Belly Dance Life

Estelle Zaghloul Ramia is a Lebanese-born, Costa Rica-based belly dancer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador who rose to fame after winning the first season of Hezzi Ya Nawaeem on Lebanese TV and later became the first belly dancer to perform on the national stages of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In recognition of her artistic and community impact, she was honored in 2017 as one of Costa Rica’s Women’s Empowerment Icons. Her most recent project, Modern Organic Dance and Sacred Arts, is a creative and spiritual collective she co-founded, combining dance, music, videography, ritual, and energy work to create immersive, transformative experiences rooted in sisterhood and sacred expression. She shares her work through performances, teachings, and online platforms.In this episode you will learn about:- Oriental dance as a vessel for ancestral memory and feminine empowerment- What it means to dance with the elements and how fire, water, air, and earth can shape your movement practice- The role of ritual in Estelle’s classes, from altars and candles to setting intentions before movement- What blocked shimmies can reveal about your deeper energetic or emotional patterns- How Egyptian mythology holds simple truths about energy, healing, and feminine powerShow Notes to this episode:Find Estelle Zaghloul on Facebook, YouTube,Instagram, and her website.Our previous interview with Estelle Zaghloul :Ep 126. Estelle Zaghloul: Why Has This Dance Entered Your Life?Books recommended by Estelle in this episode:Sacred woman, sacred dance: Awakening spirituality through movement and ritual, by Iris J. StewartGrandmother's secrets : the ancient rituals and healing power of belly dancing, by Al-Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia BThe Secret Language of Your Body: The Essential Guide to Health and Wellness, by Inna SegalVisit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.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

Pinky Selim is a banker by profession, a dancer by passion, and the founder of the AUC Alumni Folklore Group, a troupe dedicated to reviving Egyptian folkloric dance. While studying at the American University in Cairo, she was deeply involved in the university’s folklore club, and after graduation, she couldn’t imagine letting go of this art form. In 2013, with the support of AUC’s Alumni Office, she launched AUC Alum Folk to preserve and celebrate Egyptian heritage through performance and education. Inspired by legends like Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, Pinky has choreographed and staged numerous shows that bring folklore to life for new generations. As a proud mother and twin sister, she leads a growing troupe of dancers of all ages, teaching workshops and organizing performances that honor the richness and diversity of Egyptian folk traditions.In this episode you will learn about:- How a simple alumni club became a full dance company- The deep influence of her father on Pinki’s view of music and culture- The growing disconnection between young Egyptians and their own cultural heritage- Why teaching folklore felt urgent in a culture where kids mock their own language- What it takes to lead amateurs who dance like prosShow Notes to this episode:Find Pinky Selim on Instagram, and Instagram page of AUC Alumni Folklore.Visit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow 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

Rae Chrysalis is a classically trained dancer, embodiment coach, and leading voice in the silk fan community with over 30 years of experience in movement and performance. She is the founder of Chrysalis Silk Studies, an online school that has trained students in more than 60 countries in the art of silk fan dance. Rae’s work is at the forefront of Silk Fan Fusion, helping shape the future of this emerging art form through her signature blend of technical dance foundations, flow arts, and soul-driven expression. She has toured with artists like Seven Lions and Ayla Nereo and performed at premier festivals including Shambhala, Lightning in a Bottle, and Envision. As both performer and educator, Rae is celebrated for her ability to make advanced movement accessible while creating transformative spaces for deep embodiment and artistic discovery.In this episode you will learn about:- How Rae discovered fan veils and made them her signature tool- Common mistakes dancers make during their learning process, how Rae built her teaching system over years of exploration- Why belly dancers are drawn to her work to deepen their connection with fan veils- How to choose fan veils that match your style and purpose- What is the essence of ritual art, and Rae’s personal journey into itShow Notes to this episode:Find Rae Chrysalis on Instagram, YouTube, and website.Visit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow 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

Dawn Devine, also known as Davina, is a costume designer, author, and lifelong dancer with a passion for belly dance and all things that sparkle. Best known for her popular books on how to design and construct belly dance costumes, she has built a unique career at the intersection of dance, fashion, and education. With a background in tap, jazz, modern, and ballet, Davina discovered belly dance as a teenager and has since taken the stage as a performer, teacher, and creative mentor. She is dedicated to helping dancers create beautiful, well-fitting costumes and is constantly writing—whether it’s books, blog posts, or magazine articles. A true costume historian at heart, Davina also enjoys diving into archives to uncover the origins and evolution of fashion, textiles, and stagewear.In this episode you will learn about:- How Davina’s passion for sewing turned into costume repairs for local dancers and eventually her own costume book- Learning self-publishing from sci-fi zine culture, selling her first 50 books on spot, and writing over 20 books since then- Challenges of affording professional costumes in the 80s and the importance of the costume making skills- Her research into vintage Assiut fabric and what makes it so magical- Deep dive into zills—why dancers need more context, not just techniqueShow Notes to this episode:Find Dawn Devine (Davina) on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, website, and Patreon.Publications in Print: Cloth of Egypt - Amazon, Etsy.Zills: Music On Your Fingertips - Amazon , EtsyBecoming a Belly Dancer - Amazon , EtsyEmbellished Bras - Amazon , EtsySkirting The Issues & Pants for the Dance - Amazon , EtsyCostuming From the Hip - Amazon , EtsyBedlah, Baubles, and Beads - Amazon , EtsyFrom Turban to Toe Ring - Amazon - EtsyColor Theory - Amazon - EtsyGloves and Gauntlet (Sewing Pattern) - Etsy Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comVisit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.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

Portia Lange is a renowned belly dance educator, performer, and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Belly Motions, a Miami-based studio turned global platform blending Middle Eastern dance with fitness and empowerment. With over 20 years of experience, she has developed a unique, inclusive teaching method that welcomes all ages and abilities. A champion of Cairo’s Nile Group Competition, a Miami Herald Top 20 Under 40 leader, and a two-time ELLE Oriental cover star, Portia has also trained instructors worldwide through her Belly Dance Fitness Instructor Training Program. She is the creator of MIAMI RAKS FEST and continues to inspire thousands through both in-person and online programs that celebrate confidence, joy, and self-expression through dance.In this episode you will learn about:- How belly dance helped Portia heal from trauma and reclaim her self-worth.- "Fake it till you become it" mindset: launching a studio while still learning to dance and facing community backlash.- Feeling guilty for being beautiful during her son’s cancer battle and finding healing again through movement.- From growing her following to nearly a million, to losing 300K followers in a scam.- What really drives viral content, conversion rates, and why most followers won’t dance.Show Notes to this episode:Find Portia Lange on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and her website.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comVisit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.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

Núria Rovira Salat, trained in anthropology and born in Spain, transformed her passion for Oriental and Romani cultures into dance, songs, and choreographies. She studied with masters like Lamia Saffiedine and Pétia Iourtchenko, teaching Arab-Berber and Maghrebi dances and performing widely in France. Núria teaches and performs widely across France and at major festivals, continually evolving her dance practice by blending traditional forms with contemporary expression. Since 2010, Núria has built a rich singing career with groups such as Finzi Mosaïque and Kavkazz, blending Mediterranean, Balkan, and Latin influences. Her cover of "Lágrimas Negras" has over 15 million views on YouTube. Founder of Ensemble QUIMERA, she explores Mediterranean traditional music with contemporary reinterpretations. Collaborating with notable artists and creating choreographies like “Azahar,” Núria fuses Romani, Balkan, and Arab styles to celebrate cultural diversity from the Bosphorus to Gibraltar.In this episode you will learn about:- How exploring different cultures through dance can become a path to finding your own identity.- How Arabic, Turkish, Romani, and Mediterranean influences shaped her unique style.- The power of dance and music in healing, empowerment, and self-expression.- A thoughtful take on cultural appreciation vs. appropriation.- Why true presence matters more than perfect movement in dance.Show Notes to this episode:Find Núria Rovira Salat on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and her website.Visit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow 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

