Main Stage

Akimi

France

Dancing has always been a passion.  She did classical dance, jazz and tap dance during my childhood. Akimi took Egyptian Bellydance lessons with Amana on a regular basis and did workshops with famous Bellydancers such as Suhaila Salimpour, Rachel Brice and Amar Gamal.  She went to Egypt in 2008 to learn more about Bellydance culture and danced in many events. Her latest show was in August 2009 at the European Tribal Fusion Festival in France, with Suhaila Salimpour, Kami Liddle, Ariellah ... an amazing experience!

Performance description: Tribal fusion Bellydance with Egyptian influence.
Spellbinding and graceful body control on modern music.

http://www.myspace.com/akimidance

Ala Nar

British Columbia, Canada

Ala Nar is a fiery Vancouver Bellydance troupe specializing in Egyptian Oriental, Folkloric and other Middle Eastern dance styles.  For over six years, these dancers have worked collaboratively to develop choreographies t hat reflect traditional styles as well as modern influences.  One of the most sought after groups of performers and teachers in the Lower Mainland, Ala Nar strives to entertain, educate and share their love of dance with everyone they meet.  They dance with passion and grace, letting their love for dance light up their performances and delight their audiences.  Ala Nar is famous for its magical ability to honour each member’s personal, individual style while remaining a solid, cohesive group.

Performance Description: This piece, choreographed to New Baladi is a perfect example of how Ala Nar is able to take the best attributes from each member and meld them into a single unifying piece.

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Amar

Quebec, Canada

Pierre Khoury (Amar) is a young and passionate Bellydancer of Syrian background that acquired a rich and varied experience in terms of stage performance and entertainment.  During his collegial studies he won a well-known local talent competition and later supervised the college’s dance troop towards the development of an annual show.  He currently teaches workshops and classes of baladi-funky, a style inspired by the expanding pop culture of the Middle East.  He also regularly performs for diverse events in Montreal, recently for a concert given by francophone singer Lynda Thalie, for instance.  His performances are known for their originality given his varied training and enthusiasm.

Performance Description: What is happening?  Is Amar wearing a baseball cap to Bellydance?  Is he daring to use a cane for a drum solo?  Be ready to be entertained.

Ashira

Argentina/Canada

Ashira, born in Argentina, is trained in different dances such as Argentinean fold dances, tap, tango, samba and salsa.  She has also performed in typical Argentinean samba carnivals.  In 2001 she started Bellydance and completed 4 years in Bellydance School in Argentina where she learned Argentinean Bellydance style with Florencia Lima, Zafrah and Zahira Nahid.  During 2007 Celeste Ashira was part of Zahira Nahid’s professional troupe.  After she moved to Canada in 2008 Ashira became a teacher for Hannan Sultan’s Bellydance Studio and a member of the Rhythm of the Nile Company.

Performance Description: Argentinean Bellydance style drum solo with Bellydance moves, jazz steps, big head movements and a lot of dynamism.

Cairo Ala Nar

Ontario, Canada

Founded in November 2008 by Mayada, this is a group of professional Bellydancers who perform beautiful veil work entrances, shimmying drum pieces, authentic Egyptian-style cabaret dances, candelabra, audience participation numbers, and more!  In our short time together we have already performed all over Toronto at parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and more! We can perform as soloists, duets, trios, or up to our whole troupe which is nine dancers.  Bring excitement and fun to your next special event with our dancers!

www.mayada.ca

Dahab

Nevada, U.S.A.

Dahab was born in Bogota, Columbia.  She trained in traditional Columbian and world dancers during her high school and college years – Middle Eastern dances being her main interest.  After completing her B.A. in mathematics, she travelled to Las Vegas where she has become a professional Middle Eastern Dancer.  She started training with Aradia of Las Vegas and became the assistant for her troupe, “Aradia and the Ra Dancers”.  They perform together regularly for private, cultural and educational events.  Dahab has devoted herself to this art form and she has become one of the most sought after soloists in Las Vegas.

Performance Description: Passionate choreography containing elements of both Western and Middle Eastern worlds – Bellydance and jazz steps come together to express the strong emotions this song inspires.

http://www.dancedahab.com/

Daluah

Ontario, Canada

Daluah is a native Torontonian who dances for the joy of dance and the celebration of life.  She has enjoyed dancing from a young age in RAD ballet, achieving her elementary level.  From there Daluah explored a wide range of expressive types of dance, including jazz, flamenco, tango, lindy-hop and modern styles.

Intrigued by Tom Robin’s book “Skinny Legs and All”, she sought out the world of Bellydance.  Daluah began her Bellydance training under the guidance of her dance mentor, Egyptian-born Habeeba Hobeika.  Currently she is proud senior member of Habeeba’s Egyptian Folkloric Dance Ensemble, and has performed, both locally and internationally, as a soloist and part of the Ensemble for more than ten years

Performance Description: The main stage performance will be a classical oriental dance to Om Kalthum’s Alf Layla.

http://www.habeeba.com/

Danza Della Luna

Texas, U.S.A.

Sa’diyya and the Danza della Luna Performance Company is an Award-Winning dance troupe based in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area, directed by professional dancer and instructor, Sa’diyya.  “Danza della Luna” is Italian for “Dance of the Moon,” referring to the age-old comparison of a woman’s beauty to the beauty of the moon in Middle Eastern cultures. 

Danza della Luna specializes in unique Bellydance presentations that showcase the more modern styles of Bellydance, as their repertoire runs the gamut from world-fusion dances to flashy “Las Vegas” style dances to the authentic dances of the Middle East. 

The goal of the company is to bring Bellydance to a higher level of skill and production, with exciting and entertaining performances that leave lasting impressions on audience members, all the while keeping true to the roots of Middle Eastern dance with continued, intensive study on the part of the company members and Sa’diyya.

http://www.sadiyyadance.com/home.htm

Denai's Dancers

Wisconsin, U.S.A.

The Denais dancers are a lively troupe of women led by Denise Lukasik-Sedmak of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For over 25 years, Denise had been a member of a professional dance troupe, the Trisha Mid-East Dancers, which are members of the International Institute of Wisconsin.  Denise has been active with her own troupe “Denai’s Dancers” and continues to choreograph and perform throughout the Midwest.  Denise and the Denais Dancers are well known instructors and performers, teaching throughout the mid west and performing at such illustrious events as the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.

Dina & Sayed

Austria

Dina is a daughter of and Egyptian father and an Austrian mother. Sayed is an Egyptian dancer living in Vienna. The pair have instructed and performed throughout Austria, Germany and Spain and have traveled extensively across Europe, North America and the Middle East attending festivals, workshops and lectures to flourish as dance artists.

Performance Description: This is a very romantic choreography to a love song in which the singer speaks to his adored woman expressing his emotions and describing her.  In the dance we express the unity of lovers and the game between man and woman as well as sticking to the meaning of the song.

Earth Shakers

Ontario, Canada

Ebony Qualls

Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

Ebony’s playful and sharing spirit flavors both her performances and her approach to teaching. A combination of strong technique, musicality, and innovation are the foundations of her colorful dance presence. Ebony performs both traditional raqs sharqi and her own dynamic fusion Bellydance style, which is fuelled by her background in both raqs sharqi and urban dance genres.
She performs with Raqs Sahara and has toured internationally with the world famous Bellydance Superstars, gracing stages throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States.
A founding Sahara Dance instructor, her students describe her as “approachable” and her classes as “fun” and "challenging".

Performance Description: Ebony’s pre Bellydance influences include urban and electronic genres such as hip hop and house. She expresses her love for this variety of styles with her unique fusion of urban/electro Bellydance.

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Alberta, Canada

Previously edVenture Arts Performance Troupe, re-branded as Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble (EBE)!   This group of diverse and talented dancers strive to attain high level art balanced with pure entertainment.
EBE has a strong desire to represent the traditional aspects of classical oriental dance, and every now and then, dabbles in dance experiments! All members are active teachers and performers in their Western Canada community. 

Performance Description:
Aahat:
An evocative piece which explores the concepts of pain, temptation and human struggle.  Aahat is a group collaboration that combines elements of theatre, modern dance and bellydance.

http://www.danceaurora.com/EBE/

Ethereal Tribal

Quebec, Canada

Ethereal Tribal is an oriental fusion dance troupe from Montreal, formed in 2007.  Our dancers are Andrea Fryett (founder), Genevieve and Melissa Chabot, Marie-Soleil, Valerie-Catherine, Iza San, Sue, Chanty, Sofia and Dominique.

In 2008, Ethereal Tribal opened its own tribal fusion dance school where the members teach their own style of dance.  Since its creation, the troupe has participated in many shows, festivals, weddings and fundraising events.  In August 2009, during the 10th anniversary of the “Festival du Monde Arabe de Montreal”, Ethereal Tribal choreographed, with the Turkish star Ilhan Karabacak’s participation, the sold-out show “Le Harem d’Ilhan”.

Performance Description: A Tribal Fusion choreography that mixes Hip-hop, Bellydance and lots of attitude.

http://www.etherealtribal.com/an_02_Spectacles.swf

Flor Coehlo

Portugal

Flor was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She started her ballet studies at the age of nine and since then dance has pretty much been the centre of her life although she does have a parallel career as a Psychologist. Besides ballet Flor has also experimented, trained and performed many different kinds of dancing. Nevertheless, when Oriental Dance came into her life she knew she had discovered the way to truly express her soul and body through dance. Flor presently teaches and performs in the north of Portugal and has developed her own project, called Oriente-Luso.

Performance Description: Inspired by the desert and its environment, the dancer will flow like a magical hot wind delivering herself to oriental music most profound secrets.

Iona & Haifa

Ontario, Canada

Iona and Haifa, mother and daughter have always loved to dance. Their Scottish roots inspired them to Highland dance for 20 and 11 years respectively.  In 2001 they discovered Bellydance with Kellye Crockett (Oasis Dance Studio) in Kingston.  In time they became members of her troupe, the Veils of Isis.

Iona continues dancing and teaching at Oasis and frequently travels to study at Arabesque.  Haifa now lives and performs in Toronto and studies mainly at Arabesque Academy and also with Denise Mireau.  They enjoy attending workshops and always welcome opportunities to learn and perform.  They have discovered that beyond the joy of the dance itself is the greater joy of the shared experience.

Performance Description: Milaya – folkloric dance from Alexandria - choreographed by Haifa

Laura Selenzi

Ontario, Canada

A unique Bellydance artist currently based in Toronto, Laura Selenzi is best known for her warm, engaging stage presence and serpentine movements.
A lead dancer in the renowned Arabesque Dance Company and co-founder of world fusion group Cabaret Serpentine, her style is truly original. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern dance as well as Latin, Hip-Hop, Tribal Fusion and Indian dance, she is committed to exploring the ancient roots as well as the exciting modern potential of Bellydance.

Drawing from experience in Turkey, India and Canada, Laura has over twelve years of training in this art form. Having learned from some of the world's best including Aziza, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Sahra Saeeda, Tito and Hadia, she credits her current teacher Yasmina Ramzy of Arabesque for the majority of her professional training.

Performance highlights include dancing in Istanbul nightclubs, an Indian temple, the Miss Pakistan World Competition in Toronto, Canada’s MuchMusic and Arabesque’s original productions ASALA and EGYPT, Laura also is a sought-after solo performer in Toronto and Halifax. Her proudest venture continues to be her ongoing Cabaret Serpentine shows produced with Monique Ryan, which aim to elevate the public opinion of Bellydance in Halifax, NS.

