Gigi Dilsah is a passionate dancer and teacher. She began her dance training early in ballet. As she grew up in a conservative family in Istanbul, she also spent a lot of time in the USA where she found freedom and opportunities to explore belly dance. In Istanbul she's known as Dilsah, and in the U.S. she's known as Gigi. Now, combining two names along with extensive training, she shares her knowledge of this dance form via private classes in Istanbul, as well as touring across the USA.

In this interview you will learn about:

- Belly dance as a part of daily Turkish life

- Common stereotypes about belly dance in Turkey

- The role Romani dance plays in the typical Turkish belly dance program

- Proper costume for Turkish Romani dance

- Artistic limitations of having a stage name

Show Notes to this episode:

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Bellydance Evolution and information about their new program and casting: bellydanceevolution.com

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast