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.
Hannan Sultan
Known as
Aziza's protege, Hannan brings her own style of elegance, precise isolations and
refined technique to this dance. Formerly of Portland, Hannan now resides in Toronto.
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. Also, this is by far the
most well-designed belly dance website I've seen.
Ultra Gypsy
A very
innovative and exciting dance company. They combine elements of belly dance, fire skills, and theatre.
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.
The Henna Page
So, so much I
never knew I never knew about Mehndi. Endless useful tips and many
free designs.
Friends:
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 Arabesque Dance Company, Tropicaliente, Bollywood Grooves and Las Gatas.
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.
Amara
A lovely dancer and wonderful teacher, Amara was previously a member of Arabesque Dance Company. You can see Amara perform regularly at the Sultans Tent.
Teressa
An original and captivating dancer, Teressa is available for performance in the GTA as well as teaching at Flow Fitness Studio and in Scarborough.
Mayada
A powerhouse of dance, Mayada teaches and performs bellydance, samba, salsa and fitness, at her studio, Flow Fitness, as well as being creator and editor of Canada's first bellydance magazine: MID-BITS!
Valizan
Valizan teaches American Tribal Style internationally and at Arabesque Academy as well as leading Shades of Araby dance troupe and dancing in Arabesque Dance Company.
Maya Al Samry
An extrordinary and inspirational performer and teacher, Maya is also a lead dancer of 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 was a past 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.
Ash
Circle
Ash Circle mixes death-defying stunts, oddball comedy,
and some of the most breathtaking fire arts around into one amazing
show.
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.
