Acia Legras comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts, having started her artistic career at a young age with the Folkloric Troupe of Réunion, which was directed by her family. This involvement allowed her to learn traditional dances like Séga and Maloya, as well as gain experience in various musical instruments native to her island. Her family's influence played a crucial role in shaping her passion for dance, particularly when she was introduced to authentic Egyptian folklore at just seven years old, sparking her lifelong dedication to belly dancing.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Childhood years in artistic family

- Touring and rehearsing shows vs attending regular school

- Finding passion with Egyptian dance

- Teaching postpartum dance classes

- Sharing her passion to dance with her own daughter and students.

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Acia Legras on Instagram, FB and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Cassandra Fox is a prominent Canadian belly dancer based in Ontario, Canada. She has garnered attention for her unique blend of belly dancing and Caribbean dance styles, reflecting her Jamaican heritage. Cassandra's early interest in dance led her to pursue a career that combines performance and education. She shares her passion through various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and Patreon, where she posts videos showcasing her dance routines and offers tutorials on dance techniques and costume making. In addition to her dance career, Cassandra is known for her work as a costume maker, further enhancing her artistic expression in performances. Her vibrant dance style and engaging content have helped her build a significant following within the dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Online boom during lockdown times

- Separating your dance activities from your self-identity

- Difficulties during a post-pregnancy recovery

- Dealing with a postpartum depression

- Approach to social media comments

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Cassandra Fox on Instagram, FB and Youtube.  and Patreon.

Our previous interview with Cassandra:

Ep 15. Cassandra Fox: Healthy Does Not Have a Face

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Zahra Zuhair is an internationally acclaimed performer, instructor, and choreographer celebrated for her authenticity, musicality, and dedication to Middle Eastern dance. With a foundation in raqs sharqi from a young age, she has studied extensively across North Africa and the Middle East, specializing in Egyptian dance with prominent teachers like Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, and Dina. Founder of the Ghazella Dance Company and PoNaNa Dance Theatre, Zahra has choreographed productions blending Middle Eastern stories and dance. She also co-founded DanceGardenLA studio and has led beloved retreats and study tours, fostering excellence in Oriental dance. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, Zahra continues to teach and inspire the global dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Belly dance in the 1970 vs now

- How performance venues and audience influence the art

- Finding your personal voice in dance

- Interacting with trends in a healthy way

- Popularizing dance among kids

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Zahra Zuhair on Instagram, YouTube, FB, and

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Igor Kischka is a notable Brazilian belly dancer and choreographer, recognized for his vibrant performances and contributions to the art of belly dance. He has gained a reputation not only in Brazil but also internationally, showcasing his talent through various performances and workshops. In addition to performing, Igor Kischka is dedicated to teaching and sharing his knowledge of belly dance. He conducts workshops and classes that emphasize the importance of authenticity and personal expression in dance. His philosophy encourages dancers to stay true to themselves while exploring their artistic potential.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Dealing with body shaming

- Overcoming trauma and abuse influence

- Finding piece with your own mirror reflection

- Tips for teachers on how to approach students who don’t accept themselves

- Being vulnerable on stage

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Igor Kischka on Instagram, YouTube, and FB.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Ciya, an artist since childhood, began her journey with ballet, later exploring circus arts and contortion. At sixteen, she discovered oriental dance, which became her true passion. Over her career, Ciya has performed at prestigious events, including for the Moroccan royal family and Gabon’s presidential family, and appeared in the film L'Immortel. She has danced with notable Parisian companies and created her own, Sheherazade’s, in 2009. Currently, she leads the Egypt'Ciya Ballet, selecting top dancers annually to represent her artistic vision. As a dedicated teacher, Ciya has run her own dance school, Espace R'Danses, in Montrouge since 2015, known for her technical focus and interactive, student-centered approach. Since 2012, she has also contributed to professional training at the Sultana Association, teaching aspiring instructors and expanding the reach of this rich dance form.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Pedagogy principles in dance

