Ep 326. Núria Rovira Salat: Searching For Your Own Identity Through Different Dance Styles
Núria Rovira Salat, trained in anthropology and born in Spain, transformed her passion for Oriental and Romani cultures into dance, songs, and choreographies. She studied with masters like Lamia Saffiedine and Pétia Iourtchenko, teaching Arab-Berber and Maghrebi dances and performing widely in France. Núria teaches and performs widely across France and at major festivals, continually evolving her dance practice by blending traditional forms with contemporary expression. Since 2010, Núria has built a rich singing career with groups such as Finzi Mosaïque and Kavkazz, blending Mediterranean, Balkan, and Latin influences. Her cover of "Lágrimas Negras" has over 15 million views on YouTube. Founder of Ensemble QUIMERA, she explores Mediterranean traditional music with contemporary reinterpretations. Collaborating with notable artists and creating choreographies like “Azahar,” Núria fuses Romani, Balkan, and Arab styles to celebrate cultural diversity from the Bosphorus to Gibraltar.In this episode you will learn about:- How exploring different cultures through dance can become a path to finding your own identity.- How Arabic, Turkish, Romani, and Mediterranean influences shaped her unique style.- The power of dance and music in healing, empowerment, and self-expression.- A thoughtful take on cultural appreciation vs. appropriation.- Why true presence matters more than perfect movement in dance.Show Notes to this episode:Find Núria Rovira Salat on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and her website.Visit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
27/5/2025
1:10:47
Ep 325. Sara Al-Hadithi: Why Iraqi Dance Isn’t Like Belly Dance — And Why That Matters
Sara Al-Hadithi is a Baghdad-born, London-raised dance artist, cultural consultant, and autism advocate currently based in the USA. Deeply connected to her Iraqi heritage, Sara brings a unique perspective to Middle Eastern dance, particularly Iraqi styles, informed by both her personal background and the legacy of her father—a renowned Iraqi vocalist and folkloric authority. She has become a respected voice in the global dance community, offering students not only technical training but also a rich understanding of cultural context and significance. Beyond the stage, she is the founder of Autism Care Los Angeles (ACLA), an initiative inspired by her journey as a devoted mother to a non-speaking autistic son. With each role she embraces—dancer, educator, mother, and advocate—Sara channels her passion into creating spaces of cultural understanding, artistic depth, and compassionate care.In this episode you will learn about:- Key differences between Iraqi dance and belly dance, including their movement philosophies and cultural contexts- Common misconceptions about Iraqi dance- The meditative and trance-like essence of Iraqi dance movement- How Iraqi dance has evolved in recent years- Modern trends and pop influences of dance and entertainment scene in IraqShow Notes to this episode:Find Sara Al-Hadithi on FB, Instagram and website. Our previous interview with Sara Al-Hadithi:Ep 108. Sara Al-Hadithi: About Popularization of Iraqi DanceVisit Bellydance.com today: you’ll always find something fresh, whether you’re looking for costumes, practice wear, veils, hip scarves, jewelry, or music.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
20/5/2025
1:34:49
Ep 324. Ayla Joncheere: Rethinking Fantasies About Kalbeliya Dance and Music of Rajasthan/India
Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and a deep expertise in the performing arts of Rajasthan. Following a long academic career in higher education, she founded Kalbeliya World, an initiative supporting digital literacy among Kalbeliya dancers in India through virtual dance classes. She also serves as the creative director of Maghenta, a platform for Indian-inspired arts. Drawing on her extensive on-the-ground experience, Ayla regularly provides consultancy on intercultural communication with Indian companies, Hindi language education and translation, and practical guidance for filmmakers, NGOs, students, and professionals working or relocating to India.In this episode you will learn about:- How Ayla became interested in Kalbeliya dance, decided to quit school at the age of 16, and traveled to India- The use of the term “gypsies” within the Kalbeliya community- Analyzing the famous movie Latcho Drom- The role of costume and jewelry in Kalbeliya dance- How the recent popularity of the dance has changed gender dynamics within the communityShow Notes to this episode:Find Ayla Joncheere on Instagram, and Facebook, her website on Maghenta project. Articles by Aya:Kalbeliya Dance from Rajasthan: Invented Gypsy Form or Traditional Snake Charmers' Folk Dance?Representing Rajasthani roots: Indian Gypsy identity and origins in documentary filmsIntangible inventions: The Kalbeliya Gypsy dance form, from its creation to UNESCO recognitionWatch Latcho Drom movie on YouTube.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
14/5/2025
1:24:11
Ep 323. Mahdy Emara: Bringing His Passion for Egyptian Folklore Across Borders & Projects
World-renowned dance teacher and choreographer Mahdy Emara is one of the most sought-after artists in the international oriental dance scene. Born in Cairo, Egypt, he trained at one of the country’s top dance institutes. He began teaching at a young age and soon moved on to choreograph major stage productions. Now based in Amsterdam, Mahdy founded his dance school and group “Baladi,” performing across Europe. He also organizes festivals that have featured renowned stars such as Dina from Egypt and other international icons. Many international dancers have been trained under his guidance. Mahdy continues to teach and perform at some of the biggest belly dance festivals around the world.In this episode you will learn about:- Becoming a troupe leader in Egypt at the age of 16- The nuances of bringing folklore from life to stage- Mahdy’s experience of moving to the Netherland and starting his teaching career there- His decision to focus primarily on professional level students instead of beginners- How to be responsible and supportive judge at a competitionShow Notes to this episode:Find Mahdy Emara on Instagram, and website.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
07/5/2025
1:07:03
Ep 322. Rachel Kay Brookmire: How Performing on Stage Contributes to Your Personal Growth
Rachel Kay Brookmire is the founder and creative director of Sahara Dance, one of the largest and most well-established belly dance schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Sahara Dance has been a thriving center for Middle Eastern dance for over two decades, offering 30+ weekly classes, nine performance groups, and a hybrid model for both in-person and virtual students. Rachel is also the creator of Sahara Dance Foundations, an intensive teacher training program, and directs the professional ensemble Raqs Sahara and student troupe Raqs Caravan East. A specialist in Egyptian raqs sharqi, Rachel blends technical precision with lyrical expressiveness and is known for her detailed, community-centered teaching style. She has performed widely, taught thousands of students, and produced major theatrical performances and international retreats. In 2023, her school proudly represented Middle Eastern dance at the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC, with 100 dancers performing a Jillina-directed choreography on the National Mall.In this episode you will learn about:- Transitioning from regular job to a dance career- How to understand if you are ready to teach- Dealing with a team of 15 teachers, and keeping consistent curriculum throughout the school- Why performing on stage is a magical part of your dance and personal growth- Managing workload and avoiding burnoutsShow Notes to this episode:Find Sahara Dance Instagram, FB, and website. Watch Sahara Dance on the National Mall HERE.Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.comFollow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
Ireland