Ep 242. Why Do We Get Shy On Stage?
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes Iana’s lecture that was recorded specifically for her recent Mahraganat inte...
Ep 241. Yunseo: Belly Dance in Korea
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yunseo is a young talented belly dancer from South Korea. She is the award recipient of the Midas Go...
Ep 240. Anusch Alawerdian: Different Chapters of Dance Career in Abu Dhabi
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anusch Alawerdian is an Armenian oriental dance performer, instructor and choreographer. She has bee...
Ep 239. Linda Hathor: Emotional Expression in Dance
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Linda Hathor began her studies in belly dance in 1998, in Paraná (Brazil), and since then, she has ...
Ep 238. Special Series: Student Voice with Fiona, Soukaina & Emily
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a continuation of our special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations wit...
Ep 237. Meher Malik: Spirituality, Sexuality & How Dance Can Help To Process Your Trauma
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Meher Malik is a famous belly dancer from Delhi, India, although she grew up in the Middle East, whe...
Ep 236. Nisaa (Heather D. Ward): Detaching Opinions From Historical Realities
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nisaa (Heather D. Ward) is a Middle Eastern dance instructor, performer, and researcher based in St....
Ep 235. Hayam Sokar: Helping Women to Deal With The Midlife Crisis Via Belly Dance
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hayam Sokar is a midlife transformational coach, born and based in Egypt. She is a certified Neuro L...
Ep 234. Comparing my Vipassana Experience with the Process of Dance Training
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a new solo episode with Iana! Last months I had my ever first Vipassana course, and I’d li...
Ep 233. Nataliya Goncharova: Psychology of Teaching, Flexibility and Belly Vacuum Practice
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nataliya Goncharova has a university degree in Education, and is experienced in working with kids. H...
Ep 232. Morocco (Aunt Rocky): Performing, Teaching & Researching Since 1960
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Morocco (Carolina Varga Dinicu) is a member of the Congress on Research in Dance (C.O.R.D.), the Soc...
Ep 231. Iana & Pedro: Dating a Belly Dancer
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil, Pedro works ...
Ep 230. How to Memorize Any Choreography Faster
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a new solo episode with Iana! Sharing 10 practical tips that I use to memorize choreographie...
Ep 229. Oreet: Business Education for Dancers
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oreet has over 25 years of experience in fitness and dance. She grew up with Yemeni folk and Orienta...
Ep 228. Diana Garnik: The Process of Creating Choreography
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Diana Garnik is the director of DiDance Studio in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. She was winner of the AlHay...
Ep 227. Horacio Cifuentes: Combining Professional Ballet & Belly Dance Careers
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Born in Cartagena, Colombia, Horacio Cifuentes started dancing at the age of five. He first studied ...
Ep 226. Best Moments of 2022
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the closing episode of 2022 I’d like to share a compilation of some of my favorite moments from...
Ep 225. Oscar Flores: Aiming for Official Recognition of Belly Dance
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Oscar Flores began in Oriental dance in 1995 and since 2000 has been dedicated to teaching this art ...
Ep 224. The Process of Developing New Dance Habits
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a new solo episode with Iana! We often make grand plans but fail on showing up and performin...
Ep 223. Valerick Molinary: Practicing Honesty in Dance & Life
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Valerick Molinary has started her bellydance training when she was 13 yrs old in San Juan, Puerto Ri...
Ep 222. Anna Chepets: Starting Belly Dance Super Young
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Chepets is a young international star from Ukraine. She traveled all around the world with show...
Ep 221. Sahira: The Joy and Challenge of Finger Cymbals
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sahira began belly dancing full-time in 2001. At one point she was dancing 5 nights a week, sometime...
Ep 220. Don't Take Opportunity to Dance For Granted
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For all our guests and listeners dance is a very integral part of daily life. But sometimes we start...
Ep 219. Jillina Carlona: Navigating Through Changes in Personal & Professional Life
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Performer, Master Instructor, Choreographer, Director and Producer, Jillina Carlano has devoted her ...
Ep 218. Kaouther Ben Amor: Stay True to Yourself
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
International master teacher and dancer artist, Kaouther Ben Amor is known for the theatrical dimens...
Ep 217. Alisa Gurova: The Strength & Support of Our Belly Dance Community
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alisa Gurova is a professional fusion dancer with a Master degree in contemporary dance from the Col...
Ep 216. When You Don’t See Much Progress in Your Dance
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a new solo episode with Iana! Let’s talk about the frustrations of the learning process, a...
Ep 215. Loretta: Teaching Belly Dance in Kuwait
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Originally from the Netherlands, Loretta is a modern international belly dance star and in-demand te...
Ep 214. Shahrzad: Changes in The Cairo Dance Life During The Last 4-5 Years
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shahrzad is an internationally known teacher and performer of Egyptian dance styles. She moved to Eg...
Ep 213. Kira Lebedeva: Dance & Politics
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kira Lebedeva has been a professional Tribal Fusion dancer and teacher for almost 12 years, also tea...
Ep 212. Best of: What Do You Think About Your Own Videos
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you feel when you are watching your own performance videos? Let’s hear the experience of o...
Ep 211. Jasirah: How to Find New Business Ideas as a Dancer
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jasirah is an international professional dancer, teacher and judge, and organizer of the Raks Glam F...
Ep 210. Nesma: Incredible Path From the Star Soloist to the Member of Folklore Troupe and Beyond
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From a family of artists, Nesma started to perform in TV shows and theatre when she was a teenager. ...
Ep 209. Tatiana Tarasova: Know Your Uniqueness
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tatiana Tarasova is a professional dancer and choreographer, with a 7-year experience of teaching or...
Ep 208. How to Dance to Tarab Songs
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dancing to Tarab songs is extremely responsible task. Such songs have a deep cultural meaning, and s...
Ep 207. Tetiana Tesliuk: Dancing During The Time of War
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tetiana Tesliuk is a professional bellydancer from Kyiv, winner of competitions in Ukraine and Europ...
Ep 206. Munique Neith: Marketing in Belly Dance
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Munique Neith is a Brazilian dancer of Arabic descent and one of the most prestigious master teacher...
Ep 205. Angella Kim: Belly Dance in Asia: Evolution & Current Realities
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Angella Kim is an internationally renowned and award-winning belly dancer from South Korea. She grad...
Ep 204. Best of: Healing Power of Belly Dance
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NEW episode with a selection of the best parts dedicated to the healing power of belly dance. You’...
Ep 203. Mahaila El Helwa: Finding Your Truth in Dance
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mahaila El Helwa is a renowned Brazilian instructor, performer and choreographer of Oriental dance.&...
Ep 202. Dr. Audrey Cottet: Researching Finger Cymbal Playing in the Roman Empire
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Audrey Cottet is an academic researcher in the Physics department of the Ecole Normale Supérieu...
Ep 201. In-person Vs Online Classes - Student Voices w/ Prianca
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 200. Diana Gnatchenko: Life Before & After
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diana Gnatchenko is a professional oriental dancer from Ukraine recognized around the world. She is ...
Ep 199. Belly Dance & Zumba Experiences - Student Voices w/ Shani Brown
18 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 198. Victoria Teel: The Story of Fan-Veil Addiction
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Victoria Teel is an award winning belly dance performer and instructor. In 2010, she was chosen alon...
Ep 197. Self-Curating Training Journey - Student Voices w/ Sandra Van Baaren
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 196. Beata Cifuentes: Introducing Structured Belly Dance Class
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Born in Berlin, Germany, Beata Cifuentes started dancing at the age of six. Already as a child she a...
Ep 195. Keeping Yourself Accountable - Student Voices w/ Wendy
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 194. Warda: Discussing Origins of Belly Dance
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Warda is a professional national and international award-winning bellydancer. She has traveled to Eg...
Ep 193. Aiming For Perfection - Student Voices w/ Lilia
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 192. How to Keep Accountability in Your Training
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We often make grand plans but fail on showing up and performing them. Or sometimes we do show up but...
Ep 191. Accepting Your Own Pace - Student Voices w/ Lina Marie
14 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 190. Amar Lammar: Adapting to a New Country & Lifestyle
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amar Lammar was born in Mexico City. Since a young age she showed interest in art, especially dance....
Ep 189. You Never Know Who You Inspire - Student Voices w/ Tita
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 188. Semsemah: Don’t Be a Superficial Dancer
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Semsemah has created a unique, innovative and modern belly dance style and became one of the most fa...
Ep 187. Questioning Reasons & Motivation to Dance - Student Voices w/ Aleesa
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 186. Nataša Kočar: Decision to Become a Dance Teacher
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nataša Kočar is a certified oriental dance teacher and choreographer, and the co-founder and head ...
Ep 185. Facing Frustrations of the Learning Process - Student Voices w/ Dimitra
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 184. Leila: Navigating Life & Work Balance
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Leila was one of the most popular working dancers in Cairo for 13 years. While in Egypt she pe...
Ep 183. Gitza: Dance Movement Therapy
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gitza is a Mexican dancer, internationally renowned teacher, choreographer and artistic director, wh...
Ep 182. Healing Emotional Blocks and Traumas Through Belly Dance - Student Voices w/ Jacinda (aka Aliya Dalal)
19 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the...
Ep 181. Making Self-Care Your Priority - Student Voices w/ Pratima Nagaraj
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the...
Ep 180. Raquy Danziger: Drumming Queen
05 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raquy Danziger is a world-famous American musician, teacher and composer based in Istanbul. She has ...
Ep 179. Finding Time Slots to Dance - Student Voices w/ Sinda Sandra
30 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special weekend series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the member...
Ep 178. Tiffany Madera (Hanan): The Impact of Hanan Arts and Havana Habibi
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Since 2002, Miami based artist Tiffany Madera (Hanan) has become a figurehead in the dance worl...
Ep 177. Do You Really Understand What Marketing And Promotion Is?
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is some sort of shame around putting these two words together: dance & money (or art &...
Ep 176. Cinzia: How to Become a Better Teacher
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cinzia is an international belly dancer, teacher and choreographer, based in Italy and appreciated a...
Ep 175. Helen Blondel: How to Start Charging For Your Shows
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Originally from sunny Miami, Helen Blondel has performed at a myriad of venues in Central & Sout...
Ep 174. Best of: Facing Rejection, Disapproval or Judgement
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
NEW episode with a selection of the best parts dedicated to facing and overcoming rejection, disappr...
Ep 173. Sabah: Ballet & Belly Dance
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sabah has decades of experience in classical, modern, and folk styles of dance. She has worked with ...
Ep 172. Joana Saahirah: Running Dance Courses Online
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Joana Saahirah is a world-renowned dancer, teacher, choreographer and author specialized in Egyptian...
Ep 171 - Pedro Bonatto: How to Approach a Drum Solo Improvisation & Stop Being Afraid of It
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil and based in ...
Ep 170. Jackie Barzvi: Discover More About Mizrahi Dance Culture
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jackie Barzvi is a raqs sharqi (belly dance) instructor and performer originally from Queens, NY, no...
Ep 169. Yousry Sharif: The Superpowers of Epic Musicality & Personality
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Yousry Sharif is the embodiment of many greats when it comes to Egyptian Raqs Sharqi: a great origin...
Ep 168. Cassandra Shore: Progressing Through Years of Dancing
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cassandra Shore, the founder of The Cassandra School (1978), is recognized as one of the world’s f...
Ep 167. Sharon Kihara: Talking About Tribal Fusion: Origins, Style Definition, Lack of Education, Physicality Evolution
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Known the world over as one of the pioneering forces in the field of Tribal Fusion belly dance, Shar...
Ep 166. Dealing With Performance Fears
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a solo episode by Iana where we’ll talk about two most common paralyzing performance fears...
Ep 165. Luna of Cairo: Life Beyond Dance
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Luna is an international belly dance star who performed in Egypt's top hotels and Nile cruises from ...
Ep 164. Tommy King: The Importance of Charisma For Dance Performers
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hatem Hamdy, also known as Tommy King, is a real showman! His unique and colorful style makes him a ...
Ep 163. Mercedes Nieto: Finding Home Inside Your Body
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mercedes Nieto is an internationally acclaimed oriental dance artist based in Budapest, Hungary. She...
Ep 162. Yaël Zarca: Spreading Light and Positivity
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Yaël is an international Oriental dance artist living in Paris. She has a very personal and refined...
Ep 161. Miasia: Life Before, During & After TV Show Al Rakesa
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Miasia is a dedicated performer, teacher, trainer and workshop instructor with 25 years of cabaret a...
Ep 160. Aegela: Sharing Memories of Studying with Mahmoud Reda
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Since 1978, Aegela’s love of Middle Eastern dance has taken her throughout the US and to the heart...
Ep 159. Aszmara: Dance Gives Us Inner Strength
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aszmara goes beyond movements and steps to unleash your soul’s music. Her insight into movement, m...
Ep 158. Yasmin Henkesh: From Zar Rituals to Discussing Music Copyright Issues
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Yasmin Henkesh grew up in the Washington D.C. area but moved to Europe to work as a professional dan...
Ep 157. Sadie Marquardt: Respect Your Need to Recharge
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sadie is an inspiration and icon to her students and fans around the world and serves to empower peo...
Ep 156. Suhaila Salimpour: Renegotiating Your Dance Identity
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Suhaila Salimpour grew up caught between two worlds: the strict, Shi’a Muslim household of her fat...
Ep 155. Dr.Mo Geddawi: Co-founder of the Reda Troupe
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A teacher, dancer, and choreographer of oriental dance, Dr.Mo Geddawi is a native of Cairo who has m...
Ep 154. Athena Najat: Dance Traditions in Greece and Turkey
27 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Born in the USA and trained by master teachers in New York City, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, Athena ...
Ep 153. Hasna: The Moment Of A Dance Transformation
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hasna is the founder and admin of the Just Belly Dance website which currently provides event promot...
Ep 152. Best of: Your Daily Training
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the best moments from our previous episodes! Many of us struggle with continuing our daily ...
Ep 151. Esmeralda Colabone: Living The Truth: Motherhood and Dance Career
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Esmeralda Colabone has dedicated 20 years to dance. Originally from Brazil, she is one of the bigges...
Ep 150. Sabriye Tekbilek: Be The Type Of Artist You Want To Be
13 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sabriye Tekbilek grew up in an environment of Middle Eastern music and dance. She is the daughter of...
Ep 149. Raksan: Finding Fire Inside Your Soul
30 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Raksan is a professional dancer, choreographer and dance pedagogue with a 35 year-long career. Her c...
Ep 148. Ma*Shuqa & Carl Sermon: Plan Every Day To Be Your Best Day
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ma*Shuqa is known for instructing dancers in the Art of Bellydance, which Ma*Shuqa does with mastery...
Ep 147. Badriyah: Dreaming Big, Digging Deep!
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Badriyah is a professional oriental dancer, devoted mainly to Egyptian classical and folklore styles...
Ep 146. Alex DeLora: You Just Need to Start
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alex DeLora is a professional belly dancer from Ukraine. She is famous for her unique style and stro...
Ep 145. How to Structure Your 20-min Show
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a mini-episode with Iana!Let’s talk about the structure of a 20-min belly dance program: ho...
Ep 144. Aida Bogomolova: Paying Attention to Each Detail
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Aida Bogomolova is a world-famous oriental dance artist and an experienced teacher and choreographer...
Ep 143. Common Mistakes In Your Communication With Potential Client
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a mini-episode with Iana!Let’s talk about common mistakes in the communication process with...