Belly Dance Life

Aliah is a renowned professional belly dance artist, international teacher, and judge. With a career spanning over a decade, Aliah has performed and taught in numerous countries including China, Switzerland, Norway, France, and many more. She is the founder of the Aliah Bellydance fashion brand and choreographer of the Aliah Oriental Dance Studio in Warsaw. Aliah has a rich background in competitions, having won several awards, and her students have achieved notable success in Belarus, Poland and beyond. Since 2015, she has been based in Warsaw, where she continues to inspire and educate through her classes and the Dance Weekend in Warsaw festival.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Aliah’s experience on TV project

- Building successful school in Poland

- When and why to start participating in competitions as a beginner

- Combining international travels with teaching locally

- Managing two festivals

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Aliah on

Previous interview with Aliah:

Ep 66. Aliah & Vladimir Kluchenkov: About Belly Dance Industry & Working as a Couple

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

Marlene Tafle is an Argentine dancer specializing in Raqs Sharqi, with a profound passion for Egyptian culture. She began her dance journey at the age of 13 and earned her teaching degree from the Maiada Arabic Dance Academy in 2011. In 2014, Marlene opened her dance studio, Helwa, in Buenos Aires, which became Helwa Online in 2020. Over six years, she taught hundreds of students and organized numerous events. With over a decade of teaching experience, she employs a student-centered methodology that fosters personal growth and emotional connection through music. Marlene has performed extensively in solo shows and with live orchestras, and she has trained with international masters. In 2022, she moved to Cairo to work as a freelance dancer and has since collaborated with Mohamed Shahin's team on various events. Currently back in Argentina, Marlene continues to inspire and grow the local and international dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Empowering yourself to move towards your goals

- Marlene’s first trip to Egypt

- Taking the leap to open a studio, and then eventually closing it

- Comparing performance experience in Egypt, Emirates and Tunisia

- Organizing events in Egypt vs Argentina

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Marlene Tafle on Instagram, FB, and her 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

Vanessa of Cairo is an international performer, award-winning choreographer, and instructor specializing in Egyptian dance and folklore. A native Texan with a BFA in ballet, she honed her craft in New York City, studying with Broadway legends before moving to Egypt in 2008. As the first American woman to own a production company there, she performed and produced shows in Sharm El Sheikh and held a 30-month residency at Cairo's Sofitel El Gezirah. Vanessa has taught, performed, and judged competitions worldwide and is now the Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company in Minneapolis, continuing to inspire students through classes, workshops, and her mentorship program, "Transform."

In this episode you will learn about:

- What is limiting your potential

- Vanessa’s decision to stay in the USA

- Learning at look at a bigger picture

- How to deal with criticism, rejection and self-doubt

- Mentorship program “Trasform”

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Vanessa of Cairo on Instagram, FB, and her website.

Our previous interview with Vanessa:

Ep 55. Vanessa of Cairo: Professionalism & Kindness as Keys to Success

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

Veronika Shulkevich is a renowned Ukrainian belly dancer, choreographer, and educator from Odessa, celebrated for her contributions to oriental dance. Beginning her dance journey at a young age, she gained international recognition by winning numerous competitions and teaching at prestigious festivals like Ahlan Wa Sahlan in Egypt. As the founder of VEROSHDANCE, she trains aspiring dancers and conducts workshops all over the world, blending traditional and contemporary styles in her performances.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Teaching dance classes in Ukraine during the war time

- Managing her own clothing brand

- Working with professional models

- Tips for improvisation & improving musicality

- Veronika’s routine before going on stage

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Veronika Shulkevich on Instagram, YouTube, and FB. Her clothing brand on Instagram.

Our previous interview with Veronika:

Ep 63. Veronika Shulkevich: Young Generation of Dancers

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

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