As an instructor, Laura strives to inspire people of all backgrounds to truly connect with their own bodies by combining her in-depth knowledge of anatomy, technique and learning methods with a sense of humor. In addition to her dance training, Laura holds a bachelor of Fine Arts and is a Registered Massage Therapist.

Performance Description: Ya Msafer Whedek
Laura interprets this beautiful and heartrending song in the Egyptian Oriental style with hints of Spanish and Tribal Fusion influence.

www.cabaretserpentine.com

www.laurasbelly.com

LauraBellydance

British Columbia, Canada

LauraBellyDance is a charismatic collaboration based out of Victoria, BC.  Using fusion and classical elements, Laura and Laura strive to provide creative, polished and elegant duets.  Dancing together for eight years, the Laura’s built their strong Egyptian fundamentals under the tutelage of their first teacher, Asmira and have continued to grow as artists under the instruction of Nath Keo and through numerous workshops with world-renowned dancers and teachers.  Bringing a wealth of experience and ability to any performance, Laura and Laura’s grace, passion and creativity are evident through their dedication to the art form and their distinct style.

Performance Description: Laura and Laura take on the challenge of choreographing a rhythm-less taksim, using sensual, juicy movement, followed by a powerful, dynamic drum solo.

www.laurabellydance.com

Maha

Ontario, Canada

Maha has studied the art of Middle Eastern dance in Canada, Turkey, and Egypt.  She is currently a fulltime faculty member at Hannan’s Bellydance Studio (www.hannandance.com), and student troupe director for the Sultanettes.  Building an impressive resume, Maha has hundreds of performances under her belt in addition to a gold medal in the 2007 AQDO competition, a performance for the Turkish Ambassador, and Egyptian Superstar Dina.

Performance Description: Esmaooni (“Listen to Me”) originally by Warda

http://www.mahabellydance.com/

Maki Natori

British Columbia, Canada

Maki started her dance career with ballet at the age of four, and fell in love with Raks Sharki in 2001. She has since studied with many teachers to immerse herself in this beautiful dance form. Maki has been noted for her incredible fluidity and charming music interpretation.  Maki has been trained in a variety of dance styles including the style of the Caracalla Dance Company of Lebanon, which is known for fusing Middle Eastern folk dances with ballet, jazz and modern dance.

Performance Description: Maki will be performing an upbeat double cane routine to Etaallem by Nourhan.

http://makidance.com/

Maria Shazadi

Mexico

MARIA SHAZADI of MEXICO has the most important Bellydance School in her city with students from beginners to professionals. She began bellydancing 10 years ago when bellydance was almost non-existent in Mexico, so it was difficult at the beginning and now is VERY popular.

She is also the most important promoter of Bellydance in Mexico City with National and International shows and special workshops. She has organized the 20th International Seminar and next year she will produce the 5th Bellydance Contest with participants of all over Mexico.

She has toured extensively throughout her country with shows and workshops and recently in New York and Germany. In Germany, she was invited to the Oriental Festival of Leyla Jouvana to perform and give several workshops to the European bellydance community.

She continuously organizes trips to Egypt to study with the best teachers.

http://www.mariashazadi.com/index.html

Maryfer

Mexico/Canada

Performance Description: Fantasy Bellydance

Meaghan Shields

Canada/Israel

Meaghan Shields is an enthusiastic initiate to the world of professional dance and performance. Building on thirteen years of training in classical ballet, Meaghan has studied Bellydance primarily under the tutelage of her mentor Roula Said of Om Laila Bellydance (Toronto, Canada) in addition to intermittent training from internationally acclaimed instructors from New York to Cairo.

Meaghan has performed professionally for two and a half years at private and public events as a soloist and as a member of The Roulettes Bellydance troupe. Meaghan has taught many classes and workshops in Ontario and British Columbia and was also the creator and former choreographer of the Om Laila Troupe. The last half-year has seen Meaghan living, teaching and performing in Israel, collaborating with other dance and music artists and bridging her North American and Middle Eastern experiences through movement.

Performance Description: A visceral exploration that communicates the beautiful duality present in Bellydance; an intentional interplay between strong athleticism and subtle nuanced movement, in style & musicality.

http://www.myspace.com/meaghanshields

Monique Ryan

Nova Scotia, Canada

Dancing since 1998 and armed with a degree in Kinesiology, Monique's passion for movement is more than just a pastime. Taught by some of the art forms greatest stars including Sharon Kihara, Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, Ariellah and Amy Sigil of Unmata, Monique is at the forefront of the Tribal Fusion bellydance and hula hoop movement in Halifax. Recently voted The Coast magazine's “Best Dancer”, you can often find her performing independently around the city, with Pink Velvet Burlesque, or with her own Tribal Fusion group, Mahari Tribal. A popular local instructor, Monique is interested in helping to increase the self-esteem of women through dance and fun, creative expression. She is currently pursuing Yoga teacher training to deepen her practice.

Performance Description: This hypnotic hoop dance piece incorporates elements of Tribal fusion Bellydance and circus arts.

http://www.cabaretserpentine.com/monique.htm

Raqs Sahara

Washington D.C., U.S.A.

Raqs Sahara dancers promote the transformative capabilities of their dance through artistry and execution, sharing with audiences its astonishing potential to motivate self-discovery, creativity and joyful expression.

Now recognized as a leading Middle Eastern dance company, Raqs Sahara has been invited to perform with internationally acclaimed artists such as Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram, London’s Turkish-influenced musical group Oojami, and Miles Copeland’s Belly Dance Superstars.

The company’s expansive choreographies reflect original works in Egyptian raqs sharqi, Oriental Fusion and Folkloric dance styles, including the use of traditional Middle Eastern props such as finger cymbals, veils, swords, and canes.

Performance Description: Raqs Sahara performs an Andalusian-inspired Sama'i embodying soft, swirling lines, followed by a zesty finale.

http://saharadance.com/about/companies/raqssahara/

Rosanna McGuire

Ontario, Canada

Rosanna returns to Ontario after spending 2 years studying and performing in San Francisco. There, she studied with a who’s who of Bellydance: the Salimpours, FCBD, Jill Parker, Zoe, Rachel, Mira, Cera Byer, and Amy Sigil. In California, Rosanna also had the opportunity to expand her movement repertoire into vinyasa yoga, breakdance, house, and locking.  She is known for her unique interpretation of tribal fusion, incorporating elements of vintage jazz dances as well as hip-hop, while referencing traditional styles of Middle Eastern dance.  Rosanna continually strives to dance outside of her own box and fully admits to having dance ADD.

Performance Description: One of Rosanna’s primary dance goals, illustrated in this piece, is to create a more synthetic fusion of funk dance styles with Bellydance. 

http://www.cleoflaptra.com/index.html

Roshana Nofret

Florida, U.S.A.

Roshana Nofret is an award-winning professional performer, choreographer and instructor in South Florida.  Specializing in the Classical/Modern Egyptian style, as well as traditional folkloric dances of the Arab world and beyond, her dance evokes powerful, graceful and elegant performances.  She began dancing in 2004 at the age of 14 under the instruction of her mentors Tamalyn Dallal and Bozenka.  Roshana has performed and taught at cultural events in various parts of the world, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Egypt and Canada.  She seamlessly fuses traditional and contemporary dance elements, creating a uniquely delightful cultural experience.  Roshana became part of Bozenka’s performing company in 2005.

Performance Description: An elegant, expressive and powerful interpretation of Roshana’s modernistic approach to Oriental dance, fusing traditional and contemporary Arabic dance elements.

http://www.roshananofret.com/

Sabaya

Texas, U.S.A.

