Open Stage

AKILAH

WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

Akailah fell in love with Bellydance during a trip to Cairo 20 years ago and have been passionate about it ever since. She dances primarily Egyptian Cabaret style and at present perform with Denai’s Dancers. She is grateful to her teachers, who have included Salome, Deanna and Denise.

ALHAMBRA DANCE MIDDLE EASTERN AND FUSION TROUPE

ONTARIO, CANADA

The Alhambra Dance Middle Eastern and Fusion Troupe was formed in 2007 by Kelly Enston. The Troupe’s performance repertoire consists of Middle Eastern, Flamenco and Kathak styles.

AMAR DANCERS

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Pamela and the Amar Dancers are an elegant and award winning troupe from Victoria, BC. Under the tutelage and artistic direction of Pamela Ball, they have performed countless times and have shared the stage with Hadia, Aziza, Tamalynn Dallal, Tamra Henna and Issam Houshan as well as being the first and only Middle Eastern dance company to grace the stage of the world famous Butchart Gardens. The Amara Dancers are known for their class, style and distinction.

ARABELLA

ONTARIO, CANADA

Vian Stetch and Donna Insley are the original members Arabella, a successfully run dance company in Thunder Bay. Their passion for the dance led them to Toronto and Arabesque Academy where they study with Yasmina Ramzy, Melissa and Mary. They have also had the pleasure of attending workshops with Aida Nour, Tito, Zahara Zuhair, Ashmahana, Sahra Saeeda, Randa Kamal, Dina and Bozenka.

ARABIAN OASIS DANCERS

ONTARIO, CANADA

The Arabian Oasis Dancers are a Middle Eastern dance troupe from London, Ontario. They are lead by Tamara, who has been Bellydancing, performing and teaching for almost four decades. The troupe performs all over south western Ontario at shows, parties, fairs and festivals and is always a crowd pleaser.

ARADIA

NEVADA, U.S.A

Aradia has performed as a soloist throughout the United States, Canada, Barbados, Egypt and Switzerland. She has danced at many of the top hotels, restaurants and clubs in Las Vegas, as well as performing for Celine Dion’s wedding at Caesar’s Palace, BlockBuster’s premiere opening for “The Mummy” at MGM, and Maxim Magazine’s party at the VMA’s in Las Vegas.  She has appeared in several TV spots on Discovery, Bravo and the Travel Channel. Aradia is a sought after instructor and choreographer, her professionalism and friendly personality make her one of the most requested dancers in Las Vegas.

Aradia’s love for Middle Eastern dance began at the age of 7, a second generation belly dancer, and daughter to Serene, Aradia immediately fell in love with the passion and beauty of the dance, and knew this was her calling. 

Her style is unique, with an authenticity appreciated by her Middle Eastern audiences.  She has diligently worked to become a well-rounded dancer in Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish oriental dance, as well as the many folkloric dances that comprise the Middle East and North Africa.

 Aradia’s performances are full of energy and strength, layered with fluid technique, musicality, artistic emotion and passion,
She is truly a dancers dancer, through her extensive training, and sheer joy from creating her art, which is evident in her smile.

Aradia currently teaches workshops, master classes and lectures at Universities, and directs her own professional dance company; Aradia and The Ra Dancers.

ARIELLAH

ALBERTA, CANADA

ARIELLAH is founder and artistic director of Lotus BellyDance Studio established in 2001.  Ariellah’s love of Middle-Eastern Dance started in 1976 when she discovered Sahbra’s Dance Into Fitness Classes.  Sahbra was very influential in Ariellah’s dance style and became her mentor.  Ariellah has been a respected and professional performer of Danse Orientale, Ethnic, Fusion and Greek Styles.  Ariellah has participated in many workshops with master dancers Hadia, Beata & Horacio Cifuentes, Sahra Saeeda, Yousry Sharif, Yasmina Ramzy, Denise Enan and Sabura and seeks to gain as much knowledge and technique to share with her many dance students.  Ariellah’s passion for the dance shines through, not only in stage shows and restaurant appearances, but in the classes she instructs throughout Calgary and the surrounding area.  Ariellah continues to perform regularly throughout Calgary at restaurants, fundraisers, corporate functions, and private events. Ariellah’s talent shines through with a richness of depth and expression whenever she dances.  Ariellah has taught over 3000 women over the years…and doesn’t seem to slowing down anytime soon.

ASHA

ONTARIO, CANADA

At the tender age of 12, Asha is already a seasoned Bellydancer. Training extensively at Arabesque Academy in Toronto under the tuteledge of instructor Yasmina Ramzy, Asha performs regularly at various municipal events including Nathan Phillip's Square (City Hall), the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies and the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.

AVIVA

ONTARIO, CANADA

Aviva began studying Bellydance with Hannan Sultan in 2006. She is a member of Hannan’s Bellydance Studio’s student troupe, The Sultanettes, and the professional dance company Rhythm of the Nile under the direction of Nada El Masyria. Aviva regularly studies with Maha, Zahira and Abigail and has taken workshops with notable instructors such as Bozenka, Aziza, Jim Boz, Tito, Yasmina Ramzy and Hadia. Aviva has recently begun teaching Bellydance and also studies and perofoemm classic Burlesque.

AZURA

SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA

Azura is an Oriental dance artist from Regina. She has performed in Egypt and in communities from Seattle to Lunenberg. Her routines emphasize beautiful veil entrances, sensual isolations and audience interaction.

Azura teaches classes in Regina and workshops in Western Canada. She has studied with Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, Hadia, Aziza, Jillina, Beata and Horacio Cifuentes, Jalilah and Denise Enan.

Performance Description: “Leila Music Oriental”: Dynamic travelling and sensual undulations alternate with playful Saiidi movements.

azura.sasktelwebsite.net

BANAT EL SHARQ

ONTARIO, CANADA

Banat El Sharq Dance Troupe, founded in June 2006 by Mayada, is a group of women who love Egyptian Folkloric dance and performing it together! We perform many different styles of Egyptian dance including milaya, Saiidi, ghawazee, assaya, and we continue to expand our repertoire! Performance highlights have included International Bellydance Conference of Canada (IBCC), Run for the Cure,, various bellydance gala shows, and Festivals throughout Toronto.

www.mayada.ca

BRENDA & JAENE

ONTARIO, CANADA

Brenda and Jaene are not only close friends since high school, they have also had the privilege to share their passion for Bellydance together. They have taken classes together for four years through various instructors and have performed alongside each other in two dance companies including Troupe Naditu which was a modern/Bellydance fusion group and Om Laila Student Troupe which was “Tribalesque” and run by the wonderful Meaghan Sheilds. Brenda and Jaene’s bond on a personal and Bellydance level has made them very close which also inspires their unique choreographies. Their style is fun, cute and creative. Breanda is now based on Manitoulin Island and Jaene in Toronto.

CALISTA

ONTARIO, CANADA

Calista began Belly Dancing at the age of 8. She was taught and trained under the guidance and skills of Zahra. Zahra is not only her mentor and instructor, but her step-mother as well. As time went by she realized she had fallen in love with the art form and at the age of 10 she started to take it more seriously. This led to many performances, shows, and events. Now at 16, Calista integrates her main love… Tribal Bellydance.

CASSANDRA FOX

ONTARIO, CANADA

Cassandra’s Jamaican heritage is what largely influenced her love of dance. Being the first generation born in Canada to Jamaican parents, Caribbean culture, it’s music and dance were a very large part of her upbringing. Her Grandmother Zoe started her on her dance journey by showing her the “Goombay Roll” at the age of 6. Cassandra always loved danced and embraced her Jamaican heritage but had always just danced for fun. In 2007 she came across a video of Russian belly dancer Natalia Strelchenko (now known as Natalia Fadda) and was instantly in love with belly dance. She began pursuing belly dancing by repeatedly watching performance videos of Natalia and other dancers (Kahina of Brazil has been a huge influence, as well as recently Darya Mitskevich of the Ukraine) frame by frame and breaking down their movements to teach herself. Once she began to understand the basic foundation movements of Belly dance she saw similarities with the dancing of Caribbean culture and fused the two together to form a fusion dance which embraces and maintains the femininity, beauty, elegance and grace of belly dance while attaching the energy, freedom and celebration of Caribbean dancing.

CHANTY

QUEBEC, CANADA

Chanty is a dancer, choreographer, writer and teacher. Following the Gypsies’ raods, she combines various styles such as Oriental Bellydance, Tribal Bellydance and Fusion, Rom and Swing. Chanty discovered Bellydance in 2000 and in 2003 became part of Les Trib’elles, the first Tribal Bellydance troupe in Quebec. She participated in establishing Tribally Yours, an annual event for Tribal and Fusion dancers. Her love of Bellydance continues as she follows her passion and dance with Ethereal Tribal.

DANCE SISTER DANCE

ONTARIO, CANADA

Dance Sister Dance is a fusion dance troupe specializing in blending Bellydance with Bollywood, Polynesian and Latin dance. DSD is dedicated to multicultural education, providing equitable opportunities for artists and representing all forms of unconventional beauty. The members of DSD are Siham, Maysoon, Lluvia, Charlene, Elaana and Amy.

DEBORAH SHAW

ONTARIO, CANADA

Deborah Shaw graduated with honours from the Theatre Arts Performance program of Humber College and enjoyed two season as a costumier for Canada's Wonderland while embarking on her career as an actor in Toronto. Deborah continued performing, costuming and stage managing for various productions in and around Toronto while co-running her own small theatre company, Carpe Dinero. Deborah both designed and constructed the masks and costumes for the renaissance period Commedia del Arte productions with shows in Canada and the U.S. While taking belly dancing classes, at Arabesque Academy, Deborah answered a notice for costumers to help with the 2006 production of Asala. Since then Deborah has happily taken the reins as Head Costumier/ Designer, Wardrobe Mistress, Backstage Co - Coordinator and Props Mistress for all of the Arabesque Dance Company and Orchestra's shows.

DENISE LUKASIK SEDMAK

WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

Denise began teaching Middle Eastern Dance in 1979 and later added ballet and tap classes for children and adults. With increased interest in her the dance classes, additional Middle Eastern dance classes were recently added to meet the demand.

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 continues to study with various internationally renowned dance artists and performed at the 2008 International Belly Dance Conference of Canada.

Performance Description: Denise will perform to the music number “Ne Me Jugez Pas” by the group Sawt El Atlas which is on the Arabic Groove album. A vibrant drum solo will follow this contemporary Middles Eastern numbe

DENISE MIREAU

ONTARIO, CANADA

www.denisemireau.com

Denise Mireau is a dance artist and teacher in Middle Eastern Dance based in Toronto. She is also a certified Alexander Technique Teacher and Pilates Instructor. She is the owner and director of  "The Studio For Movement" which specializes in Bellydance, Pilates, Yoga and Alexander Technique.
Over the last 20 years Denise has had incredible dance experiences including as a lead dancer with Arabesque Dance Company from 1992- 2006, performing in theatrical productions of Descent of Ishtar, Dance of the Almeh and Isis, as well as performances in New York, Los Angeles, Greece and Lebanon.Other theatrical endeavors include performing with the Candid Stammer Theatre 1995-1999 (dir. Jacob Wren) at festivals in Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal and Sufi whirling with Alpharabius (dir. Dr. Geroge Sawa). She has also had the opportunity to work on her own creative projects, working both with improvisation and choreography.

