Sadie _ Gala Show 17 January 2015

Gabriela

Gabriela was born and raised in Mexico City. She began her dance training as a child studying Folklorico and later, as a teenager she studied Hula and Tahitian dance. Her training in Middle-Eastern dance (belly dance) did not begin until the Summer of 2002 in Houston, TX. She took her first lesson at Sirrom School of Dance where she had the opportunity to learn from different talented instructors. During that time, she met Tamara (of Belladonna) and she became a loyal student of this popular troupe for a couple of years. Gabriela continues her dance education by attending workshops with high profile teachers, such as Bozenka of Miami (who choreographed Shakira for one of her videos), Katia of Boston, Cassandra of Minneapolis, Vashti of Dallas, Jim Boz of California, Nourhan Sharif of New York, bellydance superstars Jillina and Ansuya, Leila Gamal, Hadia of  anada, Sandra of California, Ava Fleming, legendary master instructor and choreographer Mahmoud Reda and Fifi Abdo of Cairo Egypt.

As a performer she's had the opportunity to dance at numerous events and restaurants throughout Houston. Some of them include the George R. Brown Convention Center (Heaith & Fitness Expo), HABDA dance nights at Bijans, Kairo Cafe, Helios, Cafe Europe, Al Basha,D'wines, Maryz, and many more. Gabriela has also been spotted dancing at Ya Leil, Saffron, Garson, Crome Lounge, Havana Latin Grill, Mashawi Lounge, Cafe Layal, Cafe Byblos, Hotel Zaza, M Lounge, and Yanni's, where she was the featured belly dancer for over two years.

Hayaam

Hayaam is a natural talented classical belly dance artist and teacher who is amongst the most respected belly dancers based in London.

Hayaam Academy of Contemporary Bellydance offers artistic classical belly dance classes in Westfield London Shopping Centre (Shepherds Bush) and Holborn Circus.

Her main belly dance style is Egyptian, characterized by a great variety of strong shimmies, charming and graceful moves.

Hayaam has been trained and had many workshops with renowned teachers such as Khaled Mahmoud, Sadie Marquardt, Petite Jamila, Ansuya, Bozenka, Tamalyn Dalal, Moria, Carolena Nericcio, Suhaila Salimpour and many others.Brazilian born, she was raised in a multicultural environment. She listened to and learned various types of rhythm and was influenced by various dance forms.

Considered as an enthusiastic and committed instructor, her classes are held in a nurturing and encouraging environment, full of inspiration, energy and great fun! She deeply enjoys teaching belly dancing and she says that her greatest reward is to see her students building up their skills and confidence little by little, day by day.

Sahira

Sahira was practically born on stage, having studied music, drama, and dance since the age of two. The musicality instilled within her as a classically trained flautist and singer infuse her dance with a sophisticated quality that is admired by dancers around the globe. Her extensive training in Middle Eastern as well as Tribal, Modern, and West African dance gives her performances an intense and earth energy that has captivated audiences’ hearts and minds.

In 2005, Sahira released her first instructional DVD, ”Arabian Spices“ and has since then been invited to teach and perform across the USA as well as Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Canada, and Taiwan. In 2006 she had the honor of being the first tribal instructor ever invited to teach at the largest belly dance festival in the world: Ahlan We Sahlan, in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007 Sahira released two more instructional DVDs: ”Ali“ and ”Bella Donna Ya Helwa.” In 2011 she teamed up with Silvia Salamanca to release the DVD “Spanish Gypsy Passion“. Her latest DVD “Urban Gypsy Folkloric Combinations” will be released Summer 2013.

When in Houston, Sahira performs four nights a week with Bella Donna, voted Houston ’s Best Belly Dancers by the Houston Press. She is founder and director of Houston’s premiere Tribal Style troupe, Urban Gypsy.

Ruby Beh

Ruby is internationally recognized for her passionate, untamed dance style. She is truly a powerhouse of energy. Her background of American Classic Bellydance and Turkish Oriental makes her performances stand out with a raw, individual interpretation. Her love of Turkish culture drew her straight to the source with multiple years of study in Istanbul. In addition to being an award- winning performer, Ruby is a certified Pilates instructor and is featured on instructional and performance DVDs including her own series, Flawless Floorwork, Totally Turkish, and All About Arms. Ruby has an active touring career, brining her joyful and energetic style to workshops and performances around the globe. Ruby’s educational background includes a B.S in Environmental Chemistry and her study of Kung Fu lends a unique flavor of controlled stamina to her performances

2013 Instructor of the year 

2010 Belly Dancer of the World "1st Runner up"
2009 Bellydancer USA " Winner Professional Category"
2008 Bellydancer USA "1st Runner up"
2008 East Coast Bellydance Classic "Grand Champion" & "People's Choice"
2008 Emerald Rain Bellydance Contest "Champion"
2007 Bellydancer USA "Peoples Choice"
2007 Double Crown "Gypsy Stylist"
2007 Emerald Rain "Gypsy Stylist.



