Belly Dance Life

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Wendy where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:Belly Dance Transformations:"I needed to exercise, but I couldn’t make myself going to gym on a regular basis. Dance on contrary is just something that is fun. Every time there is music on, I feel that I have to move.""I’m naturally a very clumsy person, I’m usually covered in bruises because I keep bumping into things, so me being able to coordinate all these different movements together is a victory.""I never thought I would be able to learn a choreography over just one month, because I have terrible memory. I’m so proud of myself now.""When you learn a choreography, it’s nice to share it with the audience, but I’ve determined that it’s not something that I NEED in order to be happy.""I’m enjoying just how I improve my movements, exploring the ability to learn things that I thought were too hard for me." _WendyShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Wendy’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Warda is a professional national and international award-winning bellydancer. She has traveled to Egypt over thirty times to research and train and has won awards by top Egyptian professionals for her dancing. Warda is the director of the Shahrazad Dance Company , and has written ‘The Origins and History of Bellydance’, along with Egyptian Professor Dr. Hassan Khalil. She is a mentor and teacher of a number of prize winning dancers.In this episode you will learn about:-  Traveling lifestyle as a part of military community- Bringing innovation to dance- The origins of the belly dance art form- What is the proper name of our dance style- The importance of critical thinkingShow Notes to this episode:Follow Warda via website, FB, YouTube and Instagram. Her book ‘The Origins and History of Bellydance’ is available HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Lilia where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:"I’m battling perfectionism constantly.""In my mind ‘professional’ means ‘perfect’ which is not true.""I have several performances and competitions that I skipped because I though I wasn’t ready, that they would not be perfect. It’s a constant battle.""Sometimes when you want it to be perfect, you do nothing, because you are afraid it won’t be perfect.""I don’t even know what is ‘perfect’. That’s the irony of it.""Now I’m trying to practice smarter rather than harder.""Belly dance gives the freedom to express my feelings. It gives me storytelling techniques with the body." _LiliaShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Lilia’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

We often make grand plans but fail on showing up and performing them. Or sometimes we do show up but don't put 100% of our energy into the task. This relates to dance training too, especially if we are talking about practicing on your own. How to be more accountable and stop finding excuses of being too busy, or too tired, or simply postponing for later? Show Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Tita where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:‘’I feel that I’m growing, and it’s wonderful to be 59 and still experience the growth in your body.""I started doing belly dance to help with my cognition, to feel more feminine on my body. I’m learning to be not just to be a worker, but to have individuality and to express myself.""My training is changing with my body. Some days I just sit and watch videos, or listen to the music and mark moves in my head.""I’m happy if dance just belongs to me [without showing it to anyone else]. But I like sharing and bringing joy to people too.""What keeps people away from even trying to attend the class is that fear of feeling lost."_ Lina MarieShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Lina’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Amar Lammar was born in Mexico City. Since a young age she showed interest in art, especially dance. At the age of six years old she began her studies of Polynesian dances followed by a short period of ballet together with Mexican folklore. At the age of 11 she got into Afro-Caribbean rhythms but finally discovered and pursued her studies of oriental dance at the age of 13. Her international career began in 2003 with her first contracts in India for the Sheraton hotel group. After this first successful contract, she expanded her career and performed in several countries including Bahrein, Syria, Lebanon, Tunis and the Netherlands. For 12 years she has resided in the UAE performing full time at some of the most prestigious hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai including Marriot, Millenium, Rotana, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis the Palm and Emirates Palace. Now based in South Africa, Amar continues dancing and improving. Her main goal is to teach Oriental Dance based on her experiences in the Middle East and the knowledge she acquired during all these years.In this episode you will learn about:-  Reasons why she quit daily shows in Dubai and moved to South Africa- Connecting with dancers, client and students in a new country - Preparing classes for beginning students- Teaching livestream classes vs prerecorded videos- Motivation to practice without any performance goalsShow Notes to this episode:Join me on livestream class this Thursday, May 12 at 3 pm Kyiv time to work on Turkish Romani dance technique. This workshop is part of the project Dance With Stars. You can contact Nataliya Goncharova to find out how you can participate. Find even more information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Amar Lammar via website, FB, and Instagram.Check out our previous episode with Amar Lammar here: Ep 18. Amar Lammar: Twelve Years of Performing Every Night in the Arab Emirates!Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Tita where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:Before:- My body was stuck doing nothing my whole life. I had to learn to move every muscle, especially my hips.- It’s difficult to follow the choreo with ‘rights’ and ‘lefts’.- Finding my flow was very difficult. I’m good with capturing all accents in my mind, but my body isn’t, lol.Now:- Belly dance helped me to exercise consistently.- It also inspired me to take care and move my body even more diving into other disciplines.- My self-confidence improved. I found that I am beautiful.‘These days I found a new way of enjoying dance. I’m not dancing for someone, but I’m dancing for myself.’"Two girls started dancing because they saw my very first performance. That was so inspiring. Since then I think: Ok, I’m not perfect, but I CAN do it!"_ TitaShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Tita’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Semsemah has created a unique, innovative and modern belly dance style and became one of the most famous dancers of her generation. She knew how to develop a modern style while preserving the Egyptian soul. Artistic director of the Sesame Association, she regularly organizes events related to oriental dance (tours to Cairo, shows, training, festivals). She hosts the annual show "Bent El Balad" bringing together her students and renowned artists such as Aladin El Kholy, Gamal Seif, Hind, Salma, Hakim, Taly, Kareem Gad, Zomzom. Semsemah also co-organized the Eshtah ya Eshta oriental dance festival with the renowned oriental dancer Taly, bringing together artists from France and Egypt (Wael Mansour and Mohamed Kazafy). Today, SEMSEMAH is regularly invited to dance and teach internationally (Italy, Venezuela, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia and France).In this episode you will learn about:- Algerian culture and belly dance- How Semsemah defines the term ‘professional dancer’- Her learning process with Yousri Sharif- Tips on how to develop individual style- Teaching classes online vs in-personShow Notes to this episode:Check out Pedro’s photo book Ventre at www.pedrobonatto.com/ventre. Find even more information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Semsemah via website, FB, YouTube and Instagram.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Aleesa where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:‘’I used to think that belly dance was silly, but 20 years later belly dance is a huge part of my life.’’‘’Dance provides a nice contrast [to my profession] where I can express my femininity, creativity. It also allows me to move, to connect with people all around the world.’’During her 22 years of belly dance exploration, Aleesa has made a couple of breaks from dancing to question the authenticity of her love to dance, but every time she came back to it."For me belly dance is as much about community, as about dance and music itself.”_AleesaShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Aleesa’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Nataša Kočar is a certified oriental dance teacher and choreographer, and the co-founder and head of the KUOD Bayani dance company,  She has a degree in geography and sociology from Ljubljana’s Faculty of Arts. Her dance education started at the age of 12 at one of Slovenia’s top dance schools, including 2 years of overall dance training and 4 years of jazz ballet).At the beginning of the new millennium, Nataša discovered her love for oriental music. She has attended more than 200 workshops with different teachers from Egypt, Europe, and America. From 2004 onwards, Nataša has been teaching 7-9 classes per week and she has around 70 regular students each year. She organizes workshops and events and have passionately produced and co-produced 10 theatre dance shows (in Slovenia and abroad).In this episode you will learn about:- Developing a teaching career in dance - Nataša’s passion for folklore styles - Differences between teaching adults and children - How Nataša came up with the idea to write a book - The process of publishing the book.Show Notes to this episode:Join online event ‘Spring Will Come’ organized by Julia Farid in order to support Ukrainian dance teachers: https://tips4hips.com/andspingwillcome . Find even more information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Nataša Kočar via website, FB, YouTube and Instagram.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Dimitra where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:Before: - Resisted to attend a class because of the fear of embarrassment in a group of unknown people.- Didn’t know how to practice on her own. Had unrealistic expectations regarding how her dance should look like.- ‘When we were learning new movement and I couldn’t do it right away, it was blocking me. I was not able to move at all.’Now: 'With time I realized that it’s ok if I don’t get something right away. I must do those mistakes, and that’s how I will learn. Seeing the progress in my dance was the moment of feeling almost unstoppable.'’"Belly dance makes me feel free and connected to the feminine flow. It became a big and integral part of my routine. I see it as a self-love ritual."_DimitraShow Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Check Dimitra’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Leila was one of the most popular working dancers in Cairo for 13 years.  While in Egypt she performed for parties, dignitaries, and weddings in Egypt and throughout Europe and the Arabian Gulf. She also danced continuously for Nile cruises, in the best hotels and concerts on television.  Leila is also a well-known actress and model and is a recognizable personality throughout the Middle East being involved in hundreds of TV shows, music videos, TV commercials and films.  Leila has produced some of the best-loved dance CDs today (the only dancer to utilize a "live sound" in her productions). She was the founder of Camp Negum, a yearly live music dance festival in Egypt for 8 years.  She has taught workshops around the world and after moving to the states in 2015, she continues to teach online and in person focusing on the connection between the music, culture and self expression behind the dance. Her writings about dance and culture are utilized by scholars and dancers around the world. In this episode you will learn about:- Taking classes with Raqia Hassan- Beginning of Leila’s career in Egypt- Tough lessons she learnt in Egypt- Dance career during pregnancy- Leila’s approach to teaching, and her thoughts about competitions.Show Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Leila via FB, and Instagram.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Gitza is a Mexican dancer, internationally renowned teacher, choreographer and artistic director, who started practicing Middle-Eastern dances in 2006. She is currently the director of the Gitza dance school, and the Raqs Sahira dance company. Her vision for belly dance is influenced by psychology and dance therapy. With these disciplines, she has developed tools for teaching dance in a creative and experimental way, always investigating personal experience as the main engine for creation and interpretation.In this episode you will learn about:- The concept of the dance movement therapy- How the classes on dance movement therapy work- Incorporating dance movement therapy into belly dance classes- Common phycological patterns among belly dance students - Pregnancy experience as a belly dancer.Show Notes to this episode:Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Follow Gitza via FB, Instagram, Youtube and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Jacinda (aka Aliya Dalal) where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:‘’Dance helped me to overcome my body image and eating disorders. It taught me to love my body not for how it looks like, but for what it can do. It felt very liberating.’’‘’I realized that I can’t compartmentalize. If I want to have emotions in dance, I have to have emotions in life.’’‘’Many of us are afraid to express emotions because we are afraid that it will overtake us. But dance helped me to get in touch with my emotions.’’‘’I became fascinated with the potential for this dance to heal for women with trauma.’’"This dance saved my life in so many ways. It saved my health. It helped me to overcome my eating disorders. I helped me to see value in myself, not just as a dancer and artists, but also as a human being. It helped me to connect with the world. It helped me to become a more open person. It helped me to be in touch with my emotions, which allowed me to be supportive of others in their emotions."_JacindaShow Notes to this episode:Check Jacinda’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Also, check her website and Instagram pages.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Pratima Nagaraj where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:Before: I used to have lots of judgements about my body, and I used to be very insecure person.I thought I could never dance because I had two left feet.Now: I didn’t realize first that belly dance would boost my confidence.Being ok with all my imperfections became easier.It took away judgements and brought confidence in my body.Gave me confidence that I CAN dance!It made me feel sensual.I see the difference in my mood when I don’t dance for week or two.‘It’s my choice! Nobody tells me that I have to dance. But I’m feeling joy when I dance.’ _Sinda SandraShow Notes to this episode:Check Pratima Nagaraj’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website. Also, check her website and Instagram about health and life coaching.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Raquy Danziger is a world-famous American musician, teacher and composer based in Istanbul. She has released thirteen albums, five darbuka method books, and two volumes of her original compositions. Her educational offerings are available through her online darbuka school: Darbukaschool.com. More than a thousand students are currently enrolled in her courses.  Raquy specializes in the split hand technique, which is a fast and elaborate Turkish drumming style. She also plays the mystical twelve- string King Kemenche Tarhu, a rare and exotic bowed instrument.⁣⁣ She has also performed in Egypt as a soloist with The Egyptian "King of Tabla" - Said El Artist, and his drumming orchestra in the great concert halls of Egypt. She has performed at the Lincoln Center, CRR concert hall in Istanbul, and in many festivals. In 2005, she was the recipient of the Meet the Composer grant. Raquy has appeared on Good Morning Egypt, Leila Kebira, O TV, the Culture Channel, Turkish Television, Arabs Got Talent, and has been interviewed on Al Jazeera.In this episode you will learn about:- Drummer as a lead musician or as an accompanist - Raquy’s drumming experience in Egypt- Learning the Turkish style of drumming- Her special notation system for drummers- Tips for dance-music collaborations.Show Notes to this episode:Follow Raquy Danziger via FB, Instagram, Youtube and website. Check her Darbuka school HERE. Apply promo code DARBUKA15 for 15% off on any Raquy’s online courses.Take a look at our intensive Dancing to Turkish 9s created in collaboration with Raquy HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some are professionals, but all of us have one thing in common: we all remain being students of dance. :)Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sinda Sandra where she shares her belly dance transformations with us:Before: thought that belly dance was not for someone like her, felt very shy.Now: dreaming to come back to Egypt, and this time to dance on stage!Before: was afraid that she didn’t have time for such activity.Now: successfully finds time pockets to practice on a daily basis, believes that when you have hobby that you like very much, you always find time to work on it.‘It’s my choice! Nobody tells me that I have to dance. But I’m feeling joy when I dance.’ _Sinda SandraShow Notes to this episode:Check Sinda Sandra’s community page at the Iana Dance Club website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Since 2002, Miami based artist Tiffany Madera (Hanan) has become a figurehead in the dance world by re-coding traditional Egyptian Raks Sharki dance as a tool for empowerment and social justice.  As a performer, professor, activist, museum professional, filmmaker, and non-profit leader, Tiffany combines a highly aesthetic approach and academic scholarship to tackle the questions of our day. She holds a Master’s Degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center at Florida International University and a Master’s Degree in Performance Studies from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, both with a focus on intercultural dance and film. Tiffany’s cultural background, professional and academic experience make her an impact driven and effective non profit leader positioned to bring complex work into fruition through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Her projects have garnered support and awards across the world including a $100,000 Knight Arts Challenge award with a full matching grant from the Ware Foundation among numerous state, county, municipal and national foundation awards. In this episode you will learn about:- Dancing My Mother’s Body initiative- Havana Habibi festival and documentary film- The healing power of belly dance- Running the non-profit organization Hanan Arts- Writing grants and raising money through fundraising and sponsorships.Show Notes to this episode:Follow Tiffany Madera and Hanan Arts via FB, Instagram, Youtube and website.Save your spot at Iana’s free webinar How to Start Performing Solo, and Get Paid: www.ianadanceclub.com/eventFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

There is some sort of shame around putting these two words together: dance & money (or art & sales).  And I strongly believe that this is one of the main blocks for many talented dancers on why their career is not as successful as they wish it to be. There is a misconception as if treating your art as a business will destroy the nature and essence of the art itself, as if suddenly you will stop being an artist. I honestly think that such belief is a very comforting excuse for many artists on not taking responsibility for ALL aspects of their work. It feels much safer to stay in the comfort zone of a dance studio, focusing only on the training element of your profession, and ignoring everything else. But you don’t have to choose between art and business. There IS a way on how to stay true to yourself and your art, AND make a decent living as a professional dancer.Show Notes to this episode:Save your spot at Iana’s free webinar How to Start Performing Solo, and Get Paid: www.ianadanceclub.com/eventFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Cinzia is an international belly dancer, teacher and choreographer, based in Italy and appreciated all over the world for her power and charisma on stage. Cinzia studied classical dance, jazz and piano for 10 years and in 2004 she fell in love with oriental dance and folklore. Her style is refined and powerful, a mix of Arabic feeling and modernity. She teaches, judges and dances in many countries, such as Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, United States and Egypt and regularly performs in the most important Italian festivals. She has taught literature and foreign languages at her local high school for years and this has given her the opportunity to refine her teaching method and her empathy towards students all over the world. Cinzia has been the Italian champion twice, and she has been the winner of all the most important Italian competitions, winning also the IDO World Cup in the 2014 folklore section. Now she trains many famous Italian dancers, helping them with competitions and shows. Cinzia manages her academy, the Badia Operà Academy through which she organizes numerous events and performances of bellydance and oriental dance.In this episode you will learn about:- Teaching workshops vs regular ongoing classes- Discipline among students- Switching to online teaching - Introducing folklore to beginner students- Helping students with their competition preparations.Show Notes to this episode:Follow Cinzia via FB, Instagram, Youtube and website.Join our January DANCE CHALLENGE HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Originally from sunny Miami, Helen Blondel has performed at a myriad of venues in Central & South Florida, including Kababi Cafe, Cleopatra Lounge, Hookita Lounge, Taverna Opa, Cedar's Lebanese Cuisine, & Dar Tagine. She has also appeared on Televised programs such as "Despierta America" and "Sabado Gigante" on Univision as a dancer and is a recent member of the MBC 2018 award-winning Belly Motions RAKettes Dance Company. Helen Blondel is the former Belly Dance Instructor of Florida International University recreation in Miami, and now resides in Orlando.In this episode you will learn about:- Charging appropriate fees for your dance shows- Deciding if you are ready to enter the commercial dance industry- How to get booked and prepare for your first paid show- Social media, including TikTok, as a promo tool for getting local gigs- How to get involved in TV projects and music videos.Show Notes to this episode:Follow Helen Blondel via FB, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok and website.Join our January dance challenge HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

NEW episode with a selection of the best parts dedicated to facing and overcoming rejection, disapproval or judgement from teachers, relatives, or community. You’ll hear from Alex DeLora, Artemis Mourat, Esmeralda Colabone and Alla Kushnir.Show Notes to this episode:Full interviews with our guests:Ep 21. Alex DeLora: Every Drum Solo Has Its Own MoodEp 125. Artemis Mourat: Seek Out Your Dance Mentors & ‘Angel’ MothersEp 151. Esmeralda Colabone: Living The Truth: Motherhood and Dance CareerEp 40. Alla Kushnir: Not Only Luck Makes You Number 1Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Sabah has decades of experience in classical, modern, and folk styles of dance. She has worked with the Chicago’s Festival Ballet, Ballet Chicago, and Alabama Ballet. She received her degree from Columbia College Chicago majoring in Cultural Studies and minoring in dance with a year abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. There she joined the Egyptian Folkloric Company and received a contract to dance on the Nile Pharaoh cruise ship allowing her to hand-select a band and troupe of dancers. In 2006, she joined the international dance company Bellydance Superstars, directed by Jillina Carlano, and began touring the world performing and teaching workshops highlighting her specialty of combining ballet with belly dance while wearing toe shoes. In 2019 Sabah relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles to become the Artistic Programs Manager for Bellydance Evolution.  She has been a contributing choreographer for Bellydance Evolution since 2012.  When BDE was commissioned to produce “Le Voyage de Scheherazade” a multi-national, multi-discipline collaboration between Moroccan, European and American Oriental and ballet dancers with the Orchestra Philharmonique de Maroc, Sabah was the choreographer for all the ballet routines. In this episode you will learn about:- The joy of dancing as a part of a group vs solo performances- Experience of exploring belly dance at an university environment- Benefits of ballet training for belly dancers- The story of creating a fusion belly dance piece with pointe shoes, and joining Belly Dance Superstars- Sabah’s responsibilities as the Artistic Programs Manager for Bellydance Evolution.Show Notes to this episode:Follow Sabah via FB, Instagram and Bellydance Evolution website.Gift Cards are now available at the Iana Dance Club. Find more info HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Joana Saahirah is a world-renowned dancer, teacher, choreographer and author specialized in Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric dances. She’s written and published 2 books - “The Secrets of Egypt – Dance, Life & Beyond” and "Behind the Curtain", created the pioneering online platforms "Joana Saahirah´s World" and "Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School" delivering authentic Egyptian dance, personal discovery & empowerment, and she is the creator of the upcoming "The Oriental Café" Podcast.Joana started her career in Egypt, where she performed and lived for 8 years, as well as worked with Mahmoud Reda, as his teaching and choreography assistant. Joana has been a constant presence – as an invited artist, choreographer & teacher – at major International Oriental dance festivals and she’s been an innovator in the field of Egyptian Dance, creating a bridge of connection between Egypt and the world.In this episode you will learn about:-   Differences between building your dance name and your brand- How Joana has started her online platform- The pillar content that helps grow her online community- Egyptian dance and self-confidence - Sensuality vs sexualityShow Notes to this episode:Follow Joana Saahirah via Instagram, YouTube, FB, and www.joanasaahirah.com.Previous episode with Pedro: Ep 76. Joana Saahirah: Egyptian Dance As The Tool For Self-Knowledge And Empowerment.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil and based in Canada, Pedro works in fine art and fashion photography, with works published in Elle Arabia, Fashion Canada and a number of magazines and books. As a drummer, Pedro focuses on Middle Eastern music and its relationship to cultures from around the world. He is also the creator of the world music and dance group The Blue Dot Ensemble.In this episode you will learn about:-  Differences between Arabic and Turkish style of drumming- Clay drum with natural skin vs modern darbuka with plastic cover- Why the idea of drum solo improvisation is so scary for many dancers- What is the best way to approach a live improvisation performance- Performing at the competition settingsShow Notes to this episode:Follow Pedro Bonatto on FB, Instagram, and YouTube, his website with useful tips for preparing for shoots, and his podcasts.Previous episode with Pedro: Ep 112. Pedro Bonatto: Drummer, Photographer & Husband of a Belly DancerDANCE CHALLENGE with Iana: www.ianadanceclub.com/challengeFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Jackie Barzvi is a raqs sharqi (belly dance) instructor and performer originally from Queens, NY, now based in North Carolina. She has been dancing all her life and focuses on folkloric dances from Egypt, North Africa, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf. She recently created the first ever Mizrahi Dance Archive to highlight specific Jewish dances from MENA regions. She has been teaching Middle Eastern dance since 2011 and is passionate about creating environments where people can dance, connect, and build community. The Mizrahi Dance Archive's mission is to collect and organize the information we have of specific Jewish dances from MENA regions and to also bring these dances to life in fun and relevant ways to share with communities all over the world. The Mizrahi Dance Archive is an educational tool to showcase the diversity of the Jewish people and the deep connections between art, dance, and Judaism.In this episode you will learn about:- Following your heart and passion to dance- Belly dance activities in Israel- Jewish music for dancing- Understanding the differences between Mizrahi and Sephardic communities - The influence of Jewish culture on dances in Morocco, Jemen, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and EgyptShow Notes to this episode:Find Jackie Barzvi on FB, Instagram, and website. Also, visit the Mizrahi Dance Archive at www.mizrahidancearchive.com.Mizrahi music mentioned in the podcast:Sarit HadadDudu Tassa & The KuwaitisYemen BluesLala TamarDANCE CHALLENGE with Iana: www.ianadanceclub.com/challengeFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Yousry Sharif is the embodiment of many greats when it comes to Egyptian Raqs Sharqi: a great original choreographer, a great teacher, a great mentor, a great music producer, a great presence, a great inspiration, a great mind, and the list goes on and on. A native to Cairo, his dance talents shone through at a tender age of seven. He grew up thoroughly trained in Egyptian folkloric dancing, plus various dance forms, including jazz, classical ballet, and flamenco, while working with various influential choreographers and teachers. After moving to New York, the USA, in the 1980s, he started his own dance academy to educate dancers in what the world has come to adore as the Yousry Sharif oriental style. While preserving the spirit of traditions, he takes the dance to a contemporary level and beyond. To him, the dance is a life form. It evolves with time and environment, while never loses sight of its roots.In this episode you will learn about:- Beginning of Yousry’s career in Egypt- Moving to the USA, and beginning classes there- Teaching approach, and choreography interpretations - Music sensitivity- Creating music and producing CDsShow Notes to this episode:Find Yousry Sharif on FB, and Instagram.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes at the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Cassandra Shore, the founder of The Cassandra School (1978), is recognized as one of the world’s foremost performers and choreographers of Middle Eastern dance. Her artistic intensity, musicality, and technique set her apart from the average performer. She brings to dance lyrical grace, musical focus, and a sensuous quality of movement that brings mere technique to life. Her work has been rewarded with grants, commissions, and awards. Cassandra also founded the Jawaahir Dance Company in 1989 as a way to move Middle Eastern dance "beyond the museum," and create original, theatrically-inspired choreographies that blends traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern forms.In this episode you will learn about:- The beginning of Cassandra’s belly dance journey, her first show, first class and first dance school- How to figure out if you are ready to start performing professionally- Amazing tips on how to deal with pre-show anxiety- The challenges of relocating a dance studio to another area in the city- Taking care of your body for a long-term dance careerShow Notes to this episode:Find Cassandra Shore on FB, website, and her dance company Jawaahir.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Known the world over as one of the pioneering forces in the field of Tribal Fusion belly dance, Sharon Kihara is regarded as one of the most seasoned and well-traveled artists in the genre, and is known for her avante-garde artistic sensibility that defies replication. She is both a dance and yoga therapy teacher, 200 RYT certified by Yoga Alliance.In late 2003, at the behest of friend Rachel Brice, Sharon was scouted to perform with the pioneering dance company Bellydance Superstars, created by music mogul and svengali Miles Copeland.  Sharon spent over five years on tour as Tribal director, soloist, and choreographer.  After leaving the tour to pursue new dreams, she was recruited by Jillina to dance as a principal and choreographer in the unique and critically acclaimed new touring production, Bellydance Evolution.  Sharon is in the rare position of being the only Tribal dancer to have been featured as Principal dancer in two of the world’s most distinct international touring belly dance companies.In this episode you will learn about:- Discipline, focus, neurodivergence and dance- Switching from American Cabaret to Tribal fusion, and origins of the style- Education basics for well-rounded Tribal fusion dancers- Reasons why Sharon decided to retire from dancing- Transitioning away from the dance careerShow Notes to this episode:Find Sharon Kihara on Instagram, FB, and her jewelry page gifthorsegems.com .Check out The Power of Imagination intensive on dealing with fears and performance energies at the Iana Dance Club HERE.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

This is a solo episode by Iana where we’ll talk about two most common paralyzing performance fears: fear of being judged as not good enough dancer, and fear of forgetting choreography and not knowing what to do.Show Notes to this episode:If you want to work deeper on dealing with performance anxiety and building up your energy projection as a performer, check out the new intensive at the Iana Dance Club: The Power of Imagination.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Luna is an international belly dance star who performed in Egypt's top hotels and Nile cruises from 2009 to 2018. She has an exceptionally exciting style of dance, and has been featured on Egyptian television. Luna has also appeared in the music videos of some of Egypt's most popular singers, and was a featured dancer in several movies. Luna is in high demand to teach belly dance workshops around the world. She has taught all over the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Egypt, England, Poland, Japan, China, and Vietnam. She is also a regular teacher at Raqia Hassan’s Ahlan wa Sahlan Festival, which takes place every summer in the Mena House Hotel.In addition to her dancing, Luna holds a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. She studied radical Islamist movements in the Arab world. She is fluent in Egyptian Arabic, Spanish, and English, and holds a B.A. in journalism and political science.In this episode you will learn about:- Life after Cairo- Applying for a ‘regular’ job after 10 years of dance career- Dealing with stigmas and stereotypes about the belly dance profession- Performing to a diverse Arabic audience- Learning by observingShow Notes to this episode:Find Luna of Cairo on Instagram, FB, and Youtube. Her blog "Kisses from Kairo".Previous episode with Luna:Ep 17. Luna of Cairo: Is Belly Dance Life in Cairo Always a "Fairy Tale"?Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Hatem Hamdy, also known as Tommy King, is a real showman! His unique and colorful style makes him a sought after teacher and dancer around the world. He started his professional career with skating. Between the age of 20 to 25 he worked as a coach-assistant in the "Sham's" club and later as a coach for mature students. He has earned 14 times the first prize for skating in Egypt, and won the second prize at the "African World" competition continuously for 5 years. He loved the idea of mixing oriental dance with skating, but eventually he took the direction of oriental dance, and started working in Cairo in famous hotels, ships and clubs. Tommy King designs his colorful and unique costumes, and his charisma and style make him one of the famous artists in the Egyptian and International festival scene.In this episode you will learn about:- Transitioning from professional skating career to full-time dancing- Secrets of successful performances on stage- How Tommy King prepares right before going on stage- Being a male dancer in Egypt- Teaching classes onlineShow Notes to this episode:Find Tommy King on Instagram, and FB. His intensive page is available here.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Mercedes Nieto is an internationally acclaimed oriental dance artist based in Budapest, Hungary. She is world famous for her delicate, elegant, and yet passionate dance style, which is innovative and unique. Mercedes has spent a decade touring around the world: since 2009 she had been teaching and performing in more than 50 countries at around 30 different oriental dance events yearly. While constantly traveling and sharing her knowledge, passion and unique vision for belly dancing, she kept organizing the highly acclaimed CAIRO! Fest Budapest. Also, Mercedes is producing Middle-Eastern music specifically for oriental dancers since 2012: she has released five albums that gained wide international success among dancers.In this episode you will learn about:- Going thorough the experience of lockdowns- Losing live audience shows, and how it impacts the dance- Learning to embrace uncertainty - Cooking healthy meals out of laziness- Hosting an international festival onlineShow Notes to this episode:Find Mercedes Nieto on Instagram, FB, and Youtube.Previous episodes with Mercedes:Ep 45. Mercedes Nieto: Social Media TrapsEp 46. Mercedes Nieto: What Does It Take To Be a Touring Artist?Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club. New YouTube show “Artist Date” is available HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Yaël is an international Oriental dance artist living in Paris. She has a very personal and refined style combining tradition and modernity. She is regularly invited to perform and teach abroad (Japan, USA, Canada, China, Europe…) due to her skills as a teacher and the high level of her artistic work. Yaël conveys her passion with generosity and enthusiasm. She focuses on listening carefully to the music and interpreting emotions, while displaying an impeccable technique and creating a wide variety of choreographies. She teaches all Egyptian styles, from a soft and introverted Tarab to an energetic and catchy Shaabi. For her, dance classes are more than teaching an original choreography. She also strives to make her students understand the culture behind Oriental dance, and to convey the ‘soul’ of this dance. In this episode you will learn about:- Developing a dance career at local gigs- Yael’s first international workshops- Dealing with self-criticism while watching your own performance videos- How to find your individual style- Teaching and adapting to an online spaceShow Notes to this episode:Find Yaël Zarca on Instagram, FB, YouTube and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Miasia is a dedicated performer, teacher, trainer and workshop instructor with 25 years of cabaret and folkloric Middle Eastern Dance experience. As a performer, she has captivated audiences all over the US and around the world, including Turkey and Egypt, where she was featured on the renowned Egyptian TV show Al Rakesa. Miasia has been a performer at numerous special events, including national conferences like True Spirit. She has graced concert halls, nightclubs, restaurants and stages all over the globe, including the SF Pride Women’s stage where she was presented a prize for her award-winning shimmies. In this episode you will learn about:- Lessons that Miasia learned from her teachers and students- How she got involved in the TV show Al Rakesa- The most memorable moments of the show- Getting ready and taping each episode of Al Rakesa- Dance realizations and dreams after the show was overShow Notes to this episode:Find Miasia on Instagram, FB, YouTube and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Since 1978, Aegela’s love of Middle Eastern dance has taken her throughout the US and to the heart of the art—Egypt. It was on her first tour that Aegela was awarded the coveted Lifetime Performer’s license by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, an honor held by only 11 foreigners. While working in Egypt, Aegela enjoyed the privilege of studying with famed dancer/choreographer Mahmoud Reda, of the Reda Troupe, and with Madame Busi, principal dancer with the National Folkloric Company.During her teaching career, Aegela has conducted classes for the deaf and hearing impaired, and devised a format for use in occupational therapy rehabilitation programs assisting women in regaining range of motion. Recently, she developed a dance program for women recovering from strokes. Aegela frequently lectures in major universities on the topics of Middle Eastern art and music. Speaking engagements have included Emory University School of Near Eastern Studies, Georgia State University, and Mercer University. Aegela is the recipient of the 2004 Stella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Middle Eastern Dance.In this episode you will learn about:- Combing business consulting in USA with a dance career in Egypt- Receiving the Lifetime Performer’s license by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture- Why Aegela left Egypt at the height of her success- Meeting Mahmoud Reda- Ten things she learned from the great master.Show Notes to this episode:Find Aegela on Instagram, FB, and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Aszmara goes beyond movements and steps to unleash your soul’s music. Her insight into movement, music and connecting emotions with dance marks her as an unforgettable teacher and performer. “Dance is Emotion in Motion” exactly describes Aszmara. For over 40 years, Aszmara has been inspiring dancers as a teacher and performer with international tours, workshops and seminars across USA & Europe. As a master teacher, her deep love for dance shines through to everyone she teaches, from beginners to professionals, leading them to find their own expressive passion in dance. In the 80’s and 90’s she was co-director of two dance companies: the award winning Middle Eastern dance company Oriental Images and the ground breaking SaZ Dance Theater, creating theme concert events, folkloric and innovative dance. Aszmara’s articles have appeared in The Gilded Serpent, Bhuz and Bennu magazines and her instructional DVD, ‘Belly Dance… The Secret Desire’, has received high recognition.In this episode you will learn about:- Musicality in dance, and letting go your thought process on stage  - Dance as a healing and self-exploration tool  - Exercises to develop your improvisation skills  - What music formations are.  - Why Aszmara never considered herself a Turkish style dancer.Show Notes to this episode:Find Aszmara on Instagram, FB, and website..Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her teaching platform: the Iana Dance Club.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Yasmin Henkesh grew up in the Washington D.C. area but moved to Europe to work as a professional dancer after graduating from college. She first appeared in the Algerian cabaret Al Djazair, but soon was hired by "big time" nightclubs in Paris, such as Le Beirut and Le Yildizlar. There she worked with some of the most well-known Arabic stars and musicians of the time, such as Sabah, Walid Toufiq, Ahmed Adawia, Mohammad El Aizabi and Hassan Abou Saud. She then moved to London to work at The Omar Khayyam, the renowned club of Mona Said, where she worked with master percussionist, Khamis Henkesh. But the draw to work in Egypt was too great and she moved to Cairo after a year to follow her dream. She appeared for two years at The Auberge on the Sharia al Haram and at the Holiday Inn. The head of her orchestra was Sayed Henkesh, a well-known Egyptian musician. During those years Yasmin enrolled in the American University in Cairo Master's degree in Arabic and did research of her own on the Egyptian zar and other forms of Middle Eastern trance dancing. Yasmin moved back to Washington DC in the early 1990's and danced regularly at the Casablanca Restaurant in Alexandria, VA until 2001. She now teaches various classes for aspiring dancers at her own dance studio as well as online.In this episode you will learn about:- The belly dance scene in Europe in 70s and 80s- Dancing in Egypt, and why Yasmin decided to come back to Europe- Her research about zar and various trance dances- Insights about the origins of the Ayoub rhythm- The music copyright issues all dancers should be aware of.Show Notes to this episode:(Additional information provided by Yasmin Henkesh)The notes for Hymn to Hathor, which has a lovely nay solo set to the ayoub rhythm:        "Track 17: AyoubThe Prophet Job      The 2/4 rhythm dancers refer to as “ayoub” has only been called this for the past fifty years - since poet / composer Zakariya al-Hagawi used it for the sound track of Malhama Ayoub wa Nasa (The Epic of Job and [his wife] Nasa). This religious TV miniseries about the Prophet Job (starring the composer’s wife, singer Khadra Mohammed Khadar) aired on Egyptian television in the early 1960s. Al-Hagawi’s music became so popular that belly dancers asked for its rhythm by abbreviating the show’s name. Up until then it had simply been known as the malfouf (another 2/4 rhythm) associated with Ottoman music (see Turkey/Egypt booklet page 14) or the ecstatic rituals of Turkish Mevlevi sufis (or “whirling dervishes” - listen to track 1 Whirling Dervishes of Farouk Tekbelek’s CD, Whirling).      