- How to get ready for the class

- Promoting belly dance classes and shows in France

- Changing stereotypical opinions about belly dance

- Coordinating dance groups

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Ciya on Instagram, YouTube, FB, and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Mahin is an internationally acclaimed dance educator, known for her expertise in Middle Eastern dance and her science-based approach to movement. She holds a B.S. in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University and is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, integrating her scientific knowledge of body mechanics into her dance instruction. Creator of the popular “Bellydance Quickies,” Mahin teaches workshops worldwide, weekly classes at her studio One World Dance & Music, and online. Celebrated for her musicality, classical technique, and exceptional zill playing, Mahin’s motto, “In the ears, out the hips,” reflects her deep connection to Arabic music and dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Different connection with the audience when performing at restaurant vs theatre

- Tips on how to overcome stage nervousness, and how to help your students

- Funny ‘disaster’ stories from performance experience

- The value of knowing how to make your own costumes

- Balancing teacher-student relationships

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Mahin on Instagram, YouTube, FB, and website, as well as her BellyDanceQuickies.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Levana is an acclaimed Spanish belly dancer, performer, and instructor celebrated across Europe for her artistry and dedication to oriental dance. With over 20 years of experience, Levana’s background includes rigorous training in ballet and competitive gymnastics, which gives her an elegant, powerful presence on stage. She is not only recognized for her performances and teaching but also as the founder and organizer of the renowned Etoiles d'Orient festival in Palma de Mallorca, where she brings together top international talent in oriental dance each year. Levana’s work continues to elevate the art form, inspiring students and audiences alike in Spain and beyond.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Levana’s decision to become a full-time dancer

- Running a school and festival

- Bringing “Ukrainian” vibe to the competition

- Navigating stressful situations during the event

- Managing a team of people to work with

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Levana on Instagram, and FB. Info about her festival is available on Instagram and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Soraya Art Factory is a professional dancer, entrepreneur, and cultural mediator at Place des Arts in Montreal. She is celebrated for her vibrant energy, eclectic style, and professionalism. Soraya’s dance journey began in Morocco, where she took her first belly dance class in 2007. Inspired by Egyptian icons like Neima Akef, Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Fifi Abdo, Dina, she pursued her passion for dance. In 2015, she left her law career to travel, share her love for dance, and train globally. Her unique style blends Afro, belly dance, salsa, and more, with a strong emphasis on musical interpretation. Today, she lives in Canada, continuing to share her passion for dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How Soraya started her dance journey back in Morocco

- Her experience of moving to a different country

- Learning different dance styles at the same time

- What is true body awareness during your dance

- Variety of Moroccan dances

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Soraya Art Factory on Instagram, and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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 best of episode! You will hear how various types of conditioning exercises are the integral part of their training.

You will hear from Hayal, Shahrzad, Jasirah, Dipika, Nabila and Heather (Henna) Louise.

Check these full interviews with the podcast guests:

Ep 271. Hayal: Functional Training For Belly Dancers

Ep 214. Shahrzad: Changes in The Cairo Dance Life During The Last 4-5 Years

Ep 19. Jasirah: How to Practice on Your Own. Tips & Tricks

Ep 281. Dipika Vijay: Comparing Dance With Design And Geometry

Ep 105. Nabila: It's Never Too Late to Start and Succeed

Ep 291. Heather (Henna) Louise: Focus On The Experience You Wanna Have

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Christine “Shiraz” Şahin is a dance practitioner-scholar and ethnographer specializing in contemporary Egyptian raqs sharqi (“belly dance”) and other MENAT (Middle Eastern, North African, and Turkish) dance genres. She has a Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Delaware, and  is currently serving as Acting Assistant Professor of Dance in the Department of Dance at the University of Washington in Seattle. She also specializes in geriatric fitness and mind-body wellness. Her research has been published in Kohl: A Journal for Gender and Body Research.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Christine’s book “Core Connections. Cairo Belly Dance in the Revolution's Aftermath”

- Belly dance as a tool of empowerment

- The influence of 2011 revolution on the dance scene in Egypt

- Strong connections between art and politics

- How you can support Palestine

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Christine “Shiraz” Şahin on Instagram, and FB.

Her book Core Connections. Cairo Belly Dance in the Revolution's Aftermath is available on Amazon and major local bookstores. You can also purchase it at Oxford Press website, and use promo code AUFLY30 for 30% off.

The Instagram page about supporting Palestine is available HERE. This is the mutual aid for Palestinians in Egypt.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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