| Featured Instructor Bios |
Tamalyn Dallal
Tamalyn Dallal is one of the world’s most respected exponents of the art of belly dancing today.
Currently living in Seattle, she has taught and performed in 34 countries and mentored thousands of
dancers around the world. Through sixteen years of directing The Mid Eastern Dance Exchange, a non
profit arts organization, Ms. Dallal produced numerous stage productions and dance festivals, including
fourteen consecutive Orientalia festivals. This year, Orientalia will make its debut in Hong Kong. She
authored three books, produced numerous DVD's and most recently completed a project entitled "40
Days and 1001 Nights." More...
Tamalyn Dallal is one of the world’s most respected exponents of the art of belly dancing today.
Currently living in Seattle, she has taught and performed in 34 countries and mentored thousands of
dancers around the world. Through sixteen years of directing The Mid Eastern Dance Exchange, a non
profit arts organization, Ms. Dallal produced numerous stage productions and dance festivals, including
fourteen consecutive Orientalia festivals. This year, Orientalia will make its debut in Hong Kong. She
authored three books, produced numerous DVD's and most recently completed a project entitled "40
Days and 1001 Nights." More...
Gypsy Caravan
A mass of swaying hips, undulating bellies, hands upon hands upon hands with arms moving snake-like, strangely
synchronous; watch closely as these powerfully sensuous women wrap you in their web of enchanting
improvisation. Haunting horns calling you from the desert, earthly drums bring you back to the beginning of time;
forlorn melodies sung from the deepest of souls, Gypsy Caravan invites you to join them on a journey back to the
cradle of civilization. Woolen yarns, billowing silk, and jangling metal add texture to delight the senses, reminding
you of the millions of women who came before us. A tribute to the past, created in the present, borrowing from
many cultures and full of today's urban spirit, feel your tribal soul coming to life, echoing our cries for life and
freedom. More...
A mass of swaying hips, undulating bellies, hands upon hands upon hands with arms moving snake-like, strangely
synchronous; watch closely as these powerfully sensuous women wrap you in their web of enchanting
improvisation. Haunting horns calling you from the desert, earthly drums bring you back to the beginning of time;
forlorn melodies sung from the deepest of souls, Gypsy Caravan invites you to join them on a journey back to the
cradle of civilization. Woolen yarns, billowing silk, and jangling metal add texture to delight the senses, reminding
you of the millions of women who came before us. A tribute to the past, created in the present, borrowing from
many cultures and full of today's urban spirit, feel your tribal soul coming to life, echoing our cries for life and
freedom. More...
Gina
Gina is an exceptional Oriental dance performer and instructor based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dancing since the age of nine, Gina has a strong background in ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theatre dance. She
received her BFA in Dance and Theatre arts from East Carolina University. As a jazz dancer, she performed in every
conceivable venue; from cruise ships to theme parks, dinner theatre to outdoor drama, concert stages to Las Vegas
production shows. An unfortunate knee injury led to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 1999, and it was upon
completion of her own physical therapy that she became a certified Post-Rehab Pilates Practitioner. Gina’s fascination with
Oriental dance began in August 2000, when she took her first “belly dance” class and was immediately hooked. She has
since studied with notable American, Arabic, and European Oriental dancers. She is inspired by these artists as well as by
her own ballet and jazz background. More...
Gina is an exceptional Oriental dance performer and instructor based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dancing since the age of nine, Gina has a strong background in ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theatre dance. She
received her BFA in Dance and Theatre arts from East Carolina University. As a jazz dancer, she performed in every
conceivable venue; from cruise ships to theme parks, dinner theatre to outdoor drama, concert stages to Las Vegas
production shows. An unfortunate knee injury led to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 1999, and it was upon
completion of her own physical therapy that she became a certified Post-Rehab Pilates Practitioner. Gina’s fascination with
Oriental dance began in August 2000, when she took her first “belly dance” class and was immediately hooked. She has
since studied with notable American, Arabic, and European Oriental dancers. She is inspired by these artists as well as by
her own ballet and jazz background. More...
Tamra-henna
Tamra-henna is a performer, choreographer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance whose emotional range and
technique have been shaped by seven years of performance, study, and life experience in the Middle East. With
the intention of learning the art of raqs sharqi (belly dance) from its source, Tamra-henna moved to Egypt to
study musical interpretation, technique, and the Arabic language and culture. She trained extensively with Nadia
Hamdi, Raqia Hassan, Mona El Said, and Ibrahim Akef while pursuing a performing career in Cairo. After less
than a year of receiving her dance license, she began appearing in Egypt’s most prestigious venues including: the
Cairo Meridien, Cairo Sheraton, Cairo Marriott, and the Mena House Oberoi. The most notable of her five star
engagements was the Nile Hilton, where she was offered an extended contract. With this honor she become one
of the first foreigners in years to achieve such an esteemed position on the Cairo dance circuit. More...
Tamra-henna is a performer, choreographer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance whose emotional range and
technique have been shaped by seven years of performance, study, and life experience in the Middle East. With
the intention of learning the art of raqs sharqi (belly dance) from its source, Tamra-henna moved to Egypt to
study musical interpretation, technique, and the Arabic language and culture. She trained extensively with Nadia
Hamdi, Raqia Hassan, Mona El Said, and Ibrahim Akef while pursuing a performing career in Cairo. After less
than a year of receiving her dance license, she began appearing in Egypt’s most prestigious venues including: the
Cairo Meridien, Cairo Sheraton, Cairo Marriott, and the Mena House Oberoi. The most notable of her five star
engagements was the Nile Hilton, where she was offered an extended contract. With this honor she become one
of the first foreigners in years to achieve such an esteemed position on the Cairo dance circuit. More...
Fatina
Fatina is co-founder of Southern Fusion Productions and the acting Artistic Director for Troupe Hameeda. She has been
studying and performing ballet, jazz, modern dance, and theater for most of her life. Fatina discovered Middle Eastern
Dance in 1999 when she moved to Atlanta . Since then, she has focused on the tribal fusion style, being most recently
inspired by Gypsy Caravan, Suhaila Salimpour, and the many beautiful tribal fusion dancers around the world. More...
Fatina is co-founder of Southern Fusion Productions and the acting Artistic Director for Troupe Hameeda. She has been
studying and performing ballet, jazz, modern dance, and theater for most of her life. Fatina discovered Middle Eastern
Dance in 1999 when she moved to Atlanta . Since then, she has focused on the tribal fusion style, being most recently
inspired by Gypsy Caravan, Suhaila Salimpour, and the many beautiful tribal fusion dancers around the world. More...
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| Founded by Fatina and Liora for the sole purpose of providing the very best in Tribal, Cabaret, and Fusion bellydance workshops to the Southeast. |
Moria Chappell
Tribal Bellydance Superstar Moria Chappell travels worldwide performing and teaching the beautiful art of tribal
fusion bellydance. Popular teacher and acclaimed performer, Moria is heralded as an innovator in costume design,
stage make-up, and choreography. Her style, both feminine and fierce, commands an intensity and precision that
epitomizes tribal fusion isolation and individualism. Beginning her dance career in Atlanta, GA in 2001 with Awalim
Dance Company, Moria moved to San Francisco in 2005 to study with and later join The Suhaila Dance School,
The Suhaila Dance Company, and Bal Anat, from which she learned the extreme muscle control and isolation
fundamental to her style. Later that same year she joined The Bellydance Superstars and began her world travels.
In 2007 Moria taught 30 workshops in over 8 different countries and via The Bellydance Superstars has performed
in more than 15 countries worldwide. In 2008 Moria has already traveled to Thailand and India to deepen her
understanding of yoga, Thai, and Odissi dance. To learn more about Moria's travels, hear live interviews, see stage
performance pictures, and communicate with Moria, join her tribe at tribes.tribe.net/moria or visit her website
www.moriachappell.com.
Tribal Bellydance Superstar Moria Chappell travels worldwide performing and teaching the beautiful art of tribal
fusion bellydance. Popular teacher and acclaimed performer, Moria is heralded as an innovator in costume design,
stage make-up, and choreography. Her style, both feminine and fierce, commands an intensity and precision that
epitomizes tribal fusion isolation and individualism. Beginning her dance career in Atlanta, GA in 2001 with Awalim
Dance Company, Moria moved to San Francisco in 2005 to study with and later join The Suhaila Dance School,
The Suhaila Dance Company, and Bal Anat, from which she learned the extreme muscle control and isolation
fundamental to her style. Later that same year she joined The Bellydance Superstars and began her world travels.
In 2007 Moria taught 30 workshops in over 8 different countries and via The Bellydance Superstars has performed
in more than 15 countries worldwide. In 2008 Moria has already traveled to Thailand and India to deepen her
understanding of yoga, Thai, and Odissi dance. To learn more about Moria's travels, hear live interviews, see stage
performance pictures, and communicate with Moria, join her tribe at tribes.tribe.net/moria or visit her website
www.moriachappell.com.
Mardi Love
Mardi Love is a principal dancer, choreographer, and costume designer for San Francisco - based dance
company The Indigo. Mardi began dancing in San Diego with Heather Stants, and was a founding member of
Urban Tribal Dance Company. She relocated to the Bay Area where she connected with the likes of Rachel
Brice, Michelle Campbell, Sharon Kihara and Zoe. These days she dances with Rachel Brice and Zoe of The
Indigo and the Le Serpent Rouge revue and, at times, turns out with the Bellydance Superstars. Mardi's work
reflects her eye for detail and her affection for the strange, beautiful and old fashioned.
Mardi Love is a principal dancer, choreographer, and costume designer for San Francisco - based dance
company The Indigo. Mardi began dancing in San Diego with Heather Stants, and was a founding member of
Urban Tribal Dance Company. She relocated to the Bay Area where she connected with the likes of Rachel
Brice, Michelle Campbell, Sharon Kihara and Zoe. These days she dances with Rachel Brice and Zoe of The
Indigo and the Le Serpent Rouge revue and, at times, turns out with the Bellydance Superstars. Mardi's work
reflects her eye for detail and her affection for the strange, beautiful and old fashioned.
Zafira Dance Company
Zafira Dance Company's performances are opulent vignettes that combine Bellydance with
contemporary and ethnic dance forms. The result is an ornate performance that blurs the boundary
between old and new; performer and audience, earthy and elegant.
Zafira Dance Company members work together as a collective. Christine Andrews, Maria Hamer,
Jennifer Imashev, Tamara Nelson and Olivia Kissel have been teaching and performing together since
1996. Their friendship and love of dance shines through in each performance. Each member is a
contributing artist and brings something unique to the company. This collective approach allows Zafira
to offer a unique and powerful dance experience like no other. More...
Zafira Dance Company's performances are opulent vignettes that combine Bellydance with
contemporary and ethnic dance forms. The result is an ornate performance that blurs the boundary
between old and new; performer and audience, earthy and elegant.
Zafira Dance Company members work together as a collective. Christine Andrews, Maria Hamer,
Jennifer Imashev, Tamara Nelson and Olivia Kissel have been teaching and performing together since
1996. Their friendship and love of dance shines through in each performance. Each member is a
contributing artist and brings something unique to the company. This collective approach allows Zafira
to offer a unique and powerful dance experience like no other. More...
Liora
Liora is co-founder of Southern Fusion Productions and a tribal fusion bellydance performer, instructor, writer, and costume
designer in Atlanta, GA. Liora began dancing at an early age by studying classical ballet and modern jazz. After graduating
from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics, she discovered bellydance through the Evening at Emory
program with Isabel Crunk. She then studied classical and modern Egyptian and Turkish bellydance with Diane Adams of
Company Mezza, and ATS and tribal fusion with Zi'ah Ali of Awalim. Liora now focuses her studies on tribal fusion, taking
classes as often as possible with Moria Chappell, the ladies of The Indigo, Suhaila Salimpour, and the many beautiful tribal
fusion dancers here in the US. More...
Liora is co-founder of Southern Fusion Productions and a tribal fusion bellydance performer, instructor, writer, and costume
designer in Atlanta, GA. Liora began dancing at an early age by studying classical ballet and modern jazz. After graduating
from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics, she discovered bellydance through the Evening at Emory
program with Isabel Crunk. She then studied classical and modern Egyptian and Turkish bellydance with Diane Adams of
Company Mezza, and ATS and tribal fusion with Zi'ah Ali of Awalim. Liora now focuses her studies on tribal fusion, taking
classes as often as possible with Moria Chappell, the ladies of The Indigo, Suhaila Salimpour, and the many beautiful tribal
fusion dancers here in the US. More...
Sha'ni
Sha'ni has studied and performed as a professional bellydancer for several years, following years as a professional
theatre performer. Sha’ni has performed at Redlight Cafe, Cazba (Roswell) Lawrence’s Cafe, Shiraz Persian
Restaurant, the Mediterranean Room in Marietta (formerly the Casbah Moroccan Restaurant (Atlanta)), Curriez
Indian Restaurant, the Imperial Fez Moroccan Restaurant (Buckhead), and Nicola’s Lebanese Restaurant...In 2005,
she presented her premiere Tiger’s Eye Collective show, an extremely well-received fundraising event, An Evening
with Sha’ni and Friends, at Nicola’s Lebanese Restaurant to raise funds to assist with hurricane relief efforts. Sha’ni
also has joined the teaching corps of the esteemed Diane Adams’ Company Mezza with her beginning Egyptian
technique class. Besides private classes, she also teaches a comprehensive beginning bellydance class at Aphrodite’s
Toybox. Also in 2005, she also launched her premiere workshop, 3-D Bellydance with Sha’ni. More...
Sha'ni has studied and performed as a professional bellydancer for several years, following years as a professional
theatre performer. Sha’ni has performed at Redlight Cafe, Cazba (Roswell) Lawrence’s Cafe, Shiraz Persian
Restaurant, the Mediterranean Room in Marietta (formerly the Casbah Moroccan Restaurant (Atlanta)), Curriez
Indian Restaurant, the Imperial Fez Moroccan Restaurant (Buckhead), and Nicola’s Lebanese Restaurant...In 2005,
she presented her premiere Tiger’s Eye Collective show, an extremely well-received fundraising event, An Evening
with Sha’ni and Friends, at Nicola’s Lebanese Restaurant to raise funds to assist with hurricane relief efforts. Sha’ni
also has joined the teaching corps of the esteemed Diane Adams’ Company Mezza with her beginning Egyptian
technique class. Besides private classes, she also teaches a comprehensive beginning bellydance class at Aphrodite’s
Toybox. Also in 2005, she also launched her premiere workshop, 3-D Bellydance with Sha’ni. More...
Aziza Nawal
Aziza Nawal has been involved in Oriental Dance (belly dance) for over 13 years. In addition to regular and
guest appearances in restaurants and stage shows throughout the U.S., Aziza Nawal has received multiple
awards as a performer; appeared on national and international television; and featured in many publications
including The Wall Street Journal. As an instructor, Aziza has taught ongoing group classes and specialty
workshops in the Southeastern United States since 1998. She was a featured instructor and performer at the
Annual Mabruk Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has taught workshops in Seattle, Washington and Tulsa,
Oklahoma. More...
Aziza Nawal has been involved in Oriental Dance (belly dance) for over 13 years. In addition to regular and
guest appearances in restaurants and stage shows throughout the U.S., Aziza Nawal has received multiple
awards as a performer; appeared on national and international television; and featured in many publications
including The Wall Street Journal. As an instructor, Aziza has taught ongoing group classes and specialty
workshops in the Southeastern United States since 1998. She was a featured instructor and performer at the
Annual Mabruk Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has taught workshops in Seattle, Washington and Tulsa,
Oklahoma. More...
Amani Jabril
Savor the Middle Eastern stylings of Amani Jabril, whose acclaimed performances on the international and local scene
have created a buzz in the world of Middle Eastern and folkloric dance. Trained from an early age in dance and drama,
Amani has built her reputation on delivering and combining stellar dance technique with the heart and soul of the Middle
East, along with the ability to teach others about the culture surrounding the dance. Amani has studied and performed
extensively in Europe, Egypt, U.A.E., Africa, Canada and the United States. She is best known for her fluid and deeply
sensual style of dance and the ability to teach a wide variety of stylings learned from the greats of Middle Eastern and
folkloric dance. An educator, as well as a dancer, AMANI has presented papers and has been a featured columnist in
dance publications. She is the recipient of several grants which have taken her worldwide to study and perfect her
artistry. More...
Savor the Middle Eastern stylings of Amani Jabril, whose acclaimed performances on the international and local scene
have created a buzz in the world of Middle Eastern and folkloric dance. Trained from an early age in dance and drama,
Amani has built her reputation on delivering and combining stellar dance technique with the heart and soul of the Middle
East, along with the ability to teach others about the culture surrounding the dance. Amani has studied and performed
extensively in Europe, Egypt, U.A.E., Africa, Canada and the United States. She is best known for her fluid and deeply
sensual style of dance and the ability to teach a wide variety of stylings learned from the greats of Middle Eastern and
folkloric dance. An educator, as well as a dancer, AMANI has presented papers and has been a featured columnist in
dance publications. She is the recipient of several grants which have taken her worldwide to study and perfect her
artistry. More...
Devyani Dance Company
Newly added! Bio coming soon!
Newly added! Bio coming soon!