Founding members of Sabaya are Lily, Maribel, Rania, Stacey Lizette, and Yasmin. Together, they have traveled to Egypt to study privately with Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Yasmina of Cairo, as well as Magda and Atef, the chief choreographers of the Reda Folkloric Troupe.
In America, Sabaya has primarily studied with Aziza and Suhaila Salimpour. Each member is Level 1 certified in the Suhaila Salimpour Bellydance format, with some dancers certified at Level 2 and Level 3.

In addition to dancing in Austin, Texas, Sabaya members have performed on the stages of Egypt's Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival, Lebanon's Oriental Dance Festival, Barcelona's La Merce Festival, California's Rakkasah Middle Eastern Dance Festival, Chicago's Lollapalooza, the Hollywood Bowl, and special events in Brazil, Bolivia, Europe, Taiwan, UK, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada.

Recent achievements include dancing at the Dallas Fine Art Museum's "King Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaoh's" exhibit, opening for Egyptian dance legend Aida Nour at the Little Egypt Festival, the International Music & Dance Festival, the Austin SXSW VIP Film party, and the Global Harmony Concerts to promote world peace and music.

http://www.sabayabellydance.com/

Sa'diyya

Texas, U.S.A.

Sa'diyya is a full time professional Bellydance performer and instructor from Frisco, Texas.  She has been a part of this wonderful art form since 1996.  Along with owning her businesses: her school, the North Texas School of World Dance and her entertainment agency, "Art of Bellydance by Sa'diyya", she directs three award-winning performance companies, ranging from student to professional levels. 

Sa'diyya choreographs, directs and produces several staged shows a year with a cast of over 30 performers, and all the while maintains a full local and national performance schedule at the best venues and with the best producers around.  Sa'diyya has won many national awards including Bellydancer of the Year 2003 and 2007 First Place Winner at The Heart of Texas Bellydance Contest.  She can be seen in several invitational performances of the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance's recent DVD productions, "Belly Dance Revolution" and "Belly Dance-O-Rama 2." She is also a featured performer in Bahaia's production of "Cairo Heat Wave," as well as being a featured dancer in Cheeky Girls productions of "By Dancers For Dancers Vol.2. and Vol. 6" and "Combination Nation Vol. 2."

http://www.sadiyyadance.com/home.htm

Sarah Skinner

New York, U.S.A.

Sarah Skinner is known for her mastery of Bellydance, superb technique and lovely veil work.  Sarah Skinner is a multi-talented artist and an innovative, mesmerizing performer.  Sarah Skinner has explored Bellydance styles; always maintain her signature qualities – lyrical, highly emotive flow of the dance, fluid and expressive body line with precise and rich technique.

Performance Description: The Femme Fatale

http://www.shakemyday.com/

Shema

U.K.

Shema ran ‘Dar Tangerina’ in the UK for 3 years before visiting Toronto in 2008 where she was honoured to be accepted as an Apprentice Dance Artist into the Arabesque Dance Company; as an Instructor in the Academy; and Violinist in the Arabesque Orchestra.

Shema now instructs and performs across Europe, North America and Morocco; specializing in Egyptian Bellydance, Middle Eastern Folklore and Cabaret Fire Sword.  She is the only professional dancer dedicated to representing Moroccan Tanjaoua Sha’abi outside Morocco, also developing the art form into a modern performance style with elements of Bellydance, Street Dance, African Dance and Zaar.

Performance Description: Moroccan Tanjaoua Sha’abi – A high energy style traditionally danced at Weddings in Tangier; featuring intense hip movements, earthy circles, fast travelling steps and a great sense of humour.

http://tangerina.org

Sofia & Chanty

Quebec, Canada

Sofia and Chanty are both from Montreal.  Their dance combines the sacred feminine and sacred gestures.  Chanty started Bellydance in 2000 in Montreal and Sofia in 2001 in Vancouver.  As twin sisters, they share a special bond which reflects in their dance.  They both practice many styles, from Swing, Tribal Dustion, ATS, ROM Fusion and Bollywood.  They are former members of the troupes Shades of Araby (Toronto), Les Trib’elles (Montreal) and are now part of Ethereal Tribal.

Performance Description: In Minoan culture, the priestesses worshipped the Serpent Goddess for fertility and abundance.  The Goddess brought protection, but also vengeance and anger that must be appeased.

Sultanettes

Ontario, Canada

The Sultanettes are the student troupe of Hannan's Bellydance Studio, artistically directed and owned by Nada El Masriya.  These talented dancers have each been bellydancing between one and 6 years and are under currently under the direction of Maha.  They perform at festivals, community events and dance shows throughout Ontario.

Performance Description: Veil & drum solo

www.discoverbellydance.com

Tasnim

Argentina

Tasnim has been passionate about the arts since she was a child.  In Oriental Dance she has been working in Buenos Aires with different artists, but especially Amir Thaleb, and has been Lead Dancer of  his Company, The Arabian Dance Company, dancing at different shows such as “Infinito” which is debuting in Miami, with Tamalyn Dallal Company and also in Buenos Aires. She lives in Valencia, Spain since 2001, giving classes and shows.  In 2003 she founded the Oriental Festival called “Bellyrium” the first oriental festival in Spain with conferences, shows and classes and great artists participating such as; Wendy Buenaventura, Jillina, Amar Gamal, Saida, Virginia, Amir Thaleb.  She is one of the most recognized dancers in Spain and Europe and has been invited to different festivals of Oriental Dance, such as Stockholm Bellydance Festival, the London Festival, also at IV Encuentro de Danzas Arabes de Amir Thaleb (the most important in Latin American) and has shared the stage with artists such as Asmahan, Virginia, Tito.  Recently she was invited as a “Special Artist” at Raks Madrid 2009.  Tasnim shows a personal style and a technique full of sensuality, of course with her latin side, one special combination that becomes a dancer who innovates in her shows and workshops always with a remarked Egyptian roots.

www.tasnim.net

Tribe Maya Fire

Ontario, Canada

Tribe Maya Fire is BellyUp's American Tribal Style student performance troupe and students of Valizan's program at BellyUp. All members had studied a variety of dance forms including ballet, jazz and modern, African, Bollywood, Ukranian, Scottish, Irish, Hip Hop and Egyptian cabaret before discovering ATS. They were created in 2007 by BellyUpès owner Joharah, to perform at an International Womenès Day fundraiser and now perform regularly with BellyUpès Tarab dancers at a wide range of community events.

www.bellyup.ca

Zikrayat

New York, U.S.A.

Zikrayat is an Arab music and dance ensemble dedicated to presenting together the classical music and the dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, and the greater Arab World, in vibrant stage productions evoking the theatrical atmosphere and dramatic depth of classic Egyptian musical cinema. Alternating vocal and instrumental numbers with solo and group dance numbers, Zikrayat’s mission is to highlight the diversity of Arab culture for mainstream Western audiences in an authentic, yet entertaining contemporary representation.
Inspired by the “golden age” of Egyptian musical cinema (the 1940’s-60’s), a period during which most of the major figures in music and dance in the Arab world worked in film, Zikrayat (meaning “memories” in Arabic) researches films from this period, searching for forgotten gems not performed since this era. Zikrayat’s repertory also includes traditional and standard numbers, as well as original compositions in the style of this period, classical as well as folkloric music.
Led by Arab violinist, composer, and teacher Sami Abu Shumays and Egyptian-style dancer Robin “Dameshe” Shumays, Zikrayat also features vocalist Salah Rajab and a talented line up of performers of diverse backgrounds brought together by their devotion to these rich art forms.

http://zikrayatmusic.com/