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.com

Visit 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.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

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 Iraq

Show 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 Dance

Visit 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 community

Show 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 films

Intangible inventions: The Kalbeliya Gypsy dance form, from its creation to UNESCO recognition

Watch 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 competition

Show 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 burnouts

Show 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.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

Maya Youssef is a multi-award-winning composer and qanun virtuoso, acclaimed by the BBC as the "Queen of the Qanun." Recognized as the world’s leading mentor in Maqam and Taqsim, she has spent over a decade guiding hundreds of Arabic music enthusiasts and dancers in deeply understanding and embodying Arabic music — without relying on dry theory or vague clichés. Maya offers practical, dancer-friendly insights into recognizing Maqam by ear, understanding the true structure of Taqsim, and interpreting the emotional dynamics in the works of legends like Umm Kulthum and Farid al-Atrash. She is currently preparing a free "Maqam for Dancers Challenge" to help dancers forge a meaningful connection with Arabic music through embodied experience.

In this episode you will learn about:

- What is Maqam

- Nine most commonly used Maqamat, and how they “behave”

- The structure and rules of Taksim improvisation

- How to predict Tarab moment

- Why is it important for dancers to learn about Maqam and Taqsim

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Maya Youssef on Instagram. Find more about her Maqam for Dancers Intensive here: www.maqamfordancers.com/intensive-2025

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

Ojasvi Verma is an accomplished Indian dancer, content creator, and entrepreneur whose journey began on YouTube in 2016, growing to an audience of over 800K subscribers and nearly 1 million Instagram followers. Trained in a variety of dance forms including Bharatnatyam, Waacking, Jazz, Salsa, and Belly Dance, Ojasvi has developed a unique fusion style blending Oriental Belly Dancewith other genres. She has taught over 3,500 students worldwide through her online and offline classes. Alongside her creative work, Ojasvi launched "Ojasvi’s Bellydance Closet," a costume line designed to offer affordable and elegant dance wear for performers. Recognized for her influence both on stage and social media, she has performed at prestigious events including TEDx, Mumbai Hafla, and shows for UNICEF, and has been featured in numerous media outlets and awarded for her contributions to dance and digital artistry.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How belly dance helped Ojasvi to stay dance-active and recover from the knee injury

- Taking it slow with your training, and benefits of focusing on the beginners moves for a long time

- Stereotypes surrounding belly dance in India

- Developing unique fusion style, including Ojasvi’s signature back moves

- Taking a decision to put on hold a super successful dance wear business in order to find fulfilling balance in life

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Ojasvi Verma on Instagram, YouTube and website. Her dance wear brand: Instagram.

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

Raïssa Leï is a multifaceted individual celebrated for her creative and cultural contributions. She is an advocate for the warrior spirit of Amazigh women, reflecting her dedication to preserving and promoting Amazigh heritage and values. Her work often highlights themes of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. Raïssa is featured in interviews and podcasts that explore her journey and the impact of her advocacy on empowering women and communities. Raïssa is renowned for blending traditional North African tribal dances with modern styles like hip-hop and Waacking, creating a unique fusion that celebrates Amazigh heritage while embracing contemporary artistry. She directs the Kif-Kif Bledi troupe, showcasing her leadership in promoting North African culture. Through her art and public engagements, Raïssa actively challenges stereotypes and colonial erasure, using dance as a medium to reclaim and celebrate Amazigh identity.

In this episode you will learn about:

- The Amazigh culture in Moroccan landscape

- Stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Amazigh community

- Quitting a “regular” job to focus full time on activism and spreading awareness about the Amazigh culture

- How fragile the copyright protection of the intellectual property of a choreographer is

- Dealing with random people and organizations using your photos for commercial purposes

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Raïssa Leï on FB, Instagram, YouTube and website. Her group Kif-Kif Bledi: website & Instagram.

Our previous interview with Raïssa Leï:

Ep 89. Raïssa Leï: Dance And Activism

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

Mar is an Egyptian American woman and source dancer based in Los Angeles who founded Move And Radiate Inc. (M.A.R.). She created M.A.R. to provide a safe and non-judgmental space that steers away from competition & perfectionism. Mar’s classes are a home away from home to many MENA women & a new home to women who are excited to embrace the Egyptian culture. Her work includes empowering & uplifting women from her community and abroad to step into their power, connect with their bodies & heal from within. Her deep passion for her vibrant culture inspires her to educate and build confidence amongst women through the art of belly dance. She aims to restore confidence, boldness, strength, and unity amongst women. M.A.R. is now a national & global name w/ students taking classes from all over the country & world. Mar’s mission can be seen in & through her dance company. As Mar likes to say, “It’s bigger than belly dance.” She strives to spread love & she welcomes all women into this space!

In this episode you will learn about:

- Stereotypes surrounding belly dance and resistance of MENA community to Mar’s activities

- Toxic competition vibe that exists in the belly dance industry

- How to teach belly dance as a part of the cultural heritage

- Tips on how to make your online students feel as if they take an in-person class

- Healing power of belly dance beyond the practice space, empowering students to grow and thrive

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Mar on Instagram, and YouTube.

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