Ruby Beh @ The Box Office

Ruby Beh Belly Dance

Suraiya

Suraiya is the most celebrated polish oriental artist, multi award winner, international performer and teacher. She is the most popular polish dancer invited to international festivals and events abroad. She regularly shares stages with the best international belly dance artists. Her dedication to the art of oriental dance, knowledge, teaching and performing skills has been already appreciated in over 30 countries of 5 continents!

Suraiya is well known for her technique, stage charisma and artistic interpretations of an Egyptian Style. Suraiya is also a frequent member of the Jury during international competitions (Juror in 15 countries including World Cup and Bellydancer of the World Contest). She owns Arabic Dance Academy and Artistic Agency "Suraiya" and she is a founder and artistic director of Egyptian Fever Festival and Euro Raks International Oriental Dance Congress. 

Suraiya is also show and dvd producer. Currently she co-organizes all her events with her husband Mansour Ibrahim who is also her tabla player. They travel together all over the world sharing their passion for oriental dance. 

Suraiya is also a certified fitness, Pilates instructor and Master of International Relations and Diplomacy. Suraiya after always being involved in sports and dance, she finally found her true love –oriental dancing. She decided to devote herself to it fully and for years she has been acquiring knowledge with great enthusiasm and all the time she has been improving her abilities, visiting world bigest belly dance events, festivals, congresses and constantly learning from the best world teachers (inter alia: Fifi Abdou (Egypt), Ansuya (USA), Asmahan (Argentina/Egypt), Aradia (USA), Aziza (USA/Kanada), Isidora Bushkovski (USA), Beata i Horatio Cifuentes (Germany), Devon (USA), Lubna Emam (Egypt), Osama Emam (Egypt), Ahmed Fekry (Egypt/Germany), Maryam Habib (Germany), Jillina (USA), Leyla Jouvana and Roland (Germany), Randa Kamel (Egypt), Kazafy (Egypt), Liza Laziza (Egypt), Magdy El Leisy (Egypt/Germany), Khaled Mahmoud (Egypt), Marisa (USA), Mayodi (Maroco/France), Karim Nagi (Egypt), Nour (Egypt), Aida Nour (Egypt), Nuriyya (Belgium/Egypt), Mahmoud Reda (Egypt), Freiz Sayed (Egypt), Sadie (USA), Shahrazad (Holland)/Germany), Yousry Sharif (Egypt), Diana Tarkhan (Egypt), Tito (Egypt), Virginia (USA), Zahra (Germany), Eman Zaki (Egypt), Zeina (Sweden) and others.

Suraiya in past years has successfully participated in one year "EGYPTIAN ORIENTAL DANCE TRAINING" instructed by Nuriyya (Germany/Belgium) and received International Belly Dance Certification : "THE GRACE AND POWER OF ORIENTAL EGYPTIAN DANCE" (International Dance Council CID-UNESCO)

After a very reach study on Oriental Dance Suraiya succeded to create her own style, brand and significant flavour. Currently she is very lucky to have many of her Masters as friends - sharing with them regularly stages and jury tables all over the world!

Suraiya has many incarnations – while studying International Relations, she devoted her M.A thesis in a large measure to the problem of Islamic terrorism, which has allowed her to obtain knowledge on many characteristics of mentality and culture of some of the regions of the Arab world. 

At her dance classes, Suraiya pays attention not only to technical elements and therapeutic effects of dance on the soul but she emphasizes its salutary influence on the female body as well. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this matter, as since 2003 she has been an active fitness instructor, conducting various physical classes and, in this scope, she has undergone training in Poland and the USA. In 2005, she was a precursor of the “Fitness Belly Dance“ type classes in Poland, making her own original program based on oriental dance and fitness techniques.

All Suraiya’s incarnations, that complement one another, have enabled her to develop her own unique dancing and acting image, which delights not only the eyes of Polish audiences but also spectators from faraway corners of the world.Awards in past years:

* UK 2009 - Winner of Isis Award Competition - professional category. International Bellydance Congress.

* Los Angeles 2009 - Highest prize in the international Competiton organized by Jillina

* Prague 2008 - First prize in International Raks Sharqi Competition for Professional Dancers.

Rachel Brice Show

September 4to Sep 7

VIAREGGIO, ITALY
Workshop (SOLD OUT) and Show
Sun, ocean, gelato and belly dance! Comin' at ya live. Click here for details.
Thursday, September 4, 2014 – Sunday, September 7, 2014
September 12to Sep 14


BERNE, SWITZERLAND

Workshop (SOLD OUT) and Show
RB's first time in Switzerland! Details here.
Friday, September 12, 2014 – Sunday, September 14, 2014
September 17to Sep 21

SLOVENIA
Workshop (SOLD OUT) and Show. Back to Slovenia, the land of incredible, dedicated, and hard working dancers. Can't wait! Details click here
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 – Sunday, September 21, 2014
September 25to Sep 28

RUSSIA
We'll be drilling down into the fundamentals and working with choreography. I love this land of the most beautiful port-a-potties I've ever seen. Registration May 1st here.
Thursday, September 25, 2014 – Sunday, September 28, 2014
October 11to Oct 18

8 ELEMENTS™ INTENSIVE II, CULTIVATION
(Sold Out) The 8 Elements™ is a technique-based approach developed by Rachel Brice. It is rooted in tribal fusion, american tribal and american cabaret belly dance styles, other contemporary and ethnic dance forms, and viniyoga™. More information about 8 Elements™ here. Registration here on April 19th.
Saturday, October 11, 2014 – Saturday, October 18, 2014
October 28to Nov 2

UK INFUSION EMPORIUM
Workshops (SOLD OUT) and Show
6 days at a fantastic belly dance festival in the UK! Details click here
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 – Sunday, November 2, 2014
November 15to Nov 22

8 ELEMENTS™ INTENSIVE III, CULMINATION
(Sold Out) Culmination, phase three of the 8 Elements™ training, continues with the refinement of technique and musicality, and focuses on improvisation, choreography, and performance elements of belly dance. In addition to daily technique training, participants will create original pieces. We will discuss group rehearsal, challenges presented by rehearsal and performance, and optimal conditions for group work.

Culmination is where the 8 Elements™ training is applied to actual experience in rehearsal and performance settings. At the completion of Phase III, participants will receive a document recognizing them as Practitioners of the 8 Elements™ approach. They may then be eligible for application to Phase IV, Teacher Training, provided that they complete all requirements and have consistently displayed respectful and positive behavior toward other participants and themselves throughout all three intensives.

Culmination is only open to dancers who have completed Initiation and Cultivation.

About the 8 Elements™ Approach

The 8 Elements™ is a process-based approach developed by Rachel Brice. It is rooted in tribal fusion, american tribal and american cabaret belly dance styles, other contemporary and ethnic dance forms, and viniyoga™. More information about 8 Elements™ here. Details about this intensive here.

Registration is here.
Saturday, November 15, 2014 – Saturday, November 22, 2014
February 14to Feb 21

COSTA RICA WEEKLONG INTENSIVE: THE HEART OF BELLY DANCE
A week of belly dance bliss by the beach and jungle in Nosara, Costa Rica. Treat yourself to belly dance, yoga, relaxation, and new friends. This is the 10th year anniversary of this wonderful retreat hosted by Sahara Dance.

Registration here.
Saturday, February 14, 2015 – Saturday, February 21, 2015
March 28to Mar 29

CUES + TATTOOS : SEATTLE, WA
Glad to return to this PNW festival! Some of my all-time favorite people and dancers will be teaching and performing here.

Registration opens Saturday September 30th at noon here.
Saturday, March 28, 2015 – Sunday, March 29, 2015
August 22to Aug 29

BALI WEEKLONG RETREAT 2015 : THE HEART OF BELLY DANCE
A week of belly dance bliss in Bali hosted by Sahara Dance at the beautiful Desa Seni resort. Open air dance studio surrounded by lush tropical gardens with delicious organic food grown on site. Swim in the pool, lounge in the sun and dance to your heart's content.

More information and registration here.
Saturday, August 22, 2015 – Saturday, August 29, 2015

Rachel Brice

Rachel Brice is a contemporary performer in Tribal Fusion Style Belly Dance based in Portland, Oregon. She is the artistic director and choreographer for The Indigo Belly Dance Company and a frequent performer with the Bellydance Superstars. In June 2011 she opened her own dance studio in Portland, OR, called Studio Datura. There she hosts regular dance classes along with workshops from her 8 Elements™ Approach to Belly Dance training program.

She has performed and toured nationally and internationally since 2002. As a member of the Bellydance Superstars, Brice made numerous appearances on Bellydance Superstars DVDs, as well as a multitude of television and radio appearances worldwide, most notably Live with Regis and Kelly in the US and Blue Peter in England.

As a teacher and movement arts pedagogue, Brice has released instructional videos focusing on Yoga and Belly Dance, and has given workshops throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Brice began teaching Yoga and Belly Dance for Pixar Animation Studios and continues to teach workshops annually all over the world. In 2012, Brice launched her online belly dance and conditioning studio, Datura Online."Rachel Brice first fell in love with belly dance when she saw the famous Hahbi'Ru in the early nineties. When she saw big, gorgeous, proud women with strong carriage and charisma adorned with spectacular antique tribal jewelry, facial tattoos, and rich textiles, it changed the way she saw beauty. She started classes in American Cabaret style right away.

In the early 2000s while studying dance in college, she studied American Tribal Style® Belly Dance, African Haitian, Flamenco, Modern Dance, Kathak, and Odissi Classical. At this time she was also in Jill Parker’s Ultra Gypsy, the first Tribal Fusion troupe. She began to be influenced by the various forms she was studying, which influenced her style. She also began to dance with Mardi Love, one of her biggest aesthetic influences.

In 2001 she was discovered by rock mogul Miles Copeland and toured for five years with his company, Bellydance Superstars. These tours sparked a global interest in this very San Fra

ncisco style of belly dance, known as Tribal Fusion, which continues to grow, change and evolve.Today, Rachel studies belly dance with her teachers Carolena Nericcio, creator of American Tribal Style®, and yoga with Gary Kraftsow. Whenever possible, she takes classes with her colleagues. When not teaching on the road, she lives in Portland Oregon where she's opened a studio, Datura, and has begun a production company, Little Scarab with her partner, Sol Crawford. Together they've created a belly dance training program called the 8 Elements™ Approach to Belly Dance. Someday they hope to own a dog and tend a garden."

Alla Kushnir Belly Dance

Alla Kushnir Professional Belly Dance

Allah Kushir Belly Dance MIX

Alla Kushnir Shik Shak Shok 

Alla Kushnir Belly Dance Oriental Cocktail 2014 


Alla Kushnir Sexy Belly Dance

Alla Kushnir Belly Dance Perfotmance in Los Angeles 2013   

Alla Kushnir Belly Dance Solo 

Alla Kushnir

Alla Kushnir is a famous and acclaimed Ukrainian belly dancer, Choreographer, Festival and Performance organizer. She is characterized as a very explosive and spectacular dancer who has been finalist of Ukraine TV-show “Ukraine gots Talent”, LBC Belly Dance World Championship “Hezzi Ya Nawaim” and many time in diverse world championships of belly dance.

Alla Kushnir is engaged in dances since the childhood. She studied at specialized school of applied arts and crafts. At the beginning of dancing career Alla did not experience the predilection for any certain direction in dance, therefore is engaged in ball and folk, and variety dances, and took active part in various competitions of amateur performance.

After leaving school she entered the Law Academy and decided not to link her life with dance. However, on the second year Alla casually saw the belly dance on TV. This programme changed all her life. She decided to be engaged in the east dances and as for that time in Nikolayev there were no teachers, Alla began to study belly dance by herself. She visited numerous seminars in different cities of Russia and Ukraine.

For today Alla Kushnir is the finalist and the prize-winner of such prestigious competitions as: the Open championship of St.-Petersburg, the World championship in Moscow, a bronze prize-winner of the Lebanese TV project "Hezzi Ya Nawaim" 2008, the winner of the Berlin festival on east dance «Oriental Bazar". At the first all-Ukrainian festival of east dance "Bastet" Alla received the offer from the well-known ballet master Vadim Pisarev to participate in his production of «A Thousand and One nights». Vivid and arresting to all the Ukrainians finalist of TV show “Ukraine gots Talent” The presenter of TV program "East dances with Alla Kushnir" on Maxxi TV.

Alla Kushnir invites everyone to join the exciting and mysterious world of the East in her studio of east dance. According to Alla, east dance not only reflects life, it helps to reveal the inner world of a dancer, her attitude to life. In the East there is an ancient proverb that opens the wholel essence of east dances: «the Woman dances like she loves, and loves like dances».

Simona Guzman

Simona is an Oriental dancer, teacher and the organizer of the "Mediterranean Delight Festival" around the Mediterranean sea countries. She organized her festivals in Turkey, Morocco and Greece.

My name is Simona Guzman and I am a belly dancer. A belly dancer who dances to quiet and lively music, with drums and flutes. I dance the spring and the sea, the desert and the sun. 

Being a belly dancer was my dream, for as long as I can remember, but I started my professional career as the "Gotex" house model. For 11 years, I worked as a photo and runway model, appearing in some of the most prestigious exhibitions and fashion shows in the world in Dusseldorf and Paris. 

I appeared in many catalogues and on many covers of esteemed fashion magazines. I waited for the opportunity to realize my dream of learning how to belly dance and then, one day, I began taking Middle Eastern dance classes at the Wingate Institute and my dream became a reality – I became a belly dancer, certified to teach Middle Eastern dance.Since then, I participated in seminars in Israel and in Egypt, attending courses by the leading teachers.

Latifa Nejim Belly Dance

On the anniversary concert of the studio "Sargam", Kraskovo city (Russia) -2012

The 3rd winner on the "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" festival (Cairo -2011) - "Alf Leyla Wa Leyla"

A particularly dramatic and exciting performance from 2007 by Latifa Nejim

Latifa Nejim - Baladi (for the DVD project), 2012

Orient Cypras 3

Latifa Nejim

Latifa was born and grew up in Ukraine. All her life connects with a dance!

"Dance is my life" - the motto of Latifa!

In Ukraine for 10 years Latifa was the leader in ukrainian professional dance group of folkloric dance. Was successful experience in modern pop and ballroom dance. But always Latifa wanted something more where she could open her heart and soul to show all her feelings to the audience. How was she wondering when once in 2003 Latifa learns from her first teacher of dance who lived in Russia about new kind of dance - it was Belly Dance!

Realized that it is amazing new style of dance is very interesting for her ,where all the people can develop themself and not depend on partners, in 2004 Latifa decided and moved to Russia. Almost 2 years Latifa had experience working in the most famouse arabic restaurant in Moscow. There she was able to observe the various belly dancers, as well as get acquainted with the Arabic music such as: Oum Kolthsoum, Abdel Halim, Warda , Abdel Wahab etc.. “It was a big school for me” – Latifa says,– :“we did not see the days, we were working only at the nights”.

In 2006 in Moscow Latifa met 2 belly dance super stars from Egypt who came to teach russian students- they were a great teacher Madame Raqia Hassan and the legendary Dina. From that moment Latifa falls in love in an Egyptian style of oriental dance! Latifa already knew that for sure she should to visit the country where all the people are grew up with arabic culture , music and atmosfer. That in this people the feelings of the oriental dance come with their blood.

While Latifa kept in mind this idea, she started to practice hard in Belly Dance every day more! And she even did not notice that she got a leading position among the dancers of Russia. And in 2007-2008 by the International Dance Organization (IDO) Latifa became European Champion, World Cup winner and World Champion!

1 year later In 2009 Latifa realized her dream and came for the first time to visit Egypt where she met the most famous belly dancers . Since that time inside of Latifa turned over all awareness about oriental dance. Latifa's dance began to change significantly. Using her skills from previous years Latifa brings in dance the best of the parts. It is the grace of perfect motion of classical and modern dance keeping pace with the times. But there is a basis what Latifa always leaves - is Egyptian style of dance!

Now Latifa works in All Russian Dance Organization as a partner (ARDO) in Moscow. She has the highest and international judging category in Oriental Dance (IDO).

Latifa received higher education at the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts as a teacher-choreographer!

Since 2012 by the invitation of the most famous and legendary Madame Raqia Hassan, Latifa received a big opportunity became a teacher and performer in the biggest International "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" Festival in Egypt/Cairo! Latifa's popularity every year becomes more and more. Latifa teaches and performs all over the world!

Anna Borisova

  Anna Borisova is a bellydance star from Russia, nowadays one of the most popular bellydance artists in her country. She started her career in 2006. During this time she was taking part in different competitions in Russia and abroad, including Cairo.

  Anna has developed her own special style, which can be described as strong and very powerful, but at the same time very soft, playful and feminine. Usually she combines strong hip movements with soft arms and powerful shimmies. Anna prefers emotional and impressive dancing using expressiveness and charisma to touch the audience and catch the eye. She adores egyptian style and likes to add some innovations to it.   At the current time she presents her experience to her students all over the world. She was teaching in such countries as Ukraine, France, England, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, China, Korea, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela and many more. She is happy to share her knowledge and energy with everyone at her workshops!

ANNA BORISOVA - Lama Rah El Sabr 2014 Workshops and show in France, Marsielle, May 2014 Teaching at Raqs Ou Bess Festival, organized by Sephora Beka. Choreography by Anna Borisova

ANNA BORISOVA - Zei El Hawa 2014

 

ANNA BORISOVA - Russian Belly Dancer Solo Tabla

JinHee Kim

JinHee Kim - Belly Dance - Danse Orientale - رقص شرقي

I’m professional bellydancer and Teacher. I have started belly dance in Korea since I was sixteen years old. After then, I have learned traditional dance, modern dance, ballet, which it is filled with my life. I practice regularly in my country and before doing, I have received first prize at many competition. Furthermore, I was awarded the title of first Winner in international belly dance festival. Nowadays, many people in various countries,call on me in order to show my performance and hold workshop. Learning endless is very important factor as dance is changing continually. The deeper I study belly dance, the more I admire the richness of expression it can demonstrate from the most simple thing to complex emotion. I think that belly dance embodies human being , feeling , love, instinct, and world. I’d like to share

 these things with everybody. Belly dance the love of it all. Nothing is more important than belly dance in my life. 

JinHee Kim - Belly Dance - Danse Orientale - رقص شرقي

Jinhee Kim is Korean bellydancer.

international belly dance performer and teacher and choreographer.

Multi Award Winner.

JinHee Kim - Belly Dance

Jinhee Kim @ Pratyaya vol.2 at Nagoya JAPAN presented by Ladea 2013.3.23

JINHEE KIM Performance November 2013

Jinhee Kim @ Eilat Festival 2014 Opening Gala 

Alla Kushnir Belly Dance

Alla Kushnir : Miss Belly dance of Europe 2008

Born in Ukraine, studied dance in his country in the National Academy of Odessa, where she has perfected the oriental dance. In 2003 she met Tarik Sultan, one of the great choreographers and dance instructors in America and took lessons with Egyptian teacher Mahmoud Reda.
Our beautiful dancer belongs to that small group of bellydancers of Eastern Europe that are characterized by power, agility, vitality, passion and temperament. She performs in many countries with great success.
Professional Dancer and Teacher - Miss Bellydance of Europe 2008 Berlin - Ukrainian champion 2007 & 2008 - World champion nominated

Rio Raks 2013 Hosted by Sasha's Belly Dance Studio featuring Alla Kushnir

ALLA KUSHNIR SOLO

Alla Kushnir - professional Sexy belly dance

Sexy Belly Dance Alla Kushnir - Leila

Shahrzad Raq's Dance

Shahrzad Raqs at Rakkasah East
Belly Dancer Shahrzad of Washington DC Improvising to a taqsim and drum solo.



Shahrzad, Balliceaux RVA, Bellydance Brunch Cabaret

Shahrzad at Drom, NYC
Shahrzad performing at a gala show in NYC hosted by Nourhan Sharif. The show was celebrating Raqia Hassan's workshop. Nourhan regularly hosts Shahrzad, Raqia Hassan, and other great Egyptian dance instructors in NYC.

Shahrzad Belly dance to Sert El Hob

Shahrzad Belly Dance drum solo

Shahrzad Raq

 Shahrzad has been enchanting the stage with her dancing since she discovered her passion for performance at the age of 11. Since then, she has immersed herself in a variety of dance disciplines--including Modern Egyptian and folk styles from Egypt, Morocco, and the Middle East. Her professional background leading international workshops and teaching classes began when she was 15, headlining shows with live bands at top venues in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Most of Shahrzad's technique and choreography is influenced from her tutelage while in Egypt, where she was mentored by expert belly dance teachers. These mentorships opened the doors to performances at larger arena settings for famous arabic musicians, cultural demonstrations at embassies and universities, and headlining opportunities at international events.

As a result of her studded performance history, Shahrzad has established herself as an instructor for workshops, international events, and full-time classes at Sahara Dance, the largest belly dance school in Washington D.C. and surrounding metropolitan area. Her classes focus on an interactive experience that enhances every rank of student: novice dancers looking for individual achievements, veteran dancers looking to join the professional circuit, and professional belly dancers building choreography for their events.

Going forward, Shahrazad will continue to teach her students while securing international concert and workshop dates as belly dancing continues to inspire her and those that respect the growing interest in this art of dancing.

SONIA ~ The Mother of All Belly Dance's (Beats Antique-EGYPTIC)

Sadie

 Sadie is a global Bellydance sensation!

First seen as a “Rising Star” on BD-TV Vol. II in 2004, Sadie is now featured on dozens of instructional and performance DVDs displaying her extraordinary style of Bellydance which has captivated audiences and inspired fans around the world.

As one of the most sought after performers and teachers of Oriental Dance (Bellydance), Sadie has visited hundreds of cities in over 40 countries and is the most watched bellydancer on youtube with over 26 million hits on justone video clip alone. Sadie’s fans and colleagues have crowned her “The Queen of the Drum Solo”. Recently Sadie, in duet with Kaya, wowed the judges of “America’s Got Talent” and the American public all the way to the “Top 48″ out of 70,000 auditions on season 5 of the program. They are the only bellydancers to make it that far on the American version of the show.

Sadie’s signature styling has marked a new genre and following in Bellydance. Her unique expression fuses together athleticism, grace and precision; attributes instilled in part by training in gymnastics and swimming for 14 years in her youth. In her late teens Sadie took up a new passion, Oriental Dance. As a student, Sadie studied with many reputable Middle Eastern dance and music teachers from around the world. Her first inspiration and mentor in Bellydance was her teacher Joynan from Denver, Colorado. Other key, influential moments in her education include two extended trips to Turkey (including a dance tour with teacher Eva Cernik) where she studied and observed the dance and learning to play the Doombek (the goblet shaped Middle Eastern hand drum) via master percussionist and musician Souhail Kaspar. Sadie continues to enrich and pursue her education in the beautiful art form of Oriental Dance which is continually evolving and at the same time firmly rooted in traditions which can be traced back hundreds and even thousands of years. Every year she has the great fortune of attending festivals and conventions with some of the worlds greatest masters and legends of Oriental Dance, sharing the stage with them as well as taking their workshops and classes.

Sadie’s passion for dance, music and culture has inspired her to study other forms of world dance in addition to Oriental Dance such as, Brazilian Samba, Salsa and Tahitian to name a few. This diverse background coupled with over a decade of athletic training in gymnastics and swimming has given Sadie great command of movement and wisdom of dance that comes to life not only in her inspiring performances but also in her gift to teach and share her knowledge with her students. Sadie has had the honor and privilege of working with thousands of students from all walks of life and cultures around the world giving her great insight as an instructor. Students of Sadie comment on her down to earth, witty teaching style that breaks down her movements in a way that literally anyone can understand and begin to work with.

In a very short time Sadie has enjoyed the achievements of an impressive career. She has received accolades such as “The Critic’s Choice” by the Denver Post and Westswords “Denver’s Best 2006″ for shows and dance classes, dancing for celebrities like Will Smith and Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets”, TV appearances in a James Bond commercial produced by Starz/Encore and choreographing for, and dancing in music videos and musicals. Watch Sadie & Kaya in their “Top 48″ (Quarter-Finals) of America’s Got Talent Season 5 performance, where they WOWED the judges and showcased their exciting bellydance performance for a mainstream American audience of 30 million plus viewers. Sadie has been one of the most prolific bellydancers of all time with over a dozen instructional videos that sell worldwide. Based out of Denver, Colorado, when Sadie is not traveling the globe she can be found teaching her award winning bellydance classes. Over the years she has been a public figure in the Denver scene where she has performed over 300 shows in one year alone at the cities finest establishments, festivals and events.

Rahel

 Rahel has loved dance all her life. Since a young age, she has been highly involved in the artistic exploration of various forms of dance, rhythm and music. She found her calling in Raks Sharqi (Oriental/Egyptian Cabaret Style Bellydance) at the age of fifteen and has been passionate about it ever since, wholly immersing herself in it.

Rahel’s serpentine fluidity and joyful, engaging stage presence, as well as her unique, eclectic dance style make her a highly sought after performer, instructor and choreographer.

Although she has studied primarily under her mentor Narmaya, she has taken inspiration and influence from a number of dancers from around the world, ranging from the classics to the contemporary, and she has trained and taken workshops with greats such as Bozenka, Sabura, Ranya Renee, Rahma Hadad, Sadie, Jim Boz, Moira Chappell, April Rose, Gigi Dilsah, Zahra Zuhair, Katalin Schafer and Farideh. Rahel also completed Ranya Renee’s Teacher Certification Training in March 2012.

As a certified yoga teacher (RYT 500) from Prana Yoga College, Rahel incorporates elements of her yoga training into her dance lessons for a more well-rounded, body-educated practice. She is also proud to have created a fusion class called Bellydance Yoga, incorporating bellydance elements and focus into a Hatha-based yoga class. She is also available for regular yoga classes in public, private and semi-private settings.

Rahel has danced with bellydance troupe Banat Dallah, and for several years was a member of Ninawa Eastern Magic Folkloric Dance Company run by internationally renowned dancers Moh Abu Ras and Moh Al Ratta. Her film credits include a starring dance role in the award winning short film “Imago” by VFS graduate Drea Morin, as well a featured performance in an episode of the hit TV series “Hellcats”. Rahel was also a featured performer in the high profile event Illuminate Yaletown in 2011. Rahel had the privilege of having her choreography selected for the 2012 “Shimmy Mob”, the world’s largest bellydance flash mob featuring thousands of dancers all over the globe.

Rahel is one of the official dancers for Vancouver fusion band Tambura Rasa and can be seen performing with them at their exciting shows around BC. Previous shows have included the 2011 Harrison Festival of the Arts, and Vancouver’s high profile Dragon Boat Festival in 2014. Rahel has also performed with other musical sensations such as Shantel, Nickodemus, and Juno Reactor.

Rahel is currently teaching weekly beginner, intermediate and advanced bellydancing classes in Vancouver at the Jewish Community Centre, Ache Basil Capeoria Academy and Mount Pleasant Community Centre, and has been performing professionally at restaurants, weddings, birthday parties, Christmas/New Years parties, bridal showers, awards shows, corporate events and more in the Lower Mainland since 2003.

Rahel takes the greatest joy in inspiring and empowering women of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds with this beautiful, ancient art form… because everyone deserves bellydance!

Jillina

Performer, Master Instructor, Choreographer, Director and Producer, Jillina has devoted her life to dance. Currently Jillina is touring the world with her newest production: Bellydance Evolution. Created in 2009, Bellydance Evolution is a revolutionary approach to the art of bellydance; it is a theatrical show with a storyline, much like a ballet. Bellydance Evolution has already appeared in over 20 countries and was a featured performer at the Mawazine festival in Morocco, performing for the Queen of Morocco.

In 1999 Jillina established her own dance company, Jillina’s Sahlala Dancers, currently LA’s premier Middle Eastern and world fusion dance entertainment company. From 2003-09 she served as Artistic Director and Main Choreographer for the Bellydance Superstars and performed with them for over 700 shows in over a dozen countries. High-lights include performing on the main stage at Lolapaloza, The Follies Berger in Paris, The Queen’s Theater in London and Theatre Mohammed V in Rabaat, Morocco. Jillina continued in her position as principal choreographer until 2010.

Jillina pulls from a strong dance background in Middle Eastern, Folklore, Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop to create

a colorful Middle Eastern fusion repertoire. She travels extensively, teaching seminars and performing in concerts. The “Michael Jordan of Bellydance”, Jillina’s talents have taken her to England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Chile, Venezuela, Canada, France, Italy, Monaco, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Russia, Slovenia, Peru, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Dubai and Egypt. Whether Jillina is coaching dancers individually or teaching a group of 1,000 students, she has a special ability to connect with people on and off the dance floor.

Jillina has won numerous awards from International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and the Giza Academy, including Best Modern Egyptian Dancer, Best Instructional Video, Best Dance Company and Dancer of the Year. Jillina has appeared on a number of television programs, including, “Dancing With The Stars” & “Tsukiri” a widely viewed show in Japan. She has co-produced 12 instructional DVDs, which, due to their success, are now offered in 5 different languages and distributed by Universal Records. In the summer of 2009 and 2010, Jillina was the first American to be invited as a featured performer in the prestigious Closing Gala at Ahlan Wa Sahlan in Egypt.

Jillina is the owner of Evolution Dance Studios, located in Universal City, California, USA. The studio provides rehearsal space to some of Hollywood’s top artists- Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance- and serves as a focal point for the Los Angeles Dance Community.

Didem Kınalı

Didem Kınalı was born in 1986, in Istanbul, to a gypsy family earning its living from performing live music and dancing. After only completing three years of primary education, she dropped out of school. It’s unknown exactly what she was doing in her adolescent years, but she was certainly developing her passion for belly dancing, even if she wasn’t performing to crowds.

In an interview, she stated that she was first performingb belly dancing in the suburban district of Avcılar, which is not known to be the place to go for an evening’s entertainment. Nevertheless, Turkey’s male oriented “gazino” culture offers plenty avenues, ranging in quality, for belly dancers like Didem to perform.

Working with her tutor, Sema Yıldız, a former belly dancer, she eventually made her move to the high quality venues in Taksim, the heart of Istanbul’s night life. One of her first venues is understood to be one of Istanbul’s finest belly dancing and dinner venues, Sultana’s Dinner.and 1001 Nights Show, which opened in 2001, replacing the famous discotheque of the 1970′s and 1980′s, Regine. She would work here for four years, as well as making nightly appearances at other surrounding venues, before she got the call to perform on “Ibo Show”, one of the few talk-show/performance programmes on Turkish television that feature belly dancers, hosted by the star of the Turkish arabesque music world, İbrahim Tatlıses.

Following the controversial departure of Asena from the show, all eyes were on Didem. Asena had built a reputation as having innovated Turkish belly dancing, and was revered throughout the country. Didem initially struck audiences with her beauty, but her talent was also soon recognised.

Those who have watched Didem live have always been left mesmerised, and it is true, as is with all stage performances of any kind, that she must be watched at a venue to really appreciate her talent and energy, which she conveys to the viewer through eye contact and a very honest, cheerful smile.

Didem’s personal life is a big mystery. However, she is known to be a very cheerful, strong and positive young woman to her friends. She’s proud of her Roma heritage. She has been seen in public dressed casually with relaxed fitting clothes, far from the image she puts across on stage.

During a year’s absence from İbo Show due to reasons out of her control, Didem performed on the Wednesday morning day time television show “Sabahların Sultanı”, hosted by Seda Sayan, who never hid her admiration for Didem. However, a morning chat show could never be the arena that Didem deserves. Audiences, mainly made up of housewives, would be seen knitting and chattering amongst themselves during the broadcast. For a dancer like Didem who thrives on audience energy, there could hardly be a worse place to perform.

In June 2009, İbo Show returned to Star television, having been on Kanal D and Atv previously. The weekly summer shows, being broadcast from the beautiful Aegean holiday area of Bodrum, feature Didem’s dances.

She also regularly performs in Europe, where she is hired to dance at clubs and events. Since 2009 she’s also been featuring at Günay restaurant, on nights where Tatlıses has also performed.

Didem’s guest appearances on Turkish television include the “Beyaz Show”, a light hearted chat show hosted by Beyazıt Öztürk. In one show, she attempted to teach belly dancing to Carmen Electra.

It remains to be seen what the future will hold for Didem. She rarely speaks on television, in fact she’s not allowed to by Tatlıses. But she has developed a massive following across the globe, thanks to YouTube, where some of her videos have been watched over a million times.