Performance Description: A contemporary belly dance inspired by my love of both modern and oriental dance.

DEVORAH

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Devorah has been dancing since childhood but it is Middle Eastern dance that has claimed her undying passion. Dancing the Raks Sharqi style for over 10 years as a student of the renowned Rahma Haddad, Deborah is also a professional performer, has been teaching Middle Eastern Dance for over 6 years and has produced countless dance themed shows and fundraisers. A former President of BC based M.E.D.A. and currently a troupe member of the Rahma Dancers she encourages everyone to give back to the Arts and volunteer the most valued and needed commodity:  your time. 

DOMINIC SOLEIL

GERMANY

Dominic Soleil has been dancing since the age of 12. Trips to Turkey, Holland and Belgium followed to study with the best dancers before Dominic himself became internationally known and renowned as a soloist.

He has participated in many international festivals, contests and was Germany’s youngest professional male Bellydancer.

As a soloist and with his mentor, Leyla Jouvana and her performance groups, he regularly entertained audiences all over Europe including France, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Belgium, Austria and Turkey.

He has made numerous TV appearances (RTL, Sat1, Pro7, Timm TV, WDR), given radio interviews (98.3 Welle West, Eins Live, 100.5 Hit radio) appeared in the German daily press (HS Woche, Stadtanzeiger), belly dance magazines (Halima, Orient Magazine) and appeared on different belly dance DVDs locally and internationally.

Moving from Germany to Canada in 2010, he joined the Arabesque Dance Company’s “The Righteous Rogues of Raks Sharqi” under the artistic direction of Yasmina Ramzy.

ESTELLE, JACQUE AND DENISE

WISONSIN, U.S.A.

Estelle, Jacque and Denise have been dancing professionally together for several years and are all current members of Denai’s Dancers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Estelle teaches Middle Eastern Dance in Milwaukee, Jacque teaches Middles Eastern Dance in Appleton, Wisconsin and Denise is the Director of Denai’s Dancers.

EVE-LINE

QUEBEC, CANADA

www.eve-line.ca

Eve-Line began dancing at four and has never stopped. She studied Jazz, Ballet, Folk dance and Bharata Natyam. During her studies in Switzerland she attended a Bellydance class which fuelled her desire and passion to learn more about Middle Eastern dance. She has since been studying with instructor Nagwa in Quebec and herself has been a Bellydance instructor for the last four years. In May 2009, she was awarded a gold medal at the Quebec Oriental dance Association Competition.

HAIFA

ONTARIO, CANADA

Haifa began Bellydancing in 2001 in Kingston, On with instructor Kellye Crockette. Since moving to Toronto in 2005, she has been able to take advantage of many Bellydance classes, workshops and performance opportunities. Haifa completed Yasmina Ramzy’s Professional Course in 2008 and recently took part in Arabesque’s tour of Egypt.

IONA

ONTARIO, CANADA

“I’m just going to take a few classes with my daughter.” Well, 8 years later, she continues to celebrate this amazing dance form with everyone at the 3rd IBCC. A student and teacher at Oasis dance Studio in Kingston, ON and a member of the Veils of Isis, she is also a frequent student at all things Arabesque!

IOANA TIMARIU

Location

Ioana has been dancing since 1998 under the guidance of wonderful teachers such as Roula Said, Tahia Sassine, Yasmina Ramzy, Badia Star, Hannan, Nada, and many others. She is also the founder and moderator of the largest Bellydance chat group in Canada, Raks Toronto.

INGRID SCHOSSLER

CANADA/BRAZIL

With an extensive dance background, beginning at the early age of four, Ingrid has studied a wide range of dance forms including Ballet and Rhythmic Gymnastics. In 2000, she was formally introduced to Middle Eastern Dance in her native country Brazil. She has been performing and teaching since 2005, most recently in Toronto. Pursuing endless development, Ingrid has studied under internationally renowned artists Lulu Sabongi, Randa Kamel, Amir Thaleb, Sahra Saeeda, Aida Nour, and Tito. She has completed Hadia's Teacher Training Levels 1 and 2 and the Arabesque Intensive Professional Course with Yasmina Ramzy. In 2008, Ingrid had the honour of joining Arabesque Dance Company as an apprentice and since, has performed in several venues such as the International Bellydance Conference Gala and Layali Arabesque.

LORI AND DENISE

WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

Lori and Denise have been dancing professionally together for over 25+ years. Both Lori and Denise are current members of Denai’s Dancers in Milwaukee and past members of the Trisha Mid-East Dancers. Lori has been teaching Middle Eastern Dance for several years and Denise is the Director of Denai’s Dancers.

LOTUS ENERGY

NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

LUU LUU

ONTARIO, CANADA

Luu Luu is a Bellydancer based in Ajax, Ontario. She began taking Bellydance classes under the guidance of Zahra of Zahra's School of Bellydance and is now herself an instructor and performer.

MARAH

QUEBEC, CANADA

Marah and Tizyah always liked to dance; Marah’s dream as a child was to be a dancer and Tizyah had tried some ballet jazz and international folk dances previously. In 2000, they met at a bellydance class in a Fitness Center. Since then, oriental dance has taken a very important part in their life and they love to learn and perform. Her regular teachers are Aisha and Aziza from Montreal, as well as Nathalie Lebel for Marah and Elise Olmi and Martine Werotte for Tizyah. They love to take workshops with different teachers coming in Quebec, such as Beata and Horatio Cifuentes, Sahra Saeeda, Yousri Sharif, Diana Tarkhan, Yasmina Ramzy, and many others. In 2008, with their friend Kyara, they co-founded the Shams El Sahara trio. They hope to dance as long as life, because dance is life and oriental dance gives them the chance to express themselves on the music they love. Their dream to be a dancer has become true.

MARTHYNA

QUEBEC, CANADA

www.marthyna.com

Marthyna is a teacher, dancer and choreographer. She bagan training in Oroiental dance in 1997 and is an active member of the first Tribal Bellydance troupe in Quebec, Les Trib’elles. She is also the Artistic Director of her school’s troupe Les Shuvanies. Marthyna is an Oriental dancer who enjoys various avenues. Studying the multiple facets of Oriental dancing through diverse styles such as Raqs Sharqi, Turkish Rom, and Oriental, Dunyavi, Gawazee, Tribal SGI and Tribal Fusion, she aims at creating the perfect fusion between impeccable technique and vibrant emotion. Fusion is her passion, but knowing the element of fusion is a life-long quest.

MEIVER

MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A.

Meiver, under the tutelage of some of the best-known names in this art form, has studied Raqs Sharqi since 1996, taking classes in 7 countries around the world! In addition to Arab dance styles, she has studied modern dance, flamenco, Afro-Brazilian dance styles, folk dances from Turkey and Central Asia, ballroom, and ballet. Primarily a solo artist, Meiver has also performed Sharqi, Arabic Techno Fusion, and various forms of Folk Dance with such groups as the Belly Dance Superstars, Karim Nagi's Bellydance Overdrive and Ahmet Luleci's Collage Dance Ensemble. This work has led to performances all over the Northeast of the US, as well as in Salt Lake City, Miami, Los Angeles, Montreal and Taiwan. Meiver is also a researcher and scholar, writing primarily about the gender, racial, and sexual politics involved in the American practice of Arab dances, in the context of transnational war and terrorism. She recently completed a Master's Degree in the Gender and Cultural Studies Program at Simmons College, and will soon be beginning a PhD Program in the fields of Gender and Performance Studies. She has been teaching dance (with emphasis on technical development, cultural understanding, dance history, global context, artistry, musical literacy, and performance) since 2002.

www.meiver.com

MIRAGE

ALASKA, U.S.A.

Mirage have been performing together for three years and have already earned the reputation as the best Cabaret troupe in town. The members of Mirage take every opportunity to participate in workshops, festivals and competitions and have sought to further their artistry from Suzanna Del Vecchio, Jillina, Hadia and Delilah.

MOSELLE

ALBERTA, CANADA

Calgary's hottest up-and-coming belly dance performer, Moselle, dances in the professional class of Studio Sublime, Western Canada's Largest Belly Dance troupe. She is student and protégée of Laaryah, one of Calgary's most coveted instructors. She dances many styles, including Greek, Modern fusion, and others. She specializes in zills and veil work.

:"Turbo Tabla" - Choreography by Laaryah of Studio Sublime. An upbeat tabla with veil intro.

NA'IMAH

MICHIGAN, U.S.A

Na'imah began studying Middle Eastern Dance in 1999 and has never looked back! She's studied with master teachers including Cassandra Shore, Yasmina Ramzy, Tamalyn Dallal, Jillina, Tito, Aida Nour, Amel Tafsout, & Denise Enan, and has performed professionally in venues across the US and in Canada, Egypt, and Morocco.

NASHITA AND SAMIRA

ONTARIO, CANADA

Nashita and Samira have been Bellydancing collectively for the last 8 years. They began as members of Troupe Naditu and are now working together as a duet. They have studied with several teachers including Mayada, Roula said, Audra Simmons and with various instructors at Arabesque.

NILE

ONTARIO, CANADA

Belly dancing is a natural talent of Nile’s as she is from the Middle East.  In the last two years she has been trained and taught under the guidance and skills of Zahra.  Nile is now an instructor at our school.  She has done many performances at our school recitals and outside.  She even did a benefit to help Haiti.  Nile loves to dance and belly dancing is an art she loves to flaunt!

Performance Description:

Nile will be dancing to a tabla belly dance that was choreographed for her by Zahra of Zahra’s School of Bellydance.

NUBIA

NEW YORK, U.S.A

Nubia has traveled and performed with Angelika Nemeth's award winning dance ensemble for the past three years located in Southern California. She has studied and performed abroad in Cairo, Egypt at the internationally acclaimed middle eastern dance festival Ahlan Wa Sahlan. Not only has she had the opportunity to study Raqs Sharqi, she has also perfomed folkloric choreographies that originate in various countries such as India, Lebanon and Iran.
As a new resident of New York, Nubia has had the opportunity to study with some of NYC's finest such as Ranya Renee, Nourhan Sharif, and Gamila El Masri.
Nubia has also studied Samba, Jamaican Dance Hall, and Hip Hop. She is excited to share her love and appreciation for Arabic music and dance with you.

OM LAILA

ONTARIO, CANADA

www.omlaila.com

Om Laila is a funky and inspiring group of Bellydancers led by Roula Said of Om Laila Bellydance in Toronto.

PAMELA

OBRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Possessing innate musicality and creativity, Pamela has studied Middle Eastern Dance since 1997. Teacher, performer, Choreographer and Producer, she is Artistic director of Pamela’s School of Orientale Dance and Pamela and the Amar Dancers. Fifi Abdo, Samia Gamal. Raqia Hassan and many workshops including Magdy El-Leisy, Yousry Sharif, Aziza, Yasmina ramzy, Morocco, Jillina, Jalilah, Jim Boz, Tamra Henna, Cassandra, Angelika Nemeth, and Bozenka have influenced her.

RIKVAH SULTANA

TEXAS, U.S.A.

Rikvah Sultana, hailing from Azle, Texas, is the founding member of RAKSZ World Dance Collective, the executive director of Kismet Stage Events and an instructor of Middle Eastern & North African dance.

SABRA

NEW YORK, U.S.A

www.goddesshour.com

Sabra is a respected professional Middle Eastern dancer and certified instructor based in Rochester, New York. Owner of the Goddess Hour Dance and Fitness Studio, Sabra, skilfully teaches the art of Bellydance to hundreds of Rochester’s most adventurous women. She is the creator of the Bellydancing for Every Woman instructional DVD series.

SHADES OF ARABY

ONTARIO, CANADA

Shades of Araby are Toronto’s first ATS Bellydance troupe. Sharing a love of the Tribal aesthetic in Bellydance, Maral, Sofia and Valizan united to form the troupe in 2006 and in 2009 welcomed Karina as a new member to the Shades group. Their synchronicity, grace and lively energy have entertained crowds at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Tribally Yours in Montreal, Tribal: Pura in Milwaukee, Dark Fire in London, Shimmy for a Cure in Erie, PA and a variety of shows in southern Ontario. Valizan and the group are in regular demand for classes and workshops across Ontario.

SHAKTI

ONTARIO, CANADA

Shakti is the name of a goddess which represents divine feminine creative power, force and empowerment. These words beautifully represent Shakti's trio of performers Nadia, Melinda and Brandi as they dance and move like poetry in motion, united together and to each other thru their love of belly dance.

Performance Description: The popular Israeli love song, "Habibi Ya Einee" is a cute and sassy number performed with personality and grace by Shakti dancers, Nadia and Melinda.

SHEMS

MARYLAND, U.S.A.

Shems is a professional Bellydancer and dance instructor based in Baltimore, Maryland. She is admired for her elegant, dynamic interpretation of this timelessly captivating dance form. Shems has performed for dignitaries and celebrities, has garnered awards and has earned the respect and admiration of many audiences, top musicians and her professional dance peers around the world. Shems performs Arabic, Vintage Oriental and Turkish interpretations of Raqs Sharqi and related folkloric dance forms.

SILK TRILOGY

WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

The members of Silk Trilogy have been studying and performing Middle Eastern dance since 1977. They have extensive training with Denise Lukasik-Sedmak and are members of Denai’s Dancers.

SOFIA

ONTARIO, CANADA

At the very young age of Fifteen, Sofia began formal training almost 5 years ago with the Arabesque Junior Troupe under the guidance of Arabesque Academy teachers Yasmina, Mary and Laura. Since she was born, Sofia has attended almost all of the performances by Yasmina Ramzy and Arabesque Dance Company so it was inevitable that she would become a Bellydancer someday. Sofia has also trained in Ballet and Hip Hop. Her virtuoso ease of technique is a wonder to all who witness her dance artistry. Sofia was a soiloist on the Main Stage at the IBCC 2007.

SUMAYAH

ONTARIO, CANADA

Sumayah is a professional Bellydance teacher and performer who danced with the world famous Arabesque Dance Company before moving to Pembroke.

Sumayah began to Bellydance over 6 years ago after 8 years of studying ballet. She quickly fell in love with the sensuous movements and driving rhythms that are the hallmarks of this dance style. After studying with various teachers at Arabesque Dance Academy (Mary, Denise, Adrianna, Emese, Jalilah) she auditioned and became a member of Arabesque Dance Company under the artistic direction of Yasmina Ramzy. She has also taken part in intense workshops with Momo Kadous, Aida Nour, Tito, Orit Maftsir, Kaeshi of Bellyqueen, Aisha Ali and Randa Kamel. Always a keen student, Sumayah has also studied with Hannan Sultan in Toronto and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in this dance form well into her old age!

TAIYA

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Born into a family of artists and dancers, Taiya was introduced to the art of Middle Eastern dance at a very young age and is focused on the healing side of movement and the goddess empowerment of Bellydance.

She has travelled internationally, performing and teaching in India, Thailand and Malaysia. She has now settled in Victoria BC., teaching many Chakra Bellydance classes and soon Belly fit classes doing Relaxation Massage, acupressure, Reiki and chair massage sessions in her own studio.

Performance Description: Chakra Bellydance

www.taiya.ca

TAMARA

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

www.rakstamara.net

Tamara is a professional modern Egyptian instructor, performer and choreographer in Vancouver with over a decade of experience in Oriental dance. A former competitive figure skater who has studied extensively with Vancouver dance masters Loulie and Sarita, her style is rooted deeply in traditional forms and movements and also brings a modernist charisma and bold innovation. As Artistic Director of the Nefertara Dancers, her choreography and dancing have received rave reviews. Fluidly fusing the origins and the future of the style, accessible and with many ornate layers, teacher and student – Tamara is a dancer not to be missed.

TARANEH

ONTARIO, CANADA

Drawn to Bellydance by a love of Middle eastern nusic, Taraneh has been an avid Bellydance student since her first lessons with raven Crwo in 2004. Taraneh is currently a member of the Sultanettes Troupe at Hannan’s Bellydance Studio, where she continues her ongoing studes of this art form.

TARIK

WISCONSIN, U.S.A.

The Tarik Dancers of Milwaukee, Wisconsin have studied Middle Eastern Dance for six years. Genevieve has been dancing for over 27 years and has studied jazz, tap, ballet, modern, ballroom and swing dance. Amara has a dance background in jazz and ballet. Mary has a background in Hawaiian dance.

TIZYAH

QUEBEC, CANADA

Tizyah began dancing with ballet, jazz and various international folk dances and discovered Bellydance in 2000. Since then, oriental dance has become a very important part of her life and continues to learn and perform. She has trained extensively with Aisha and Martine Werotte in Montreal as well as Elise Olmi and Aziza. In 2008 she formed with her friends Marah and Kyara the Shams El Sahara Trio. Tizyah hopes to dance as long as she lives because dance is life and oriental dance gives her the chance to express herself with the music she loves.

VIAN STETCH

ONTARIO, CANADA

Vian discovered her passion for Middle Eastern dance while attending a summer camp with Yasmina Ramzy. From that moment she was hooked. She now travels to Toronto to take classes at Arabesque Academy with her mentor, Yasmina Ramzy, Melissa and Mary. also had the pleasure of attending workshops with Aida Nour, Tito, Zahara Zuhair, Ashmahana, Sahra Saeeda, Randa Kamal, Dina and Bozenka.

ZAHIRA AND ANUKA 

ONTARIO, CANADA

www.miragebellydance.ca

Anuka and Zahira met in 2005 while taking Hannan’s classes in Toronto. They share a history of oriental dance training under renowned local instructors such as Hannan, Roula Said, and Mayada, while at the same time each has developed a unique style by training with diverse international luminaries such as Aziza, Bozenka, Randa Kamal, Rachel Brice, Orit, Jillina, Tito, Yousry Sharif, Mira Betz, Aida Nour, Sharon Kihara, Nath Keo, Saida, Amir Thaleb, Hadia and many others.

They danced together at the first IBCC as part of The Sultannettes Faculty troupe; they have performed as part of a trio at Funk a’ belly and Hannan’s Studio Hafla, and as a duet at weddings and corporate events.Anuka’s watery fluidity and Zahira’s fiery charisma complement each other in elegant and powerful ways. For the first time they have created a theatrical duet, an idea born shortly after they met but only recently come into fruition.

ZAHRA AND SARAH

ONTARIO, CANADA

Zahra began belly dancing 24 years ago. She fell in love with the art and has since taken various classes and in 1997 opened her own dance school named Zahra’s School of Middle Eastern Dance.

Through dance, Zahra has had the honor of meeting and dancing with many great belly dancers. She considers belly dancing not just a dance style, but a lifestyle. For 2007 and 2008, Zahra’s School of Middle Eastern Dance won the Readers Choice Awards for the Best Dance School in Durham as well, Zahra won the Volunteer of the Year from the City of Ajax. In September 2008, Zahra was nominated two awards – Durham’s Woman of Success Awards and Spirit of Success Awards.