Teachers and Resources
Arabesque
Academy
Arabesque Academy offers a unique and varied learning
experience in a warm and professional environment. The Academy
fosters creativity and offers opportunities for students to become
soloists with Arabesque Productions and/or dance artists with
Arabesque Dance Company. In addition to regular dance classes, the
Academy also offers classes in Arabic drumming, music, culture and
more.
Belindance
In Halifax,
her classes are fun, challenging, informative, and will develop you
as a dancer from the ground up. The boutique sells costumes, CD's,
jewelry and more. On the last Friday of every month there is a Hafla
(belly dance party) where students and troupe can perform. This is a
great place to see a variety of Belly Dance styles and
performers.
Hadia
A
wonderful performer and accomplished teacher, Hadia was IAMED's
"Choreographer of the Year" (2000) and Global Arts, Entertainment &
Culture "Woman of Vision" (2002). Hadia is a master of teaching
Oriental dance, as well as Flamenco and Massage therepy. She
presently lives in in Montreal.
Aziza
One of my very
favorite performers, Aziza's style is fun and warm, as well as
highly skilled and very classy. She is now based in Montreal.
Sema Yildiz
Turkish Belly dancer
extraordinaire, Istanbul native Sema Yildiz specializes in
Ciftetelli, Roman-Gypsy, and Classic style veil and floor work.
Rachel Brice
The
incomparable and innovative Rachel Brice. Her style of tribal fusion is emulated the world over.
Omphalo-Stepses:
a Historical/Cheesecake Gallery
A local site, this gallery
features hundreds of great photos, ranging from historical images to
50's pinups to movie dancers. wonderful for costume inspiration or
graphics.
Shira
Everything you ever wanted to know about belly dance. No, really.
Bhuz.com
Everything Belly Dance! The biggest online bellydance community. Shop for gently used costumes, ask a question about anything bellydance, learn about business, beauty, music, and so much more!
The Henna Page
So, so much I
never knew I never knew about Mehndi. Endless useful tips and many
free designs.
Toronto Dance
Great reference site for tons of dance groups, schools and artists as well as news and event listings.
Friends
Monique Ryan and Serpentine Circus
My dance partner and best friend Monique, Atlantic Canada's master of tribal fusion bellydance, hula hoop, and circus arts. She is also a Yoga teacher, produces shows and runs her own dance troupe. What can't she do?
Samara
Having studied tap, hip-hop, Flamenco, African dance, Latin, Azerbaijani dance, and recently Capoeira, Samara has appeared in movies, music videos, and fashion shows. She is also a member of Tropicaliente, Bollywood Grooves, Las Gatas and formerly of Arabesque Dance Company.
Saba
An extroidenary choreographer, Saba is also a member of Arabesque Dance Company. Saba leads Nouvel Expose Dance Troupe as well as performing Ethiopian dance, Congolese Soukous, West African, Hip Hop and Belly Dance.
Teressa
An original and captivating dancer, Teressa is available for performance in the GTA as well as teaching in Scarborough.
Mayada
A powerhouse of dance, Mayada teaches and performs bellydance, samba, salsa and fitness, at her studio, Fierce Fitness, as well as being creator and editor of Canada's first bellydance magazine: MID-BITS!
Valizan
Valizan teaches American Tribal Style internationally and all over Toronto as well as leading Shades of Araby dance troupe and dancing in Arabesque Dance Company.
Zahira
A protege of Hannan Sultan and Roula Said, Zahira's wonderful stage presence and exciting performances never fail to delight.
Aurora
Based in Edmonton, Aurora is a former member of Arabesque Dance Company and continues to bring impeccable dance performance and instruction to central Canada.
Elinor aka the Uber Wench
Wonderful and fun Tribal style performer and teacher living in Halifax NS.
Samira Hafezi: Photographer
Practically Arabesque's official photographer, Samira has a great talent with dance photography and enough experience to make her our first choice every time!
Colleena
Wonderful
dancer living in Rajasthan, India. Colleena has dedicated many years
of her life to studying and living with the Khalbelia Gypsies, as
well as studying Odissi and Belly dance. Also, check out her online
store with beautiful authentic tribal jewellry.
Costuming
Cleopatra's
Bazaar
Fabulous shop run by a local belly dancer who also
organizes great workshops.
Bhuz Swap Meet
A fantastic selection of hard-to-come-by costumes pop up on this forum. Bellydancers trade and sell their costumes here.
The Belly Dance Store
This shop has the best supply of Sahar Okasha's daring and incredibly flattering costumes available online, as well as much more.
Sim Moda Evi
Luxorious and original costumes just dripping in beading and rhinestones!
Dahlal
Where do the stars
get their costumes? One look at this page with it's incredible array
of professional oriental costumes dripping in beading and you'll
know. sigh...
Bella
If you're lucky enough to be sent a password, and lucky enough to check the site when there are costumes available, you might just have a chance at getting your hands on a costume from everyone's favorite designer...BELLA!
Ebay
You know you love it. Just search
for "belly dance costume" and go nuts. Ebay is often the best source for bellydance supplies.