Sara Al-Hadithi is a Baghdad-born, London-raised dance artist, cultural consultant, and autism advocate currently based in the USA. Deeply connected to her Iraqi heritage, Sara brings a unique perspective to Middle Eastern dance, particularly Iraqi styles, informed by both her personal background and the legacy of her father—a renowned Iraqi vocalist and folkloric authority. She has become a respected voice in the global dance community, offering students not only technical training but also a rich understanding of cultural context and significance. Beyond the stage, she is the founder of Autism Care Los Angeles (ACLA), an initiative inspired by her journey as a devoted mother to a non-speaking autistic son. With each role she embraces—dancer, educator, mother, and advocate—Sara channels her passion into creating spaces of cultural understanding, artistic depth, and compassionate care.In this episode you will learn about:- Key differences between Iraqi dance and belly dance, including their movement philosophies and cultural contexts- Common misconceptions about Iraqi dance- The meditative and trance-like essence of Iraqi dance movement- How Iraqi dance has evolved in recent years- Modern trends and pop influences of dance and entertainment scene in IraqShow Notes to this episode:Find Sara Al-Hadithi on FB, Instagram and website. Our previous interview with Sara Al-Hadithi:Ep 108. Sara Al-Hadithi: About Popularization of Iraqi DanceVisit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.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

Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and a deep expertise in the performing arts of Rajasthan. Following a long academic career in higher education, she founded Kalbeliya World, an initiative supporting digital literacy among Kalbeliya dancers in India through virtual dance classes. She also serves as the creative director of Maghenta, a platform for Indian-inspired arts. Drawing on her extensive on-the-ground experience, Ayla regularly provides consultancy on intercultural communication with Indian companies, Hindi language education and translation, and practical guidance for filmmakers, NGOs, students, and professionals working or relocating to India.In this episode you will learn about:- How Ayla became interested in Kalbeliya dance, decided to quit school at the age of 16, and traveled to India- The use of the term “gypsies” within the Kalbeliya community- Analyzing the famous movie Latcho Drom- The role of costume and jewelry in Kalbeliya dance- How the recent popularity of the dance has changed gender dynamics within the communityShow Notes to this episode:Find Ayla Joncheere on Instagram, and Facebook, her website on Maghenta project. Articles by Aya:Kalbeliya Dance from Rajasthan: Invented Gypsy Form or Traditional Snake Charmers' Folk Dance?Representing Rajasthani roots: Indian Gypsy identity and origins in documentary filmsIntangible inventions: The Kalbeliya Gypsy dance form, from its creation to UNESCO recognitionWatch Latcho Drom movie on YouTube.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

World-renowned dance teacher and choreographer Mahdy Emara is one of the most sought-after artists in the international oriental dance scene. Born in Cairo, Egypt, he trained at one of the country’s top dance institutes. He began teaching at a young age and soon moved on to choreograph major stage productions. Now based in Amsterdam, Mahdy founded his dance school and group “Baladi,” performing across Europe. He also organizes festivals that have featured renowned stars such as Dina from Egypt and other international icons. Many international dancers have been trained under his guidance. Mahdy continues to teach and perform at some of the biggest belly dance festivals around the world.In this episode you will learn about:- Becoming a troupe leader in Egypt at the age of 16- The nuances of bringing folklore from life to stage- Mahdy’s experience of moving to the Netherland and starting his teaching career there- His decision to focus primarily on professional level students instead of beginners- How to be responsible and supportive judge at a competitionShow Notes to this episode:Find Mahdy Emara on Instagram, and website.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

Rachel Kay Brookmire is the founder and creative director of Sahara Dance, one of the largest and most well-established belly dance schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Sahara Dance has been a thriving center for Middle Eastern dance for over two decades, offering 30+ weekly classes, nine performance groups, and a hybrid model for both in-person and virtual students. Rachel is also the creator of Sahara Dance Foundations, an intensive teacher training program, and directs the professional ensemble Raqs Sahara and student troupe Raqs Caravan East. A specialist in Egyptian raqs sharqi, Rachel blends technical precision with lyrical expressiveness and is known for her detailed, community-centered teaching style. She has performed widely, taught thousands of students, and produced major theatrical performances and international retreats. In 2023, her school proudly represented Middle Eastern dance at the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC, with 100 dancers performing a Jillina-directed choreography on the National Mall.In this episode you will learn about:- Transitioning from regular job to a dance career- How to understand if you are ready to teach- Dealing with a team of 15 teachers, and keeping consistent curriculum throughout the school- Why performing on stage is a magical part of your dance and personal growth- Managing workload and avoiding burnoutsShow Notes to this episode:Find Sahara Dance Instagram, FB, and website. Watch Sahara Dance on the National Mall HERE.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow 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