Despite current belly dance nomenclature and assumptions, this rhythm is not used during Egyptian-Sudanese zar ceremonies to call the Jinn (their songs are based on masmoudi, darg, maqsoum or African rhythms). It was, however, used for folkloric theatrical stage recreations of zars because of its dramatic, hypnotic properties and its association with the zikr, another form of Middle Eastern trance induction. The zikr, or ‘remembrance,’ is a sufi ritual based on the repetition, spoken or silent, of the names or epithets of God. The hadra, a form of zikr incorporating music, movement and specialized breathing patterns, is associated with ecstatic trance. Often done accompanied by a bendir (a large, resonant hand drum with two gut strings stretched across the inside, touching the skin head) and occasionally to music (the role of music and dance is controversial in Islam - many mullahs, Islamic priests, damn them), the exact rituals vary according to individual sufi orders, or tariqas. But often they include exhaling while bending over and inhaling while straightening up, as “Allah(hu)” is vocalized. Hence, traditionally, the ayoub rhythm is associated with God, not the Jinn. Nevertheless, it is ideal for inducing trance, which is why I included this exceptional piece for sacred dance."A YouTube playlist for zar related videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui9W97PxNHsJa5qrSsDrT6rqFind Yasmin Henkesh on Instagram, FB, website and Youtube.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Sadie is an inspiration and icon to her students and fans around the world and serves to empower people through the captivating art of Oriental Dance (Bellydance). She has produced dozens of bestselling instructional videos. She has represented the art of Oriental Dance in front of millions of viewers on the hit show “America’s Got Talent”.Sadie is the founder and director of the “Raqs Online” training program, which enriches students with a strong foundation in technique while keeping them engaged and connected to the dance’s culture and historical roots. She has launched a new clothing line of athletic dance wear and produces a variety of destination dance retreats around the world, taking her students on a deep journey and exploration of this incredible art form as well as their own inner selves.In this episode you will learn about:- Teaching online before and during the pandemic- The evolution of Sadie’s teaching platform Raqs Online- The process of content creation for online classes- Dealing with frustration and artistic depression- Sadie’s experience of working with coaches and mentorsShow Notes to this episode:Find Sadie Marquardt on Instagram, FB, website and Youtube, as well as her online classes at Raqs Online.Previous interview with Sadie: Ep 39. Sadie Marquardt: Reclaiming Feminine PowerEp 14. Sadie Marquardt: Before & After Social Media HitFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Suhaila Salimpour grew up caught between two worlds: the strict, Shi’a Muslim household of her father who passed away when she was 10, and the free-spirited Hippie fantasyland of her mother, renowned belly dance innovator Jamila Salimpour. By the time she was 14, Suhaila was the sole breadwinner for herself and her mother, traveling across the United States on the weekends teaching her mother’s dance method and creating her own revolutionary approach to belly dance.  She also lived and worked as a professional entertainer in the Middle East, with residencies in some of the finest venues. She worked with musical ensembles of over 40 musicians, including Arab pop stars Ahmad Adawiya, Amr Diab, and Sabah.Upon returning to the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1990s, Suhaila returned to teaching regular dance classes and developing the first-ever certification program in Middle Eastern dance. Today, the Salimpour School has five satellites run by licensed instructors in the United States, Europe, and Egypt, as well as a thriving global community of thousands of students, including the new Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education. In 2019, the Salimpour School began its residency at Mills College, where Suhaila is also an Adjunct Professor. She teaches Core Dimension™ and Embodied Movement in the Department of Dance and Theater.In this episode you will learn about:- Growing up as the daughter of a well-known belly dancer and part of a Muslim family  - Living and performing in the Middle East  - Going through dance depression and losing your artistic identity  - Reasons why Suhaila started a certification program  - The Salimpour method of teachingShow Notes to this episode:Find Suhaila Salimpour on Instagram, FB, YouTube and website. Information about her online school and institute is available here.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

A teacher, dancer, and choreographer of oriental dance, Dr.Mo Geddawi is a native of Cairo who has made his home in Berlin, Germany for the past twenty years. His beginnings in the formal study of dance began with the invitation to join a ballet school in the royal palace of Saida Sutaire, King Farouk’s cousin. Years later he met Mahmoud Reda, and in 1957 became a co-founder of the Reda Troupe. In 1964, the group was nationalized, and the same year Dr.Mo Geddawi decided to leave Egypt. During his busy dance career, he has worked in many feature films and TV series in Europe and the Middle East, if not as a dancer or choreographer, then as an actor. His most memorable experiences include: “The Second Man”(1972) with Samia Gamal and Sabah; “Summer Vacation”(1963) with the Reda Troupe; “A Man From Alaska”(1972) with Douglas Mclaire; “His Divorce, Her Divorce”(TV series, England, 1972) with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton; and “The Lawyer”(TV series, Germany, 1973). Dr. Mo Geddaw is also a doctor of tropical medicine. In this episode you will learn about:- First meeting with Mahmoud Reda- Years spent with the Reda’s Troupe- The reasons and consequences of nationalization of the Reda’s Troupe- Decision to leave Egypt- Teaching dancers all around the world.Show Notes to this episode:Find Dr.Mo Geddawi on Instagram, FB, and website. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Born in the USA and trained by master teachers in New York City, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, Athena Najat has traveled the globe dancing. Athena’s dance background began in childhood with years of dedicated training in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance. She graduated with a Dance major from the famous Performing Arts High School Walnut Hill. Her education continued with special training at Laban Centre London and at New York University, from which she holds both a Bachelor (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Dance & Culture. She lived for nearly a decade in Athens, Greece, where she co-organizes a successful annual International Bellydance and music event, Habibi Tsiggana Festival. Athena is also a founding member of Kazafy Troupe Greece. Athena is currently based in Turkey. In this episode you will learn about:- The influence of a professional dance education and ballet training on Athena’s belly dance journey- The Belly dance scene in Greece- Tsifteteli dance in Greece and Turkey- Her Decision to move to Turkey- Hiring a belly dancer to perform online at a private gig.Show Notes to this episode:Find Athena Najat on Instagram, FB, website and Youtube. Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Hasna is the founder and admin of the Just Belly Dance website which currently provides event promotion, ticketing, and registration management tools. She is located in Atlanta, GA and performs at various public events as well as private venues. Hasna has dabbled in a few arenas of MENAT dance and has explored fusion dancing, but her passion lies in Egyptian-style dancing. Hasna is a member of Persica Dance Company, and Asmara Bellydance Initiative. Dance is her passion and inspiration in life. Outside of her dance life, Hasna is an IT Specialist providing Web solutions and maintenance services.In this episode you will learn about:- Hasna’s dance trips to Egypt- The moment that changed her understanding and approach to dance- The significance of Haflas- Just Belly Dance website, and common mistakes in advertising posts- Asmara Bellydance InitiativeShow Notes to this episode:Find Hasna on Instagram, FB, website and Youtube. Websites: Just Belly Dance & Asmara Bellydance Initiative.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Some of the best moments from our previous episodes! Many of us struggle with continuing our daily training in the times of pandemic, finding motivation, and keeping the discipline. Let’s see how our guest stars approach their personal training and get some tips for ourselves. Today you will hear from Jasirah, Daliya, Soraia and Aziza. Show Notes to this episode:Ep 19. Jasirah: How to Practice on Your Own. Tips & TricksEp 56. Daliya: Improve Your Dance Every DayEp 128. Soraia Zaied: Never Give Up On Your Dreams!Ep 130. Aziza: How to Be The Best Version of Your Dance SelfFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Esmeralda Colabone has dedicated 20 years to dance. Originally from Brazil, she is one of the biggest names on the Arabic dance scene today! Esmeralda was the youngest dancer to join the cast of La Maison de L’Artiste in Lebanon. For 12 years she danced in the best hotels in North Africa and the Middle East. Those years made her truly unique and today she is a master teacher, soloist and choreographer in 32 countries!In this episode you will learn about:- How Esmeralda got interested in belly dance classes- Becoming a mom- Dealing with judgement and Internet shaming - The moment Esmeralda almost quit her dance career- Finding true connection in the online worldShow Notes to this episode:Find Esmeralda Colabone on Instagram, FB, website and Youtube.Previous interview with Esmeralda: Ep 13. Esmeralda Colabone: Music as Your Guide & MentorFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Sabriye Tekbilek grew up in an environment of Middle Eastern music and dance. She is the daughter of the renowned Turkish musician "Haci" Ahmet Tekbilek, and Lisa Djeylan, once an international bellydancer herself. While attending the University of California at Berkeley, Sabriye began taking classes with Suhaila Salimpour and quickly became a member of the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat. It was while studying with both Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour that Sabriye was encouraged to begin teaching, awakening a passion for instruction. In 2005 Sabriye moved to the Middle East where she worked for seven years with Lebanese agent Toros Siranossian throughout the Gulf and North Africa. She also spent one year in Cairo working at the prestigious night club Haroun Al Rashid in the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel along side the legendary Dina.In this episode you will learn about:- Growing up in an artistic family  - The meaning of the term ‘Arabesk music’  - Transitioning from a performance to a teaching career  - The gap between the festival world and the belly dance scene in the Middle East  - Adjusting to the lockdownShow Notes to this episode:Find Raksan on FB, Youtube, and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Raksan is a professional dancer, choreographer and dance pedagogue with a 35 year-long career. Her charisma and virtuosity led her onto the biggest variety theatre stages in Germany and Switzerland as well as into the arena of Circus Roncalli. The approach she developed over three decades is inspired equally by the various dance traditions of the Near and Middle East and the modern dance, African dance, and ballet.In this episode you will learn about:- Search for artistic self-identification- Motherhood and self-exploration- Working as a dancer in the circus environment- The story of Raksan’s stage name- Bringing contemporary into oriental danceShow Notes to this episode:Find Raksan on FB, Youtube, and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Ma*Shuqa is known for instructing dancers in the Art of Bellydance, which Ma*Shuqa does with mastery in her performances and coaching.  Ma*Shuqa began dancing in 1973 and immersed herself in the dance genre. Ma*Shuqa is world renown as the first performer with Isis Wings – creating and dancing with them 30 years ago.  She developed the Ma*Shuqa Method which provides dancers with a unique structure for creating their own signature performances and dancing with finger cymbals (sagaats) that capture the musicality of Middle Eastern music and presenting dance that captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.Carl Sermon is the premier photographer to the San Francisco Bay Area (CA, USA) Middle Eastern Dance community. He is known for images that capture the “Ya Habibi Golden Moments of Dance”. The key to his success is over 30 years of performance photography experience, knowledge of the music and the dance form, and the expertise to anticipate the best moment to photograph the most favorable image of the dancer.In this episode you will learn about:- Belly dance as a stress relief tool- Navigating work relationships as a couple- How Carl started his photography career when the official photographer didn’t show up for an event- Ma*Shuqa’s teaching method with finger cymbals (sagaats)- Going through the tough health timesShow Notes to this episode:Find Ma*Shuqa on FB and website: www.MaShuqa.com. Find Carl Sermon’s website: www.CarlSermonPhotography.Zenfolio.com , and FB.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Badriyah is a professional oriental dancer, devoted mainly to Egyptian classical and folklore styles, modern fusion with oriental dance and the Golden Age of belly dance. She teaches regular classes at Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, Belgium, and travels around Europe to give workshops and lectures. Badriyah's dream is to build a real Bellydance Museum. As a start, she collects vintage bellydance items such as newspapers, magazines, postcards, lobby cards, vinyl records and press photos depicting bellydancers from 1700' to 1970'. Most of all, Badriyah treasures the ten years of performing with Bellydance Evolution (BDE). Also, she had created three educational programs, contributed as an editor to Orient Express magazine (Czech language), collected over 300 vintage bellydance items, and taught workshops and lecture worldwide.In this episode you will learn about:- Social pressure and stereotypes regarding different professions- Definition of the Golden Era period- Why Awalim dance style is not well-known these days- The story of the Bellydance museum - Badriyah’s experience of dancing pregnantShow Notes to this episode:Find Badriyah on Instagram, FB, Youtube and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Alex DeLora is a professional belly dancer from Ukraine. She is famous for her unique style and strong technique skills, which are well used in her drum solos. As a competitor she was the first runner up in International Eilat Festival 2012 in Israel. Now as a teacher she gives workshops worldwide: Korea, China, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, USA, Singapore, etc. She is the owner of Dance and Fitness space ‘House of Grace’ in Ukraine. Alex inspires more than 1 million people every day through the social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.In this episode you will learn about:- The nuances of a drum solo performance- Tabla solo vs drum solo- The process of creating online classes- Mental blocks of doing first steps- Is belly dance a good option for fitness activityShow Notes to this episode:Previous interview with Alex: Ep 21. Alex DeLora: Every Drum Solo Has Its Own MoodFind Alex DeLora on Instagram, FB, Youtube and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast