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.

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

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast