Ep 342. Payal Gupta: Teaching as an Act of Nurturing, Not Just Training
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Payal Gupta is one of India’s most sought-after master teachers of belly dance, celebrated for her...
Ep 341. Rachel Brice: When Success Becomes a Trap and Growth Demands Risk
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Brice is an internationally renowned dancer, teacher, and choreographer recognized as one of ...
Ep 340. Murat Tekbilek: The Art of Drumming for Belly Dancers and Exploring the Intricacies of Turkish Music
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Murat Tekbilek is a Turkish percussionist celebrated for his dynamic artistry and deep roots in Midd...
Ep 339. Alex DeLora: Exploring New Paths to Grow as an Artist
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex DeLora is an internationally acclaimed belly dance performer, teacher, and choreographer who ha...
Ep 338. Sonia Ochoa: How Opportunities Shaped Her Journey from Polynesian Stages to Bellydance Superstars & Beyond
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sonia Ochoa is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over 25 years of experience on in...
Ep 337. Amera Eid: The Journey of Growing a Belly Dance Scene in Australia
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amera Eid is one of the leading figures who brought belly dance to Sydney and helped it grow across ...
Ep 336. Shahdana: Tango Oriental and the Power of Personal Style
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shahdana is an international belly dancer from Argentina whose artistic journey began not with dance...
Ep 335. Jill Collins: From Company Member to Artistic Director of Sahlala Dancers
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jill Collins is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and educator whose versatile career spans contempor...
Ep 334. Shree: How Fusion Belly Dance is Evolving in India
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shreeprada (Shree) is a captivating Indian Tribal Fusion dance teacher known for her layered style, ...
Ep 333. Melli Sarina: The Flow and Philosophy of Liquid Fusion Belly Dance
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Melli Sarina is a pioneer in the Tribal Fusion and Fusion Belly Dance scene with over 26 years of da...
Ep 332. Lidiane: From Unknown to Unforgettable by Reinventing Herself as a Brand, Not Just a Belly Dancer
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lidiane is a Brazilian belly dancer currently based in Egypt, known for her expressive style, stage ...
Ep 331. Estelle Zaghloul: Belly Dance as Sacred Dance and the Truth Behind Your Blocked Shimmies
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Estelle Zaghloul Ramia is a Lebanese-born, Costa Rica-based belly dancer, choreographer, and cultura...
Ep 330. Pinky Selim: Reviving Egyptian Folklore for a Generation That Almost Forgot It
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pinky Selim is a banker by profession, a dancer by passion, and the founder of the AUC Alumni Folklo...
Ep 329. Rae Chrysalis: Finding Her Own Flow With Fan Veils
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rae Chrysalis is a classically trained dancer, embodiment coach, and leading voice in the silk fan c...
Ep 328. Dawn Devine (Davina): The Story Behind Writing 20+ Belly Dance Books About Costumes And More
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dawn Devine, also known as Davina, is a costume designer, author, and lifelong dancer with a passion...
Ep 327. Portia Lange: Starting Before You Are Ready & Carving Your Own Path to Success
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Portia Lange is a renowned belly dance educator, performer, and entrepreneur, best known as the foun...
Ep 326. Núria Rovira Salat: Searching For Your Own Identity Through Different Dance Styles
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Núria Rovira Salat, trained in anthropology and born in Spain, transformed her passion for Oriental...
Ep 325. Sara Al-Hadithi: Why Iraqi Dance Isn’t Like Belly Dance — And Why That Matters
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Al-Hadithi is a Baghdad-born, London-raised dance artist, cultural consultant, and autism advoc...
Ep 324. Ayla Joncheere: Rethinking Fantasies About Kalbeliya Dance and Music of Rajasthan/India
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and ...
Ep 323. Mahdy Emara: Bringing His Passion for Egyptian Folklore Across Borders & Projects
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
World-renowned dance teacher and choreographer Mahdy Emara is one of the most sought-after artists i...
Ep 322. Rachel Kay Brookmire: How Performing on Stage Contributes to Your Personal Growth
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Kay Brookmire is the founder and creative director of Sahara Dance, one of the largest and mo...
Ep 321. Maya Youssef: Decoding the Mystery of Maqam, Taqsim & Tarab
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maya Youssef is a multi-award-winning composer and qanun virtuoso, acclaimed by the BBC as the "Quee...
Ep 320. Ojasvi Verma: How Slow-Pace Practice Led to Rapid Success
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ojasvi Verma is an accomplished Indian dancer, content creator, and entrepreneur whose journey began...
Ep 319. Raïssa Leï: Repairing the Colonial Impact on the Amazigh Culture
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raïssa Leï is a multifaceted individual celebrated for her creative and cultural contributions. Sh...
Ep 318. Mar: Creating Healthier Environment For Students to Thrive
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mar is an Egyptian American woman and source dancer based in Los Angeles who founded Move And Radiat...
Ep 317. Ansuya: Exploring Sensuality, Sexuality, and Stress Healing Through Dance
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ansuya is an award-winning belly dancer, instructor, and pioneer in online belly dance education. Ra...
Ep 316. Aliah: Shaping Your Career for Success
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aliah is a renowned professional belly dance artist, international teacher, and judge. With a career...
Ep 315. Marlene Tafle: Trust Yourself & Take the Leap
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marlene Tafle is an Argentine dancer specializing in Raqs Sharqi, with a profound passion for Egypti...
Ep 314. Vanessa of Cairo: Stop Limiting Yourself And Get Uncomfortable
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vanessa of Cairo is an international performer, award-winning choreographer, and instructor speciali...
Ep 313. Veronika Shulkevich: Dance Life in Ukraine, Clothing Brands & Tips for Improvisation, Musicality and Getting Ready for Stage
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Veronika Shulkevich is a renowned Ukrainian belly dancer, choreographer, and educator from Odessa, c...
Ep 312. Acia Legras: Growing Up in an Artistic Family
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Acia Legras comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts, having started her artistic career at a y...
Ep 311. Cassandra Fox: Learning to Look Forward, Not Backwards | Embracing Both Sides of Pregnancy
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cassandra Fox is a prominent Canadian belly dancer based in Ontario, Canada. She has garnered attent...
Ep 310. Zahra Zuhair: Seeing Trends Change & Repeat
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Zahra Zuhair is an internationally acclaimed performer, instructor, and choreographer celebrated for...
Ep 309. Igor Kischka: Influence of Trauma on Dance and Life: Overcoming Depression And Finding Self-Acceptance
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Igor Kischka is a notable Brazilian belly dancer and choreographer, recognized for his vibrant perfo...
Ep 308. Ciya: Taking Responsibility for Your Pedagogy Skills as a Teacher
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ciya, an artist since childhood, began her journey with ballet, later exploring circus arts and cont...
Ep 307. Mahin: Helping Students to Deal With Performance Emotions
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mahin is an internationally acclaimed dance educator, known for her expertise in Middle Eastern danc...
Ep 306. Levana: Creating a Festival of Her Dream
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Levana is an acclaimed Spanish belly dancer, performer, and instructor celebrated across Europe for ...
Ep 305. Soraya Art Factory: Focusing on Body Awareness, Eclectic Dance Training & Promotion of Moroccan Heritage
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Soraya Art Factory is a professional dancer, entrepreneur, and cultural mediator at Place des Arts i...
Ep 304. The Importance of Conditioning
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a best of episode! You will hear how various types of conditioning exercises are the integra...
Ep 303. Christine “Shiraz” Şahin: Book Discussion: Core Connections. Cairo Belly Dance in the Revolution's Aftermath
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Christine “Shiraz” Şahin is a dance practitioner-scholar and ethnographer specializin...
Ep 302. Amina Goodyear: 60-Year Journey in Belly Dance Industry
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amina Goodyear began her performance career in the mid-60's at the Bagdad Cabaret dancing nightly in...
Ep 301. Apsara Afsanesara: Discovering Georgian Dance & Psychology of Teaching Kids Vs Seniors
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aleksandra Kilczewska, known by her stage name "Apsara Afsanera," is a dancer, choreographer, and al...
Ep 300. Saida: How Everything Started
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Saida, born to Syrian parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, immersed herself in classical dance from 1...
Ep 299. Warda: From Studying Arabic Language to Building a Career in Dance
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warda is a choreographer, instructor, and performer of oriental dance and folklore styles with 13 ye...
Ep 298. Roula Said: Grief For Palestine, Guidance of the Universe, Ways to Experience Joy During Dark Times
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roula Said is a multifaceted artist of Palestinian heritage based in Toronto, Canada. She is a singe...
Ep 297. Brenda: Finding Balance Between Dance And Life
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brenda, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, discovered her passion for dance at age 3, mastering Italia...
Ep 296. How Learning Other Dance Styles Can Improve Your Belly Dance
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes it is beneficial to step aside, and dive into a different dance genre. Let’s discuss how...
Ep 295. André Elbing: Doing Belly Dance Photography Since 1989
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
André Elbing, a renowned belly dance photographer from Germany, developed an interest in oriental d...
Ep 294. Pierre Khoury: Combining Two Careers: Dance & Psychology
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Khoury, a Syrian-Canadian male belly dancer from Montreal, is renowned for his expertise in S...
Ep 293. Nath Keo: Bringing His Cambodian Heritage Into Belly Dance
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nath Keo is the artistic director and choreographer of the Sacred Centre Dance Company based in Vict...
Ep 292. Fusion Between Different Styles
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a best of episode! You will hear a collection of tips and practices from the belly dance sta...
Ep 291. Heather (Henna) Louise: Focus On The Experience You Wanna Have
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Heather (Henna) Louise is a performer, teacher, and life long student of Middle Eastern music and da...
Ep 290. Typical Archetypes in Baladi Dance
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In order to find emotional connection with Baladi, you need to understand its cultural environment, ...
Ep 289. Randa Kamel: Finding Happiness & Freedom on Stage
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Randa Kamel is one of the most famous Egyptian dancers with her own unique style full of energy, as ...
Ep 288. Sylvia Yssei: Kundalini Energy & Dance
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sylvia Yssei began her dance training in 2000 with Jazz, and throughout the years she included Flame...
Ep 287. Izel Kirana: Exploring Tribal Fusion & Indian Kalbelia Dance
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Izel Kirana started her dance journey almost 15 years ago. Originally from Barcelona, she fell in lo...
Ep 286. Amanda Rose: Therapeutic Effect of Belly Dance
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Rose is an internationally acclaimed instructor and performer based in Barcelona, Spain. In a...
Ep 285. Raphael Cormack: Book Discussion of Midnight in Cairo: The Female Stars of Egypt’s Roaring ’20s
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Raphael Cormack has a PhD in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies with a focus on Egyptian theatre fro...
Ep 284. Colleena Shakti: Exploring Femininity Through Belly Dance & Indian Odissi Style
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colleena Shakti is an artist of great subtlety and depth. Trained extensively in Odissi classical da...
Ep 283. Julia Farid: Pregnancy, Motherhood, & Dance Career
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Julia Farid, a professional oriental dance artist, instructor, and choreographer originally from Ukr...
Ep 282. Boženka: Working With Shakira, Performing For Sean Connery & Competing As a Bellydance Superstar
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bellydance Superstar Boženka is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed dancer performing and t...
Ep 281. Dipika Vijay: Comparing Dance With Design And Geometry
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dipika Vijay is an academically trained designer, and a belly dance artist by passion. Her belly dan...
Ep 280. What Does The Term “Baladi” Mean?
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As belly dancers we often use the term “Baladi” in reference to a particular dance style. Also, ...
Ep 279. Hend Elbalouty: Book Discussion: Mahraganat in Egypt. Between Acceptance & Rejection
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hend Elbalouty is a choreographer, performer and author. She holds a MA in Performing Arts from Kuns...
Ep 278. How to Analyze & Improve Your Dance Mistakes
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're diving into a fascinating topic – using dance videos not just for social...
Ep 277. Sonya of Cairo: Performance Stories From Cairo
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sonya of Cairo is a professional dancer and choreographer. She has been immersed in oriental dance s...
Ep 276. Arielle: Dancing Despite Health Limitations
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Arielle is a passionately dedicated dancer from the USA who currently performs daily in Cairo, Egypt...
Ep 275. Alla Kushnir: Building Lifestyle That Fulfills You
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A well-known choreographer and dancer, Alla Kushnir has won many prizes and awards. She was a finali...
Ep 274. Training Tips From The Stars
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a best of episode! You will hear a collection of tips and practices from the belly dance sta...
Ep 273. How to Achieve Amazing Dance Growth in 2024
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Improve those couple things in your dance habits, and unlock an amazing growth in your dance skills ...
Ep 272. Chudney: Conquering Anxiety In Class & On Stage
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chudney is a professional oriental dance artist who has competed and danced around the world. She op...
Ep 271. Hayal: Functional Training For Belly Dancers
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Originally from Brazil, Hayal is a professional dancer who has been passionate about oriental dance ...
Ep 270. Delya: Motherhood As An Inspiration For Kids Book About Belly Dance
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Delya is a French belly dancer currently residing inn Switzerland. She has been involved in oriental...
Ep 269. Iana & Pedro: Music & Dance Discoveries in Cairo
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil and based in ...
Ep 268. The Importance of Studying The Roots
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We fall in love with belly dance for many different reasons. One of those reasons is freedom, and va...
Ep 267. Farah Nasri: Different Types Of Performance Venues In Cairo
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Farah Nasri is a UK qualified teacher in dance and foreign languages. She began her belly dance care...
Ep 266. Tiffany: Virtual Assistant, Online Marketing, and Belly Dance Bundle
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany started the Bellydance Bundle in 2017, bringing together dancers who had content online to c...
Ep 265. Shining: Documenting Dance & Life of Legendary Khyria Mazin
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shining is a performer, instructor and researcher of Egyptian traditional dances, whose work emphasi...
Ep 264 - What Is Egyptian Belly Dance Style
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes Iana’s lecture that was recorded specifically for the upcoming intensive at ...
Ep 263. Charafe of Morocco: Pursuing Dance Career in Morocco
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Charafe is not just a dancer, he is one of the few, if not the only, male belly dancer in Morocco. H...
Ep 262. Inspired By The Folklore
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all love belly dance. But there is so much beyond oriental, in the field of folklore dances. Let’...
Ep 261. Zara: Fighting For Her Identity As Egyptian Belly Dancer
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Zara is an Egyptian dancer currently based in Cairo. She has worked professionally as a dancer for o...
Ep 260. Diana Soto: Discovering Belly Dance During Cancer Recovery & Transforming It Into A Successful Career
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a multidisciplinary background and an unending thirst for all things dance, Diana Soto h...
Ep 259. Khaled Mahmoud: Focusing on Life Values, Not Just Dance Career
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Khaled Mahmoud is an Egyptian dancer from Cairo, currently based in London, UK. He specializes in or...
Ep 258. Tips For Attending Dance Festivals in Cairo
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes Iana’s lecture that was recorded specifically for the upcoming intensive at ...
Ep 257. Passant: Belly Dance at Gyms & Henna Parties in Cairo
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Passant Gemeay, a self-taught Egyptian bellydance teacher, choreographer & ladies-only perf...
Ep 256. Mohamed Shahin: First I See Projects In My Dreams
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed Shahin is an inspirational instructor, world-renowned performer, and challenging choreograph...
Ep 255. Marta Korzun: Dealing With Identity Crisis As a Dance Professional
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marta Korzun is an internationally recognized bellydance teacher from Ukraine. She is acknowledged f...
Ep 254. Making Change in Dance Career
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As much as dance brings happiness to your life, sometimes there are moments when you need to take ac...
Ep 253. Kareem Gad: Connecting All Dots Through Dance
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kareem Gad is an Egyptian master teacher, co-founder and co-director of Bell’Masry Dance Company b...
Ep 252. Morjana: Exploring Tahtib As A Practice, Not Just A Dance
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Morjana is a professional dancer, choreographer, researcher, teacher, as well as a percussionist (da...
Ep 251. The Archetype of Goddess Isis
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes Iana’s lecture that was recorded specifically for the new intensive at the I...
Ep 250. Safaa, Aya, Menna & Fagr: Taqseem Institute in Cairo
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are having a conversation with the team of Taqseem Institute of Cairo.Taqseem Institute&nbs...
Ep 249. Yasmina of Cairo: Dance, Photography and B&B Business in Cairo And Beyond
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yasmina, sometimes known as 'The English Rose of Cairo', has over twenty-five years of experience in...
Ep 248. Amie Sultan: Thinking Big: Changing How This Dance Is Seeing In Egypt
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amie Sultan is an Egyptian belly dancer and classical ballerina. She was born and grew up in Singapo...
Ep 247. Eva Charkina: Competitions, Individuality and Dance Repertoire
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eva Charkina is the winner of the DariyaM Cup 2018 in the category “Youth. Lovers.”, winner of t...
Ep 246. Talking About Nutrition
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We haven’t had many of best of compilation episodes this year so far, so it’s time to fix it! Le...
Ep 245 - Silvia Brazzoli - Therapeutic Effect Of Belly Dance
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Silvia Brazzoli is a professional dancer, instructor, yoga teacher, painter, and pizza lover based i...
Ep 244 - Nada El Masriya - Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Native Egyptian Nada El Masriya grew up belly dancing fully immersed within the rich cultural and hi...
Ep 243. Oleksandra Kovalova: Healing Wounds With Dancing
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oleksandra Kovalova is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and certified judge. She is a ...