyptian culture — beyond the wedding performance dancers usually see

• The hidden symbolic role of the dancer in Egyptian wedding rituals and feminine power

• Why folklore research became a lifelong mission — and how it led to “Journey Through Egypt”

Serkan Tutar is an internationally award-winning Turkish belly dancer, teacher, choreographer, and festival organizer known for his dynamic stage presence and multicultural approach to Oriental dance. Originally from Turkey and now based in Belgium, Serkan discovered his passion for belly dance as a child during his time in Saudi Arabia and was deeply inspired by Middle Eastern music and culture. Winner of Male Bellydancer of the World 2008 and Brandon Oasis 2006, he has taught and performed in over 30 countries worldwide. Specializing in Turkish and Modern Egyptian style, Turkish Romani, Baladi, Saidi, veil work, and his signature “crazy drum solos,” Serkan is also the organizer of the internationally recognized Rakkas Istanbul International Oriental Dance Festival. Known for his warmth, humor, and supportive teaching style, he continues to inspire dancers around the world through workshops, performances, and mentorship.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why jealousy can quietly damage dancers more than competition ever could, and what’s the difference between jealousy and envy from the dance career perspective

• The ongoing challenges of being a male belly dancer

• Why body type, age, gender, or appearance should never define who gets to dance

• The reality of online criticism, keyboard warriors, and how dancers can protect themselves emotionally

• Why many “international festivals” are not really festivals—and how this is changing the dance industry

Ahmed Refaat is an Egyptian folkloric dancer, choreographer, and master teacher with over 35 years of experience dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of Egyptian dance culture. Beginning his dance journey at the age of nine at El Gezira Youth Center under renowned teacher Mokhtar Mustafa, Ahmed later became an instructor himself, training new generations of dancers from a young age. He has performed and taught at major festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including appearances in the Mahmoud Reda anniversary performances in Alexandria, Rome, and Madrid. Today, he is a sought-after international teacher, performer, and choreographer, known for his deep cultural knowledge, strong artistic vision, and passion for helping dancers understand not only the movements, but also the feeling, music, and spirit behind Egyptian dance traditions.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The difference between folkloric dance and oriental dance—and why mixing them carelessly creates confusion

• Why two dancers can use the same technique but feel completely different while performing folklore

• How Egyptian choreographers transform real-life movement into stage performance through imagination

• The reality of being both an artist and an entertainer—and why there is no shame in that

• How studying Egyptian folklore can deeply improve a dancer’s oriental dance

Sara Pappalardo is an Italian Oriental and Bollywood dancer, choreographer, teacher, and festival organizer based in Catania, Sicily. Founder of the dance school Tery al Kubra and artistic director of the internationally recognized Khamsin Festival, Sara is known for blending strong technical foundations with expressive freedom and deep musical understanding. Specializing in Muwashahat, she has also developed her own teaching method for finger cymbals and rhythm, helping dancers build a stronger connection to Arabic music and musical interpretation. Alongside her work in oriental dance, Sara explores Indian dances and fusion styles, bringing warmth, humor, and a deeply personal teaching approach to students across Italy and internationally.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Living with endometriosis for over 20 years—and how belly dance became therapy, healing, and body acceptance

• What studying Indian classical dance taught Sara about discipline, focus, and falling back in love with dance

• Why good teachers should sometimes say “you’re not ready yet”—and why that can be a gift

• How finger cymbals can completely transform a dancer’s understanding of rhythm and musicality

• The beauty of fusion dance—and how mixing influences can become a way of expressing your full self

Verona Kemet (Veronika Kremenskaya) is a Ukrainian belly dancer, known for her strong musicality, expressive style, and deep connection to Egyptian dance aesthetics. She has taught workshops and master classes across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, including Spain, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Brazil, and Egypt. A highly accomplished competitor, Veronika is the winner of the Royal Crown at Cleopatra Festival 2025, among many other international events. Her artistic style has been shaped through long-term study with renowned Egyptian masters including Mohamed Shahin, Khaled Mahmoud, Kareem Gad, and Sahar Samara, blending technical precision with a strong commitment to musical interpretation and authentic oriental dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Growing up in Ukraine and choosing belly dance over every other style at just six years old

• Training, competing, and continuing festival life while navigating war, blackouts, and daily instability

• Finding an artistic identity between Ukrainian training and Egyptian style

• The difference between “just improvising” and truly knowing how to improvise

• The pressure of beauty standards in modern belly dance—from tanning to stage makeup and image expectations

Süreya is a London-based, internationally recognized Turkish belly dancer, choreographer, and instructor known for her dynamic stage presence, strong musicality, and versatility across multiple Middle Eastern dance styles. Deeply connected to her Turkish cultural roots, she has trained extensively in Turkish, Egyptian, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Khaleegy dance, as well as ballet and theatrical fusion. A multi-award-winning performer, Süreya has taught and competed in over 10 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, earning recognition at major international festivals and competitions such as Rakkas Istanbul, the International Belly Dance Battle, and Dum Tak Festival. Alongside performing at prestigious venues and events across the UK and internationally, she is also known for her passionate teaching style, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to sharing authentic oriental dance with new generations of dancers.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Growing up loving belly dance in Turkish culture while feeling pressured to hide it

• How burnout affects dancers mentally more than physically—and ways to recover from it

• Why nutrition, fitness, and structure become essential for sustaining a dance career

• The importance of lifelong learning and studying with many different teachers

• Competing in nine categories while unknowingly dancing with pneumonia—and the reality behind pushing too hard

Sharon Mesguich is a French, Tunisian, and Algerian belly dance artist, teacher, and festival organizer known for her dynamic stage presence and deep connection to Egyptian style. Introduced to oriental arts from a young age, she discovered belly dance in 1999 and has since built an international career, performing at major venues and events while teaching across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. She trained extensively in Egypt with renowned masters such as Dina, Mahmoud Reda, and Mayodi, shaping her musicality, technique, and expressive style. In 2004, she founded her school “Les Danseuses du Sinaï” in Montpellier, and later created the Oriental Marathon Festival, now one of the leading belly dance events in France. Known for her energy, generosity, and strong artistic identity, Sharon is dedicated to preserving the essence of oriental dance while supporting new generations of dancers through performance, education, and community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What it really takes to organize a large-scale belly dance festival—and why it’s far more complex than it looks

• The behind-the-scenes reality of hosting a dance cruise, from logistics to unexpected chaos

• How improvisation in belly dance is not truly “improvised”—but built on deep musical knowledge

• The difference between dancing steps and creating a real emotional connection on stage

• How to develop your own style by learning from many teachers without copying them

Maha Al Musa is an award-winning international childbirth educator, speaker, and the founder of EmbodyBirth and BellydanceBirth®, a pioneering approach to pregnancy and birth preparation she has been teaching since 1997. A leading advocate for natural birth, breastfeeding, and women’s embodied wisdom, she is the author of the acclaimed book Dance of the Womb: The Essential Guide to Belly Dance for Pregnancy and Birth, along with a widely recognized practice video series. Maha has presented at major conferences and institutions worldwide, sharing her work across Australia, the USA, India, and China. A mother of three, she is known for integrating personal experience with decades of teaching, including giving birth to her daughter at 46 in a home water lotus birth. Her work has received international awards and endorsements from respected figures in the birth community, and continues to influence both mothers and birth professionals globally.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why most women are disconnected from their bodies—and how dance can rebuild that trust

• Reasons why traditional belly dance was never about choreography—but about energy, emotion, and shared presence

• Why professional belly dancers often struggle with birth—and the impact of muscle tension and control

• How fear, medical systems, and external authority can disconnect women from their own instincts

• Approaching menopause as a powerful rite of passage rather than decline

April Rose is a belly dancer, teacher, and creator of the Dance Cohesion method, known for her precise technique, integration of finger cymbals and frame drum, and emphasis on group improvisation and musical connection. Based in Austin, Texas, she has taught and performed in over 25 countries, sharing a fusion approach rooted in Middle Eastern, North African, Turkish, Hellenic, and Central and South Asian dance influences. With a background that includes a bachelor’s degree in Dance and a master’s in Culture and Performance from UCLA, April combines academic research with embodied practice, exploring dance as a tool for presence, creativity, and human connection. She is also the founder of the Boss Bellydancer training program, where she mentors dancers in building sustainable and meaningful professional careers.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What multi-generational dance spaces can teach us beyond technique

• How alternative dance communities expanded ideas of beauty, identity, and self-expression

• The balance between respect for cultural roots and freedom to explore the dance

• The reality of building a sustainable dance career without burnout

• Why dance is ultimately a practice of presence, creativity, and human connection

Dr. George Sawa is an internationally recognized musicologist, performer, and educator specializing in Arabic music history, theory, and performance. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he brings over 50 years of experience, with training from the Higher Institute of Arabic Music and a PhD in historical Arabic musicology from the University of Toronto. He has taught at the University of Toronto and York University, and lectured and performed worldwide. A prolific author on medieval and modern Arabic music, his work bridges historical research with contemporary practice and has become an important resource for the dance community. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for his contributions to Arabic music research.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How translating 11th-century Arabic music dictionaries reveals detailed insights into dancers, musicians, and aesthetics of that time

• Why even medieval musicians warned dancers about tricky drummers—and the importance of knowing the music

• The reality of fusion in history—and why some combinations worked while others failed

• How European influence shaped Egyptian music and led to the rise of large orchestras

• Why modern dancers struggle to interpret older music—and what is required to truly dance to it

Bindu Bolar is an award-winning Indian dance artist and a pioneer of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance in her country, known for creating her signature style, “Belly Animation,” which blends belly dance with popping and animation. She is the founder and artistic director of Lights Camera Dance in Bangalore and has built an international career as a performer and teacher, leading workshops across the USA, Europe, and Asia. After initially balancing a career in software with dance, she chose to fully pursue her artistic path despite social pressures. Bindu has trained with leading figures including Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, and Carolena Nericcio, and was the first Indian dancer to win an International Belly Dance title in the Solo Tribal category. She continues to evolve as an artist and educator, with a strong focus on individuality and lifelong learning.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why movement can become a form of communication beyond words

• What it means to move beyond technique and become an artist who makes people feel

• The reality of pursuing dance in a conservative environment—and the stigma around belly dance

• How dancers navigate family pressure, social judgment, and career risks

• Reframing success and failure into milestones and lessons in a lifelong artistic journey

Kamilia is a Brazilian-born belly dancer who built an international career performing across Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, where she became known for her powerful stage presence and deep connection to Oriental music. Beginning her dance journey at the age of six, she went on to become one of the youngest dancers featured on LBC TV and trained under renowned figures including Caracalla. At the height of her performance career, she appeared in top five-star hotels in Cairo, sharing stages with icons such as Lucy, Mona Said, Fifi Abdou, Dina, and Hendeya, and performing with large live orchestras of up to 45 musicians. Today, Kamilia works as a teacher, artistic producer, and event organizer, dedicated to building a supportive and professional global dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Oriental dance has shifted from local Arabic dominance to a global, foreign-led scene

• How economic changes transformed belly dance performances into shorter, simplified formats

• What does it mean to be prepared for the dance improvisation

• Why foreigners must train their ears differently to truly understand Arabic music

• What it means to remain a “forever learner” after 30+ years in dance

Ellie is a belly dancer, teacher, and researcher who approaches Raqs Sharqi with a deep respect for its cultural roots and a focus on connection through movement. Dancing since childhood, she discovered belly dance in 2014 and has since spent over years teaching and performing, cultivating a practice centered on confidence, femininity, and ongoing learning. Alongside her dance career, Ellie holds a PhD in Mental Health and brings a research-based perspective to understanding the psychological and emotional experiences of dancers. She has trained and certified with leading international instructors, including Kaeshi Chai and Keti Sharif, and further deepened her connection to the dance through studies in Egypt and Turkey.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why belly dance can feel both empowering and intimidating at the same time

• The difference between hobbyists and professionals — and the hidden pressures of making dance a career

• The darker side of the dance world — competition, insecurity, and even bullying within the community

• Simple but powerful tools for self-care — from shimmies to emotional awareness

• And how belly dance continues to create connection, belonging, and a sense of home across the world

Julieta Maffia is a dance artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina, specializing in what was formerly known as Tribal Fusion Bellydance. She is the founder of Saturnus Studio, where she teaches regular classes and develops a wide range of artistic projects. Her work has been recognized internationally, allowing her to present the Argentinian approach to this dance form across different cities worldwide. Through her travels, Julieta continues to expand and refine her artistic voice, integrating diverse influences into her creation, teaching, and performance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The ongoing search for femininity and sensuality beyond stereotypes and expectations

• How politics and media shaped public perception of belly dance in Argentina

• Why growth happens through discomfort, failure, and real performance experience

• How stage performance can unlock a level of freedom unavailable in daily life

• Why workshops inspire—but real transformation happens through consistent training

Tamalyn Dallal is an internationally renowned belly dancer, teacher, and author celebrating over 50 years in dance. She began her career in 1976 and toured South America in the 1980s performing for Arab communities before founding the Mid Eastern Dance Exchange in Miami Beach, a nonprofit school and performing company that operated from 1990 to 2007 and trained many professional dancers. She later created and produced the Orientalia International Dance Festival for 14 years, presenting leading artists from around the world and expanding the festival internationally. Tamalyn has performed or taught in 44 countries, was one of the original Bellydance Superstars, and has written four books, produced music recordings, and directed ethnographic dance films including Zanzibar Dance, Trance and Devotion and Ethiopia Dances for Joy.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What it means to celebrate 50 years in belly dance and how the industry has transformed over five decades

• How teaching online requires a completely different kind of presence, connection, and preparation

• How choreography can expand a dancer’s vocabulary—but why true performance must go beyond memorized steps

• The challenge of comparison in the age of Instagram—and why individuality matters more than perfection

• How dancers can adapt to trends without losing their artistic voice

Sandra Kahloun, born in Tunisia and raised in the world of Oriental music, grew up surrounded by some of the greatest names of Egyptian art. Her father produced the renowned Egyptian orchestra Abdel Aziz Mahmour in 1970s Paris, and her mother was an interpreter of Oum Kalsoum’s repertoire, giving Sandra a deep musical foundation from childhood. She trained extensively in Cairo with masters such as Ibrahim Akef and Sammy Abdelhalim, studying dance and repertory for over a decade at the Theatre and Arts Academy of Cairo. In 1986, she created “Sandra’s Method,” a codified teaching system centered on musical interpretation, repertory structure, and improvisation. Founder of one of the largest Oriental Dance Academies on the Côte d’Azur, she has trained dancers and choreographers worldwide and is known for her rigorous musical standards, technical precision, and dedication to preserving the depth and integrity of Egyptian dance traditions.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Why classical belly dance is making a comeback — and why more students now crave musical depth over trends

• The difference between copying choreography and truly interpreting a song

• What it really means to be a teacher — and why great dancers are not automatically great educators

• How Sandra’s structured method trains dancers for improvisation, not memorization

• Why festivals and quick workshops cannot replace long-term musical training

Natalie Nayun is an international teacher and performer specializing in contemporary and folkloric dance traditions from Central Asia and the Middle East. With over 20 years of dance experience and 15 years of teaching, she has studied extensively in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Oman, conducting research and training through grants including the HAAS Scholar Award, CLS, and FLAS for Persian language study. She is a well-known soloist and Assistant Director of Ballet Afsaneh, choreographer for the UC Berkeley Central Asian and Middle Eastern Dance Company, Sorayya, and former director of Adara Dance Company. Natalie has completed residencies with state dance ensembles in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and continues to travel regularly to the region for research and collaboration.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The powerful difference between social dance and theatrical folk versions shaped by government agendas

• What Natalie discovered studying in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: 5 a.m. training, government ensembles, village libraries — and people drumming on tables to show her their dance

• How weddings, birth rituals, and even mourning ceremonies keep dance alive as a lived, communal practice

• The creation of a global online platform dedicated to the Central Asian dances, which supported 40+ teachers worldwide during the pandemic time and afterward

• Why art is often the first thing silenced by governments— and what that reveals about its power

Summer Deng is one of the most sought-after Chinese professionals in the world of Oriental dance, celebrated for his exceptional technical precision, artistic expression, and groundbreaking contributions as a male dancer. He has performed, taught, and judged across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, conducting hundreds of workshops and intensives in over 80 cities in China alone. Known for his versatile style—blending high-energy, dramatic movements with fluid, intricate technique—he has inspired countless dancers through his masterclasses, helping them grow, transform, and deepen their connection to Oriental dance. Winner of the Gold Award at the Nagwa Fouad Cup in South Korea and top honors at Raks Shakki in France, Summer continues to break traditional gender barriers and mentor a new generation of dancers worldwide.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What it meant to be one of the first male belly dancers in China—and face 10 years of silence from his family

• Why Summer walked away from Chinese classical dance to fully devote himself to Raqs Sharqi

• How copy-paste choreography culture is weakening artistic identity in China

• His mission to build a transparent, fair festival system in China starting in 2015

• The rise of China and Korea as serious forces in the Asian belly dance competition scene

Belyssa is a pioneering figure in Australian belly dance who founded the Belyssa Academy of Danse Orientale and the Flames of Araby troupe, establishing a legacy of dramatic, classical artistry. Over the past 30 years, Belyssa has dedicated herself to documenting the raw, earthbound rhythms and movements of isolated Bedouin tribes in the Sinai and Western Desert, far removed from the theatrical polish of Cairo stages. This deep anthropological work defines her current teaching philosophy, "Just Dance," which focuses on transmitting authentic micro-mannerisms and a profound, respectful connection to community traditions rather than mere choreography. Today, she holds a massive, sensitive archive of cultural documentation and continues to mentor dancers globally, advocating for the ethical preservation of dance as a living memory of its people.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How dance lives in social contexts that most performers never witness

• What she discovered about Bedouin celebrations, gender dynamics, and who actually dances — and when

• The ethical dilemma of carrying stories that are not fully yours when sharing her research publicly

• Her firsthand experience of Ramadan and how it shifted her perception of cultural moments

• The difference between staged folklore and lived embodied practice

Fernanda Reschke is a Brazilian-born Oriental dance artist, educator, and trauma-informed psychotherapist whose work bridges movement, culture, and healing. She began her career as a dancer and choreographer at a young age and later trained in counseling and naturopathy, holding a bachelor’s degree in holistic health and wellbeing. Fernanda spent many years living and performing professionally in the Middle East, specializing in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and folkloric traditions of the SWANA region. Now based in Australia, she is internationally recognized for her warm, inclusive, and culturally respectful teaching approach. As a PACFA-accredited psychotherapist and advanced Somatic Experiencing practitioner, Fernanda supports dancers in reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and sense of belonging while honoring Raqs Sharqi as a living cultural art form.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The hidden mental health challenges of working belly dancers

• Body image pressure, harassment, and unspoken industry norms

• How validation, visibility, and social media affect dancers’ nervous systems

• Why not every hardship is trauma — and why that distinction matters

• What “taking care of mental health” actually looks like in daily life

Sadie is an internationally recognized Oriental dance artist, educator, and innovator dedicated to empowering people through the art of belly dance. She has produced dozens of bestselling instructional videos, amassed millions of views through viral online content, and represented Oriental dance before a global audience on America’s Got Talent. Sadie is the founder and director of Raqs Online and the Raqs Flow training program, which offers a strong technical foundation while maintaining deep connection to cultural roots, musicality, and embodied expression. In addition to teaching and performing worldwide, she curates destination dance retreats that blend movement, self-exploration, nature, and conscious living. Based in Denver, Colorado, Sadie is passionate about holistic, sustainable living and weaves together dance, music, nature, and human connection in both her teaching and retreats, inspiring dancers around the world to grow artistically and personally.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Sadie’s relationship with dance has evolved over her career

• The ongoing dilemma between following artistic calling and choosing stability

• Navigating aging, visibility, and self-worth in a youth-centered dance culture

• Why the “maiden–mother–crone” archetype matters in belly dance today

• Why Sadie chose to return to university and study psychology at this stage of life

Mohamed Reda Saad is a prominent Egyptian musician and the leader of the Cairo Band, one of Cairo’s most sought-after ensembles for major dance festivals and cultural events. Continuing the artistic legacy of his father, the renowned musician Reda Saad, Mohamed has both preserved and expanded this heritage, specializing in traditional and contemporary Egyptian music created specifically for professional Oriental dance performance. Known for its refined arrangements and exceptional musicianship, the Cairo Band performs regularly at prestigious events in Cairo and on international stages. In parallel with his work as a performing musician and band leader, Mohamed is also an experienced music engineer who has recorded and produced numerous albums for Oriental dance and collaborates with dancers worldwide to create custom-made music tailored to their performance needs.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The difference between musicians who play for singers and those who play for dancers, and why Egyptian drummers follow the dancer, not the other way around

• The most common mistakes dancers make with live bands—entrances, endings, and accents

• How dancers can communicate with musicians using simple, universal stage signals

• How dancers should prepare for rehearsals to truly benefit from limited time

• The behind-the-scenes reality of creating custom music for dancers and why recording dance music takes weeks—not hours

Yaël Zarca is an internationally recognized Oriental dance artist and one of the leading figures of Egyptian dance in France. She discovered Oriental dance in 1999 and has since built a remarkable career spanning Parisian studios, major international stages, television appearances, instructional DVDs, and creative projects within the dance world. Known for her expressive, elegant style, Yaël blends deep Egyptian tradition with modern sensibility, placing strong emphasis on musicality, emotional interpretation, and impeccable technique. An outstanding pedagogue, she teaches Sharqi, Baladi, and Egyptian folklores in Paris, across France, and worldwide, sharing a dance rooted in feeling, culture, and transmission. Her professionalism, artistic integrity, and commitment to teaching have made her a respected and influential voice in the global Oriental dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How motherhood reshaped her priorities, dance practice, and definition of success

• Why improvisation is essential—and how to teach it without terrifying students

• How feeling good as a woman is essential to becoming a better mother - and its relationship with dance

• Why Egyptian style is now labeled “old school” in global dance scenes

• Yael’s decision to charge her students only on an annual basis—and how such commitment changes everything

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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”

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

—————————————————

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

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

Amina Goodyear began her performance career in the mid-60's at the Bagdad Cabaret dancing nightly in San Francisco's North Beach district during that city's golden era of Middle Eastern dance and until the Arabic clubs closed in that area. She founded her dance company, The Aswan Dancers, in 1975, and celebrates over 40 years of continuous performance and entertainment. She also founded the Cairo Cats, now a percussion ensemble led by her daughter Susu Pampanin, among many other music and percussion projects. Amina was inducted into the American Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (AAMED) Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement award in New York in 1994. She also received a Humanitarian Award in 2001 from MECDA, a Lifetime Achievement award in 2003 from BDUC in Long Beach and a Lifetime Achievement award  in 2015 from Isis and the Belly Dance Chronicles in Texas.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Belly dance realities of 1960s

• Learning to dance under the guidance of musicians

• Giza Club project

• Sexualization of belly dancers now and before

• Biggest changes in belly dance industry over the last 60 years

Aleksandra Kilczewska, known by her stage name "Apsara Afsanera," is a dancer, choreographer, and alternative model based in Warsaw. She is a pioneer in her country, specializing in Persian dance as well as other Silk Road styles, including Uzbek, Tajik, Afghan, Azeri, and Uyghur dance. In addition to her expertise in these forms, she is also a skilled Tribal Belly dancer. Before delving deeply into Silk Road dances, Apsara trained extensively in various Indian dance styles and has a strong foundation in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance techniques. She continuously seeks to create her unique form of expression by blending these diverse techniques, drawing inspiration from music, poetry, literature, and film.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Historical connections between Persian and Georgian dances

• Types of Georgian dance

• Benefits of training in various dance style

• The psychology of teaching kids vs seniors

• University degree for dancers

Saida, born to Syrian parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, immersed herself in classical dance from 1983 to 1991, training with esteemed masters like Olga Ferri and Ricardo Rivas. In 1991, she embraced Arabic dance, studying under Amir Thaleb’s guidance and performing with the Arabian Dance Company, where she became the principal dancer for over a decade. In 1994, Saida established her own belly dance school. By 2004, she joined the Bellydance Superstars for a major U.S. tour, thanks to an invitation from producer Miles Copeland. Collaborating with Mario Kirlis, she released two acclaimed instructional DVDs in 2005 and 2007. In 2008, UNESCO's International Dance Council honored her as Argentina's best Arabic dance performer.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How she met Amir Thaleb

• Starting her teaching career by hosting classes at her mom’s house

• Incredible collaboration with Mario Kirlis

• Saida’s experience at Bellydance Superstars

• Dealing with criticism and negative feedback

Warda is a choreographer, instructor, and performer of oriental dance and folklore styles with 13 years of experience. She has organized over 15 international events and excursions to the Middle East, making her a key figure in Bulgaria's belly dance events. With performance experience in both Bulgaria and Egypt, she is deeply connected to Oriental culture, speaks Arabic, and offers workshops across the world. In 2017, Warda launched the international festival HEZZ YA WEZZ in Sofia. She established her dance school in 2018 and has taught and judged at various international festivals. In 2021, she fulfilled her dream of teaching at Egyptian festivals, and in 2022, she performed in Egypt and appeared in a music video for Mahmoud El Esseily.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Studying the Arabic language, and different dialects of Arabic

• Does age make difference in belly dance career

• How folklore dances are different from oriental

• Most important qualities the event organizer must have

• Warda’s experience of living and working in Egypt

Roula Said is a multifaceted artist of Palestinian heritage based in Toronto, Canada. She is a singer, dancer, musician, actor, and poet, renowned for her distinctive contributions to the world and fusion music scenes. As an Arabic musician, Roula sings and plays the qanun. One of her notable projects is "Om Laila: Bellydance for Body and Soul," a holistic system for bellydance instruction. After more than 30 years of teaching Middle Eastern dance, she has distilled her extensive experience into a suite of offerings rooted in tradition and focused on what she calls Embodied Soul Attunement.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Incredible story of the universe guided Roula to the world of belly dance

• Dealing with constant pain during dancing activities

• Healing trauma and blocks through belly dance

• The concept of movement embodiment and seven waves

• How to find joy during dark times

Brenda, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, discovered her passion for dance at age 3, mastering Italian and Argentinian folklore, Salsa, Tango, Jazz, and later Raks Sharki. At 17, she starred at the prestigious "Al Shark" restaurant in Argentina for five years. After earning her Oriental Dance Professor Certification from Amir Thaleb’s School, Brenda's popularity soared, leading to TV appearances and international teaching engagements. In 2014, she was chosen for the Egyptian TV show "Al Rakesa." Her success in the Middle East prompted her move to Egypt, where she performed in top venues and appeared in movies and music videos. Since 2018, Brenda has released her own bellydance music. In 2022, she published "Belly Dance in Cairo," a guide for dancers and those wanting to live in Egypt. Currently, Brenda continues teaching and performing at major festivals, living between Italy and Egypt.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Brenda’s decision to change her lifestyle in Cairo

• Her move to Italy and how she continues her career in Egypt

• Health and nutrition tips

• The difference between teaching and performing activities

• Brenda’s current dreams and aspirations

Sometimes it is beneficial to step aside, and dive into a different dance genre. Let’s discuss how exploring variety of dance forms can enrich and improve your belly dance.

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Join the Iana Dance Club to have access to the Apsara Dream intensive mentioned in the episode.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

André Elbing, a renowned belly dance photographer from Germany, developed an interest in oriental dance in 1989 when he began organizing and producing shows with his long-time friend, Shahrazad. As he started photographing these events, his passion evolved into a thriving business with an impressive collection of approximately 4.5 million photos to this date. André has collaborated with the most prominent stars in the world of oriental dance, both past and present. His work has been featured in numerous dance magazines, including Halima, Orient Magazine, Tanz Oriental, Bazar Oriental, Bastet, and many more. His photographs are widely recognized, appearing on hundreds of belly dance websites, as well as on CD and DVD covers, books, and various other media.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How André became involved in belly dance photography

• The differences between photographing a live show and conducting a studio shoot

• Tips for the best stage lights setup

• How André prepares for his work at festivals

• Insights into his underwater photo shoots

Pierre Khoury, a Syrian-Canadian male belly dancer from Montreal, is renowned for his expertise in Syrian/Lebanese Dabke, Raqs Sharqi, and Whirling. His talents have graced prestigious stages, including the Theatrical Bellydance Conference of New York and the International Bellydance Conference of Canada in Toronto. He recently was a guest master instructor in several venues including Hot Raqs and Cairo Shimmy Quake in California, and his workshops were acclaimed for the quality of their content. Beyond the realm of dance, Pierre brings his unique perspective as a psychology teacher at the University of Montreal to his coaching endeavors, seamlessly integrating his psychological insights into his dance instructions.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Pierre's journey into the world of belly dance

• The harmonious fusion of his  careers and how his psychology background enriches his coaching approach

• Main mindset blocks that prevent dancers from growth

• Variations of Dabke, and different Syrian dances

• Building dance career as a male belly dancer

Nath Keo is the artistic director and choreographer of the Sacred Centre Dance Company based in Victoria, B.C., Canada. Nath is a belly dancer who has performed in over 51 cities with more than 1,000 performances during his career. Along with releasing a few music albums, a book and instructional dance DVDs, his resume includes serving as a featured instructor and performer at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada, alongside the legendary Farida Fahmy, and as a judge at the World Bellydance Championship hosted in Seoul, South Korea.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Nath experience of growing up in a refugee camp, and how it influenced his interest in dance

• How Nath got involved in belly dance

• Difference between belly dance & Cambodian dance and music

• Fusion opportunities between two genres

• Having a successful belly dance career, experience of living as a monk, to becoming a mega music star in Cambodia

This is a best of episode! You will hear a collection of tips and practices from the belly dance stars regarding their experience of creating fusion between belly dance and other dance genres.

You will hear from Meher Malik, Anjelica Scannura, Soraia Zaied and Diana Gnatchenko.

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Check these full interviews with the podcast guests:

Ep 27. Meher Malik: Fusion, Confusion and Female Objectification

Ep 79. Anjelica Scannura: From Flamenco to Belly Dance to Stand-Up Comedy

Ep 128. Soraia Zaied: Never Give Up On Your Dreams!

Ep 200. Diana Gnatchenko: Life Before & After

Heather (Henna) Louise is a performer, teacher, and life long student of Middle Eastern music and dance based in Portland, Oregon. After studying belly dance for five years, life took Heather to Asia where she began her performing career in the restaurant gig scene of Tokyo, Japan. Along with her dance partners, she worked with the live band Alladeen and co-founded the Tokyo International Bellydance Competition. Since returning to Portland in 2008, Heather has taught and performed at Jamballah NW Festival, The Hawaii Bellydance Convention, competed and placed in Bellydance of the Year Competition, and won the Ms. La Danse Orientale title. She has been a featured instructor at the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene (MEDGE), as well as at Emerald Sanctuary Belly Dance Retreat, and has been a panel judge for The Belly Dance Off.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Becoming a professional performer in Japan

• How to break down difficult movements to students

• Overcoming learning frustrations

• Tips for better improvisations

• Heather’s approach to personal practice, and injury prevention measures

In order to find emotional connection with Baladi, you need to understand its cultural environment, and typical archetypes that are often associated with Baladi women. Let’s dive into this topic in this solo episode with Iana!

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Join the Iana Dance Club to have access to the Baladi intensive mentioned in the episode.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Randa Kamel is one of the most famous Egyptian dancers with her own unique style full of energy, as well as a teacher who has shared her knowledge with thousand of students all around the world. At the age of 15, she began studying folklore with the famous Reda group. After 7 years Randa transitioned into her solo career as a professional oriental dancer in Alexandria. Later moved on to Cairo, and quickly became a performer at the Meridien hotel, sharing the stage with legendary Fifi Abdou. Today Randa appears in weddings, parties and in the Nile Maxim cruise when she is in Egypt. Her own orchestra consists of 28 musicians. She also travels extensively around the world teaching at festivals, and organizes her own winter course and summer dance festival “Raqs Of Course” in Cairo.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How passionate Randa was about dance since her childhood years

• Her experience in Reda Troupe, and her decision to start a solo oriental career

• How Randa’s choice of dance career influenced her family relationships

• What her training looks like today, and if she reviews her own dance videos

• Randa’s message to other dancers about this art form

Sylvia Yssei began her dance training in 2000 with Jazz, and throughout the years she included Flamenco, Spanish, Classical and Contemporary dances in her training. Later she discovered bellydance, and eventually Tribal Fusion dance and Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance). Both became a powerful means of expression for her in a complementary, but at the same time very different ways. Along with her dance explorations, she studied Psychology at the University of Barcelona, which has definitely helped her to learn the basics of Pedagogy and the dynamics of learning, as well as to understand her students in an active and holistic way.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is Kundalini energy and where it is stored in our body

• Why it is important to awaken Kundalini in us

• How belly dance is connected to Kundalini energy

• Ways how you can manifest Kundalini energy in you

• How Sylvia became a Kundalini Awakening facilitator, and how it aligns with her dance activities

Izel Kirana started her dance journey almost 15 years ago. Originally from Barcelona, she fell in love with belly dance, tribal fusion style, and eventually Indian culture and art. 5 years ago she embarked on multiple journeys to India in search of its classical dances and folklore, training in Rajasthani folklore dance, Kalbelia dance, Kathak dance and Indian fusion.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How Izel discovered tribal fusion, and eventual Kalbelia dance styles

• Historical influences of Kalbelia dance

• Izel’s experience of visiting India, and taking classes with local teachers

• Fusion between different dance forms

• Supporting the Kalbelia community by running a clothing & jewelry store

Amanda Rose is an internationally acclaimed instructor and performer based in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to over a decade of teaching experience, and almost 2 decades of experience with Raqs Sharqi, she also has a master's degree in Dance Movement Therapy from La Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Alongside her background in sociology and language studies, Amanda Rose’s academic experiences greatly shape her approach to dance, art, culture, and pedagogy. She has received wide recognition for Amanda Rose Online, one of the first online dance platforms in the Middle Eastern dance community, hosting a variety of online dance opportunities such as online prerecorded series, one on one coaching, competition training, and personal feedback.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Switching focus from technical excellence to emotional expression in dance

• How to find connections between movements and feelings

• Tips for dealing with performance anxiety

• What’s the difference between therapy and therapeutic experience

• Amanda’s research on therapeutic capabilities of belly dance

Raphael Cormack has a PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies with a focus on Egyptian theatre from the University of Edinburgh. He is currently Assistant Professor in Arabic Studies at Durham University. An award-winning editor and translator, Cormack is the editor of The Book of Cairo and the co-editor of The Book of Khartoum. His writing on Arab culture has appeared in the London Review of Books, Prospect and TLS, among others. Raphael Cormack is the author of Midnight in Cairo: The Female Stars of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s, an exploration of Cairo popular culture through personalities such as Rose Al-Youssef, Mounira al-Mahdiyya and Oum Kalthoum.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What’s the importance of 1920s in the Egyptian culture and entertainment industry

• How he chose which exact female stories to highlight, and why Samia Gamal wasn’t featured in his book

• His research methods

• Comparing careers of Mounira al-Mahdiyya and Oum Kalthoum

• What’s Raphael’s current focus on research

Colleena Shakti is an artist of great subtlety and depth. Trained extensively in Odissi classical dance under Smt. Sujata Mohapatra and well-versed in many styles of dance from India and beyond, Colleena lives an artistic path steeped in rich tradition. Yoga, aesthetics and related philosophies are an integral part of her holistic vision of art inspiring her to bridge timeless values with modern expression. She has performed for former president of India (Pratibha Patil), royal families across Rajasthan, Indian Embassy at Cairo, Chidambaram Nataraj temple and arts festivals from Japan to Australia. Colleena is the founder and director of Shakti School of Dance located in the Rang Nath Venu Gopal Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan India where she also annually produces The Pushkar Temple Dance Festival. Recently she has added a Summer school program and retreat center at Villa Shakti Crete, Greece and launched online curriculum at her virtual school.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Beginning of Colleena’s dance journey, her discovery of belly dance and later Odissi

• Exploration of femininity through different dance styles

• Indian fusion dance

• Colleena’s training years in India

• How you can study with Colleena in person and online

Julia Farid, a professional oriental dance artist, instructor, and choreographer originally from Ukraine, is renowned for her elegant and feminine dance style. Her contributions extend beyond the stage, as she has organized prestigious events like the Isadora Cup Festival, "Dream & Dance" Intensive Course, and founded Tips4hips online platform. With deep knowledge of oriental dance and captivating performances, she has become an internationally acclaimed artist, annually giving workshops and performing at numerous belly dance events worldwide

In this episode you will learn about:

• Julia’s pregnancy experience

• How motherhood affected her life and dance career

• Advantages of in-person vs online classes

• Julia’s vision for Tips4Hips

• Constant growth as a dance professional

Bellydance Superstar Boženka is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed dancer performing and teaching worldwide. Boženka hosts The Mediterranean Dance Lab, a dance intensive and cultural retreat on the island of Crete, Greece, where she currently resides. She has recorded several best-selling instructional and performance DVDs and has toured extensively with the celebrated “Bellydance Superstars” as a featured soloist. Through a professional dance career of 26 years, Boženka has been invited to teach and perform in over 50 countries. Boženka instructed and choreographed international superstar Shakira for her “Mongoose” world tour in 2004 and for her 2010 world tour “Shakira”, working with the pop diva side by side to help her hone and polish her innate skills. She performed on stage with world-music artist “Alabina” during her concert tour in Miami Beach in 2005. Boženka has entertained an assortment of celebrities including Sean Connery, Donald Trump, Hugh Hefner, Madonna, Alejandro Sanz and Enrique Iglesias, amongst others.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Boženka’s relationship with her own teacher, and how it influenced her career and teaching approach

• Epic Ahlan Wa Sahlan 2006 competition, and reasons she decided to compete

• Experience of working with Shakira for the last 20 years

• Funny story during a performance for Sean Connery

• The Mediterranean Dance Lab, and how it can help dancers grow

Dipika Vijay is an academically trained designer, and a belly dance artist by passion. Her belly dance company is called Badass Belly Dance and her fitness classes fly under the name Firefly Aerial Fitness. She lives in Mumbai but grew up in multiple cities in India and as a result picked up folk dance forms like Bhangra, Garba, Bollywood apart from brief training in classical Indian dance styles such as Bharatnatyam and Odissi. She has a keen interests in popping, waacking, yoga and she recently started learning body control and mobility. Now Dipika practices belly dance not only as a sensuous dance form but as a powerful tool that generates awareness of the body, mind and spirit. She uses movement to create form and form to shape thoughts.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Belly dance in India

• How learning design and geometry can make you a better choreographer

• Improvisation vs choreography

• What is the difference between creativity and art

• Helping students discover their feminine side and sensuality

As belly dancers we often use the term “Baladi” in reference to a particular dance style. Also, we sometimes call Masmudi Saghir rhythm as Baladi rhythm, which is common a mistake. But in Egyptian culture the word “Baladi” isn’t the name of a dance. So what is it? Discover in this episode!

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Join the Iana Dance Club to participate in the upcoming Baladi intensive.

Take the Belly Dance Habits Quiz HERE.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Hend Elbalouty is a choreographer, performer and author. She holds a MA in Performing Arts from Kunsthochschule für Medien, a BA in Production Design from the Institute of Cinema Studies in Egypt and a 3-year degree in Contemporary Dance from Cairo Contemporary Dance Center. She works across mediums combining and mixing them in accordance to the project at hand. In the last few years, she collaborated and presented many multidisciplinary art pieces such as “FrauenGold'' Video Exhibition in Hamburg, “The Kitchen” Dance performance, Köln, “Absence” a group exhibition at CoCulture Art space, Berlin. In 2021, she created a performance inspired by the local street dance and music in Egypt called Maharagant, for which she was awarded the “kunstpreis der FREUNDE der KHM”. Hend strives to produce and participate in socially aware dance pieces, constantly exploring the role of art as a tool to empower the individual and bring out those neglected modes of expression.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Hend’s personal dance journey, and what led to researching Mahraganat

• Professional Mahraganat dancers, and what it means

• The concept of a street as private community space

• Why would dance possibly turn into a fight

• The process of writing and producing the book

In today's episode, we're diving into a fascinating topic – using dance videos not just for social media posts, but as a powerful training tool. We'll explore why simply repeating choreography isn't enough and how to pinpoint and fix specific mistakes or weak spots in your dance. Plus, we'll chat about the importance of practicing without a mirror and how video recordings can be your secret weapon for self-analysis. So, get ready to learn some tricks for refining your dance moves, enhancing your technique, and getting performance-ready!

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube .

Check out the Dance Habits intensive at the Iana Dance Club.

Take the Belly Dance Habits Quiz HERE.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Sonya of Cairo is a professional dancer and choreographer. She has been immersed in oriental dance since childhood. Her mother, Marianne DS, founded The Sun Dance School 17 years ago in Paris, the largest association in the city. Sonya began her training with Marianne DS and has studied with some of the best Egyptian professionals. She stands out for her pure Egyptian style. Sonya currently lives in Cairo where she regularly performs. She also teaches at the largest festival in Egypt, "Raqs of Course”, organized by Randa Kamel. Sonya is considered today the rising star of the Cairo dance scene.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Being the daughter of a professional belly dancer

• Sonya’s first professional performances, and dealing with stage anxiety

• Funny stories of performing at weddings in Cairo

• Bitter taste of dance life in Egypt

• Dealing with managers vs being your own manager

Arielle is a passionately dedicated dancer from the USA who currently performs daily in Cairo, Egypt. She teaches and performs bellydance, samba, folklore, fusion, burlesque, hip hop and many other styles of dance full-time. Although Arielle is American, she grew up in Egypt and has been performing Middle Eastern Dance since the age of 10. Arielle is the winner of several competitions and was a finalist on Egypt’s first bellydance competition TV show, “Al Rakessa” in 2014. Arielle returned to Cairo in December of 2019 and has been gracing the stage all around Egypt ever since! She currently teaches online group classes every Sunday and offers pre-recorded classes as well.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Arielle’s childhood and school years in Egypt

• Knee issues and belly dancing

• The effect of fibromyalgia on Arielle’s lifestyle as a dancer

• Decision to move back to Egypt to pursue a dance career

• Changes in the modern dance scene in Cairo

A well-known choreographer and dancer, Alla Kushnir has won many prizes and awards. She was a finalist at the TV show “Ukraine has talent“, silver medalist of the Lebanese TV show “Hizzi Ya Nawaem”, winner of Egyptian TV show ” Al Rakesa”, among many other awards and achievements. For Alla Kushnir Oriental dancing has opened a lot of previously unknown sensations. As a dancer and choreographer, she believes that this style of dance changes a woman’s whole attitude towards herself and her surroundings. Alla is a frequent guest in various talent search competition TV shows. In 2008, she appeared in the first film “Tales of Sand” about belly dancing. She also hosted the program “Oriental Dances” on MAXXI TV channel.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Alla’s multiple decisions to quit her performance career, and how destiny always brought her back to the stage

• The importance of nutrition in a dancer’s life

• How Alla practices and comes up with new movements

• Lifestyle in Doha vs Cairo

• Main elements of Alla’s daily routine

This is a best of episode! You will hear a collection of tips and practices from the belly dance stars. Find out how they approach their own training, and see what you can implement it in your life too.

You will hear from Jasirah, Cassandra Fox, Victoria Teel, Aziza, Nabila, Hayal, Jillina Carlano and Amar Lammar.

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Discover what is blocking your dance progress right now, and which exact dance habits you should improve first of all.

Take the free Belly Dance Habits Quiz HERE.

Improve those couple things in your dance habits, and unlock an amazing growth in your dance skills throughout 2024!

January is time of planning and building hopes for the New Year. But often we make grand plans , and fail on showing up and performing them. Or sometimes we do show up but don't put 100% of our energy into the task. How to make sue that your list of New Year resolutions isn’t gonna be transferred to the next year, and you continue pursuing your dance goals beyond January…

Take the Belly Dance Habits Quiz HERE.

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Dr. Audrey Cottet is an academic researcher in the Physics department of the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. She has over twenty years of expertise in theoretical physics, with a focus on condensed matter physics and quantum physics. Outside the lab, Audrey is a Middle Eastern dance and percussion student.

She has learned how to player finger cymbals with Hassan Abdel Khalek and Nicolas Derolin in Paris. This practice motivated her secondary research activity on the history of cymbal playing. She has recently written one article on finger cymbal played in the Roman Empire, in the journal “Early Music” published by the Oxford University Press. She also has a second article published in the Review CLARA (Classical Art and Archaeology) hosted by the University of Oslo.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Proper terminology: zills, sagats or cymbals

• The very first mentions of cymbals and finger cymbals in ancient history

• The process of writing a peer reviewed article

• The tradition of finger cymbals playing in the Roman Empire

• First known mentions of finger cymbals in Egyptian culture

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Prianca where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Belly Dance Transformations

Before: I’m so used to being in the studio, and having a teacher whom I can see, so starting to dance at home as my studio was very challenging. It was hard to stay focus. I had very limited space at home. Also, not having a full-length mirror kinda discouraged me since I didn’t have an immediate feedback.

Now: It took me 4-5 months of online learning to get the groove, but it got so much easier. I had to constantly remind myself that video recording was not about perfection, but just a tool instead of a mirror to see where I can improve. Benefits of video recording is that camera evokes a performance mood in you.

Before: The hardest part of training by yourself is coming up with a curriculum.

Now: That’s why I’m heavily relying on the Iana Dance Club for that. I’m using it to challenge myself, and to make sure that I’m getting a well-rounded training on a weekly basis.

'I feel that I will dance when I’m 100 years old, and I still will be able to learn something new, and still be excited about it.'

"Belly dance “took me” as I was, and gave me the tools to be more confident and brave, and to learn that I can move my body and dance without having to have started when I was one or two years old. You can start whenever you want because it feel like a form of self-expression." _Prianca

Diana Gnatchenko is a professional oriental dancer from Ukraine recognized around the world. She is the winner of multiple international competitions, guest teacher and judge at the most prestigious events worldwide. Her dance tours took place in countries such as Ukraine, United States, Italy, China, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Korea, Chile, France, Malaysia, Sweden, Poland, Serbia, Brazil, Colombia and many other countries in the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How the war in Ukraine affected Diana’s life and dance activities

• Why choosing students who fit you as a teacher is as much important as for students to choose a teacher who fits them

• Diana’s process of creating choreographies

• Her teaching approach and what she aims for in her work with students

• What are the benefits of learning other dance styles for professional dance teachers

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Shani Brown where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Belly Dance Transformations:

"A lot of the time it’s difficult to prioritize for ourselves, and to prioritize our dance because there are so many things that we have to do… But if we have assignments and goals to reach for the week/month, that really helps to prioritize our training."

"I think it’s so nice to record yourself right from the beginning of your dance journey, so that 1 month/ 2 months or even a year later you can look back and realize: “Omg, I have improved!”. Video recording is a wonderful tool."

"I think I’m mature enough to know that progress isn’t instant, but I know it will come. There is always room for growth, so we just keep going."

"Belly dance brings me that need to continue to challenge myself, to learn, to grow. Something I can’t find anywhere else."_Shani

Victoria Teel is an award winning belly dance performer and instructor. In 2010, she was chosen along with 24 other dancers to participate in the world’s first ever belly dance reality show, Project Belly Dance. She placed among the top six contestants, earning her spot in the Final 6 instructional DVD released in March 2011. Soon after Project Belly Dance, Victoria joined Miles Copeland's Bellydance Superstars in Japan for the tour of Bombay Bellywood.

Victoria is also the creator of the Teel Fan Method, a dance technique using fans and fan veils incorporating influences from Asian dances. Today, Victoria is based in the USA and offers online classes. She currently tours the world teaching workshops and performing.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Participation at the reality TV show Project Belly Dance

• Experience of joining Belly Dance Superstars

• The story of falling in love with fan-veils

• Victoria’s approach to her own training

• The importance of learning with different teachers

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sandra Van Baaren where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Belly Dance Transformations:

"What helped a lot in my training was video taping myself. Often I’d look in a mirror and think that I’ve gotten a move, but after seeing a video I would realize that I needed to do a lot more of work."

"Sometimes you will stop trying again just because learning process lost the fun quality of it. You need to overcome a frustration of not getting a movement right away."

"My current focus is getting more creative with my own dance."

"Also, I’ve added ballet classes along with belly dance training, and I like the difference it made in my body."

"Dance helps me to balance the type of work I do on a daily basis."

"Belly dance is so beautiful! It brings a lot of joy, creativity and magic into my world." _Sandra

Born in Berlin, Germany, Beata Cifuentes started dancing at the age of six. Already as a child she attended her weekly ballet lessons with great persistence. Her decision to interrupt medical studies, as well as an intensive three-year course at Berlin’s Academy for Performing Arts, led her to discover oriental dance. She was fascinated by Arabic music when she heard the legendary singer Um Kalthoum – this was the start of a life-long passion for oriental dancing. After serious research, studies and travels to the Middle East, Beata founded the first-of-its-kind school for oriental dance in Berlin. She currently co-directs the Dance Academy Cifuentes in Beelitz, performs and teaches internationally, and is an inspiration to dancers world-wide.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Teaching mistakes Beata did in the beginning of her career

• Transition from ballet to the belly dance world

• Incorporating ballet class structure into oriental dance

• The love story of Beata and Horacio

• Crazy situations of collaborating with various composers on music CDs

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Wendy where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Belly Dance Transformations:

"I needed to exercise, but I couldn’t make myself going to gym on a regular basis. Dance on contrary is just something that is fun. Every time there is music on, I feel that I have to move."

"I’m naturally a very clumsy person, I’m usually covered in bruises because I keep bumping into things, so me being able to coordinate all these different movements together is a victory."

"I never thought I would be able to learn a choreography over just one month, because I have terrible memory. I’m so proud of myself now."

"When you learn a choreography, it’s nice to share it with the audience, but I’ve determined that it’s not something that I NEED in order to be happy."

"I’m enjoying just how I improve my movements, exploring the ability to learn things that I thought were too hard for me." _Wendy

Warda is a professional national and international award-winning bellydancer. She has traveled to Egypt over thirty times to research and train and has won awards by top Egyptian professionals for her dancing. Warda is the director of the Shahrazad Dance Company , and has written ‘The Origins and History of Bellydance’, along with Egyptian Professor Dr. Hassan Khalil. She is a mentor and teacher of a number of prize winning dancers.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Traveling lifestyle as a part of military community

• Bringing innovation to dance

• The origins of the belly dance art form

• What is the proper name of our dance style

• The importance of critical thinking

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Lilia where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

"I’m battling perfectionism constantly."

"In my mind ‘professional’ means ‘perfect’ which is not true."

"I have several performances and competitions that I skipped because I though I wasn’t ready, that they would not be perfect. It’s a constant battle."

"Sometimes when you want it to be perfect, you do nothing, because you are afraid it won’t be perfect."

"I don’t even know what is ‘perfect’. That’s the irony of it."

"Now I’m trying to practice smarter rather than harder."

"Belly dance gives the freedom to express my feelings. It gives me storytelling techniques with the body." _Lilia

We often make grand plans but fail on showing up and performing them. Or sometimes we do show up but don't put 100% of our energy into the task. This relates to dance training too, especially if we are talking about practicing on your own. How to be more accountable and stop finding excuses of being too busy, or too tired, or simply postponing for later?

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Tita where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

‘’I feel that I’m growing, and it’s wonderful to be 59 and still experience the growth in your body."

"I started doing belly dance to help with my cognition, to feel more feminine on my body. I’m learning to be not just to be a worker, but to have individuality and to express myself."

"My training is changing with my body. Some days I just sit and watch videos, or listen to the music and mark moves in my head."

"I’m happy if dance just belongs to me [without showing it to anyone else]. But I like sharing and bringing joy to people too."

"What keeps people away from even trying to attend the class is that fear of feeling lost."_ Lina Marie

Amar Lammar was born in Mexico City. Since a young age she showed interest in art, especially dance. At the age of six years old she began her studies of Polynesian dances followed by a short period of ballet together with Mexican folklore. At the age of 11 she got into Afro-Caribbean rhythms but finally discovered and pursued her studies of oriental dance at the age of 13.

Her international career began in 2003 with her first contracts in India for the Sheraton hotel group. After this first successful contract, she expanded her career and performed in several countries including Bahrein, Syria, Lebanon, Tunis and the Netherlands. For 12 years she has resided in the UAE performing full time at some of the most prestigious hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai including Marriot, Millenium, Rotana, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis the Palm and Emirates Palace. Now based in South Africa, Amar continues dancing and improving. Her main goal is to teach Oriental Dance based on her experiences in the Middle East and the knowledge she acquired during all these years.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Reasons why she quit daily shows in Dubai and moved to South Africa

• Connecting with dancers, client and students in a new country

• Preparing classes for beginning students

• Teaching livestream classes vs prerecorded videos

• Motivation to practice without any performance goals

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Tita where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Before:

• My body was stuck doing nothing my whole life. I had to learn to move every muscle, especially my hips.

• It’s difficult to follow the choreo with ‘rights’ and ‘lefts’.

• Finding my flow was very difficult. I’m good with capturing all accents in my mind, but my body isn’t, lol.

Now:

• Belly dance helped me to exercise consistently.

• It also inspired me to take care and move my body even more diving into other disciplines.

• My self-confidence improved. I found that I am beautiful.

‘These days I found a new way of enjoying dance. I’m not dancing for someone, but I’m dancing for myself.’

"Two girls started dancing because they saw my very first performance. That was so inspiring. Since then I think: Ok, I’m not perfect, but I CAN do it!"_ Tita

Semsemah has created a unique, innovative and modern belly dance style and became one of the most famous dancers of her generation. She knew how to develop a modern style while preserving the Egyptian soul. Artistic director of the Sesame Association, she regularly organizes events related to oriental dance (tours to Cairo, shows, training, festivals). She hosts the annual show "Bent El Balad" bringing together her students and renowned artists such as Aladin El Kholy, Gamal Seif, Hind, Salma, Hakim, Taly, Kareem Gad, Zomzom. Semsemah also co-organized the Eshtah ya Eshta oriental dance festival with the renowned oriental dancer Taly, bringing together artists from France and Egypt (Wael Mansour and Mohamed Kazafy). Today, SEMSEMAH is regularly invited to dance and teach internationally (Italy, Venezuela, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia and France).

In this episode you will learn about:

• Algerian culture and belly dance

• How Semsemah defines the term ‘professional dancer’

• Her learning process with Yousri Sharif

• Tips on how to develop individual style

• Teaching classes online vs in-person

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Aleesa where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

‘’I used to think that belly dance was silly, but 20 years later belly dance is a huge part of my life.’’

‘’Dance provides a nice contrast [to my profession] where I can express my femininity, creativity. It also allows me to move, to connect with people all around the world.’’

During her 22 years of belly dance exploration, Aleesa has made a couple of breaks from dancing to question the authenticity of her love to dance, but every time she came back to it.

"For me belly dance is as much about community, as about dance and music itself."_Aleesa

Nataša Kočar is a certified oriental dance teacher and choreographer, and the co-founder and head of the KUOD Bayani dance company, She has a degree in geography and sociology from Ljubljana’s Faculty of Arts. Her dance education started at the age of 12 at one of Slovenia’s top dance schools, including 2 years of overall dance training and 4 years of jazz ballet).

At the beginning of the new millennium, Nataša discovered her love for oriental music. She has attended more than 200 workshops with different teachers from Egypt, Europe, and America. From 2004 onwards, Nataša has been teaching 7-9 classes per week and she has around 70 regular students each year. She organizes workshops and events and have passionately produced and co-produced 10 theatre dance shows (in Slovenia and abroad).

In this episode you will learn about:

• Developing a teaching career in dance

• Nataša’s passion for folklore styles

• Differences between teaching adults and children

• How Nataša came up with the idea to write a book

• The process of publishing the book.

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Dimitra where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Before:

• Resisted to attend a class because of the fear of embarrassment in a group of unknown people.

• Didn’t know how to practice on her own. Had unrealistic expectations regarding how her dance should look like.

• ‘When we were learning new movement and I couldn’t do it right away, it was blocking me. I was not able to move at all.’

Now: 'With time I realized that it’s ok if I don’t get something right away. I must do those mistakes, and that’s how I will learn. Seeing the progress in my dance was the moment of feeling almost unstoppable.'’

"Belly dance makes me feel free and connected to the feminine flow. It became a big and integral part of my routine. I see it as a self-love ritual."_Dimitra

Leila was one of the most popular working dancers in Cairo for 13 years. While in Egypt she performed for parties, dignitaries, and weddings in Egypt and throughout Europe and the Arabian Gulf. She also danced continuously for Nile cruises, in the best hotels and concerts on television. Leila is also a well-known actress and model and is a recognizable personality throughout the Middle East being involved in hundreds of TV shows, music videos, TV commercials and films.

Leila has produced some of the best-loved dance CDs today (the only dancer to utilize a "live sound" in her productions). She was the founder of Camp Negum, a yearly live music dance festival in Egypt for 8 years. She has taught workshops around the world and after moving to the states in 2015, she continues to teach online and in person focusing on the connection between the music, culture and self expression behind the dance. Her writings about dance and culture are utilized by scholars and dancers around the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Taking classes with Raqia Hassan

• Beginning of Leila’s career in Egypt

• Tough lessons she learnt in Egypt

• Dance career during pregnancy

• Leila’s approach to teaching, and her thoughts about competitions.

Gitza is a Mexican dancer, internationally renowned teacher, choreographer and artistic director, who started practicing Middle-Eastern dances in 2006. She is currently the director of the Gitza dance school, and the Raqs Sahira dance company. Her vision for belly dance is influenced by psychology and dance therapy. With these disciplines, she has developed tools for teaching dance in a creative and experimental way, always investigating personal experience as the main engine for creation and interpretation.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The concept of the dance movement therapy

• How the classes on dance movement therapy work

• Incorporating dance movement therapy into belly dance classes

• Common phycological patterns among belly dance students

• Pregnancy experience as a belly dancer.

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Jacinda (aka Aliya Dalal) where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

‘’Dance helped me to overcome my body image and eating disorders. It taught me to love my body not for how it looks like, but for what it can do. It felt very liberating.’’

‘’I realized that I can’t compartmentalize. If I want to have emotions in dance, I have to have emotions in life.’’

‘’Many of us are afraid to express emotions because we are afraid that it will overtake us. But dance helped me to get in touch with my emotions.’’

‘’I became fascinated with the potential for this dance to heal for women with trauma.’’

"This dance saved my life in so many ways. It saved my health. It helped me to overcome my eating disorders. I helped me to see value in myself, not just as a dancer and artists, but also as a human being. It helped me to connect with the world. It helped me to become a more open person. It helped me to be in touch with my emotions, which allowed me to be supportive of others in their emotions."_Jacinda

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Pratima Nagaraj where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Before: I used to have lots of judgements about my body, and I used to be very insecure person.

I thought I could never dance because I had two left feet.

Now: I didn’t realize first that belly dance would boost my confidence.

Being ok with all my imperfections became easier.

It took away judgements and brought confidence in my body.

Gave me confidence that I CAN dance!

It made me feel sensual.

I see the difference in my mood when I don’t dance for week or two.

"Belly dance is a form of doing something purely for myself. Why not to prioritize something that makes you happy?"_Pratima Nagaraj

Raquy Danziger is a world-famous American musician, teacher and composer based in Istanbul. She has released thirteen albums, five darbuka method books, and two volumes of her original compositions. Her educational offerings are available through her online darbuka school: Darbukaschool.com. More than a thousand students are currently enrolled in her courses.

Raquy specializes in the split hand technique, which is a fast and elaborate Turkish drumming style. She also plays the mystical twelve- string King Kemenche Tarhu, a rare and exotic bowed instrument.⁣⁣ She has also performed in Egypt as a soloist with The Egyptian "King of Tabla" - Said El Artist, and his drumming orchestra in the great concert halls of Egypt. She has performed at the Lincoln Center, CRR concert hall in Istanbul, and in many festivals. In 2005, she was the recipient of the Meet the Composer grant. Raquy has appeared on Good Morning Egypt, Leila Kebira, O TV, the Culture Channel, Turkish Television, Arabs Got Talent, and has been interviewed on Al Jazeera.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Drummer as a lead musician or as an accompanist

• Raquy’s drumming experience in Egypt

• Learning the Turkish style of drumming

• Her special notation system for drummers

• Tips for dance-music collaborations.

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sinda Sandra where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:

Before: thought that belly dance was not for someone like her, felt very shy.

Now: dreaming to come back to Egypt, and this time to dance on stage!

Before: was afraid that she didn’t have time for such activity.

Now: successfully finds time pockets to practice on a daily basis, believes that when you have hobby that you like very much, you always find time to work on it.

‘It’s my choice! Nobody tells me that I have to dance. But I’m feeling joy when I dance.’ _Sinda Sandra

Since 2002, Miami based artist Tiffany Madera (Hanan) has become a figurehead in the dance world by re-coding traditional Egyptian Raks Sharki dance as a tool for empowerment and social justice. As a performer, professor, activist, museum professional, filmmaker, and non-profit leader, Tiffany combines a highly aesthetic approach and academic scholarship to tackle the questions of our day. She holds a Master’s Degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University and a Master’s Degree in Performance Studies from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, both with a focus on intercultural dance and film.

Tiffany’s cultural background, professional and academic experience make her an impact driven and effective non profit leader positioned to bring complex work into fruition through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Her projects have garnered support and awards across the world including a $100,000 Knight Arts Challenge award with a full matching grant from the Ware Foundation among numerous state, county, municipal and national foundation awards.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Dancing My Mother’s Body initiative

• Havana Habibi festival and documentary film

• The healing power of belly dance

• Running the non-profit organization Hanan Arts

• Writing grants and raising money through fundraising and sponsorships.

There is some sort of shame around putting these two words together: dance & money (or art & sales). And I strongly believe that this is one of the main blocks for many talented dancers on why their career is not as successful as they wish it to be.

There is a misconception as if treating your art as a business will destroy the nature and essence of the art itself, as if suddenly you will stop being an artist.

I honestly think that such belief is a very comforting excuse for many artists on not taking responsibility for ALL aspects of their work. It feels much safer to stay in the comfort zone of a dance studio, focusing only on the training element of your profession, and ignoring everything else.

But you don’t have to choose between art and business. There IS a way on how to stay true to yourself and your art, AND make a decent living as a professional dancer.

Cinzia is an international belly dancer, teacher and choreographer, based in Italy and appreciated all over the world for her power and charisma on stage. Cinzia studied classical dance, jazz and piano for 10 years and in 2004 she fell in love with oriental dance and folklore. Her style is refined and powerful, a mix of Arabic feeling and modernity. She teaches, judges and dances in many countries, such as Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, United States and Egypt and regularly performs in the most important Italian festivals. She has taught literature and foreign languages at her local high school for years and this has given her the opportunity to refine her teaching method and her empathy towards students all over the world. Cinzia has been the Italian champion twice, and she has been the winner of all the most important Italian competitions, winning also the IDO World Cup in the 2014 folklore section. Now she trains many famous Italian dancers, helping them with competitions and shows. Cinzia manages her academy, the Badia Operà Academy through which she organizes numerous events and performances of bellydance and oriental dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Teaching workshops vs regular ongoing classes

• Discipline among students

• Switching to online teaching

• Introducing folklore to beginner students

• Helping students with their competition preparations.

Originally from sunny Miami, Helen Blondel has performed at a myriad of venues in Central & South Florida, including Kababi Cafe, Cleopatra Lounge, Hookita Lounge, Taverna Opa, Cedar's Lebanese Cuisine, & Dar Tagine. She has also appeared on Televised programs such as "Despierta America" and "Sabado Gigante" on Univision as a dancer and is a recent member of the MBC 2018 award-winning Belly Motions RAKettes Dance Company. Helen Blondel is the former Belly Dance Instructor of Florida International University recreation in Miami, and now resides in Orlando.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Charging appropriate fees for your dance shows

• Deciding if you are ready to enter the commercial dance industry

• How to get booked and prepare for your first paid show

• Social media, including TikTok, as a promo tool for getting local gigs

• How to get involved in TV projects and music videos.