Dance Showcase

Your host began dancing as a girl in her hometown of San Francisco.  Passionate about dance, she carries on the legacy of her teachers, Greek sisters, Anastasia & Phaedra. She currently teaches, coaches, and performs in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. 

Cristina’s captivating dance style is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and continuous practice of the art of Belly Dance. Originally of Portuguese descent, Cristina discovered her passion for belly dance, its music, and its rich cultural heritage while attending college in Rhode Island. Since then, she has devoted countless hours to studying this beautiful art form, learning from some of the finest dancers and musicians in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Cristina remains committed to deepening her understanding of Arabic culture, musicality, and dance. Beyond teaching and performing, Cristina is excited to foster connections within the dance community.

Saidi, Egyptian Cane Dance

Cynthia is a Fat Chance Bellydance General Skills certified performer and instructor in the greater Bucks County area. She will be obtaining her certified studio credentials later this year.

As a student of Fat Chance style for almost thirteen years, Cynthia has taken an interest in the folkloric styles that influence this modern fusion. She will be presenting Egyptian Ghawazee dance in the style of Banat Mazin, the most celebrated family of Ghawazee dancers and musicians in contemporary times.

Described by legendary dancer Nagwa Fu’ad as among the purest examples of Egyptian dance, Ghawazee style has had an integral role in the evolution of what we know as “bellydance” today.

It Cynthia’s privilege and honor to share a bit of our dance history with you—Banat Mazin style!

Egyptian Ghawazee

Kate has been a longtime student of Belly Dance, beginning with the  earthy beauty of Tribal style bellydance, then later falling in love  with the versatility and authenticity of cabaret/egyptian/romani and  turkish styles. Kate also pursued learning the doumbek and frame drum,  studying the complex rhythms of the middle east deepened her respect and  connection to the dance. Kate loves the life energy of movement and  music. She doesn't subscribe to any formal style of Belly Dance but  chooses to allow the music and the moment to guide her.

Meesha’s passion for Arabic music ignited her love for dance at an early  age. Growing up in a vibrant Lebanese-American household in South  Philadelphia, she was immersed in Middle Eastern rhythms, especially  within her family’s renowned Lebanese restaurant—a hub of culture and  celebration. This rich environment shaped her deep connection to belly  dance, an art she embodies with raw emotion and improvisational grace.  Proudly embracing her heritage, Meesha has mesmerized audiences  worldwide, performing and teaching across concert halls, international  festivals, museums, and grand celebrations, where she brings the soul of  Middle Eastern dance to life with every movement.

Oriental & Dabke

Selene Rose is the flower that blooms at night. She entrances audiences with her sultry mix of dance, theatre, and comedy. A student of Egyptian and Near Eastern dance since 2005, Selene is a professional belly dancer and a member of the Habiba studio, KDC Dance Collective, and a teacher at Philly Dance Fitness. She began her affair with Egyptian dance in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Fahtiem and has also studied Lebanese dabke. Selene is also a professional burlesque performer and host. The sultan of sass: with a look, she'll fly you to the moon and back.

Egyptian Latin Fusion

Queen Yareli has always been transfixed on the beauty of self expression through dance. Yareli began her bellydance training at the age of 14, under top notch Philadelphian bellydance instructor, Valerie Rushmere. Throughout the years Yareli has trained in various bellydance styles as well as, Jazz, ballet, latin ballroom, Salsa, samba with trainers like Jessica & Noel rodriguez, Barbara Capaldi, & Rachel brice. Queen Yareli has since then performed traditional and Neo-Fusion bellydance in Art of the belly festival, Rakkasah and the Tri-state area.

Latin Fusion Belly Dance

Zahra is a professional dancer based in Delaware. She has danced her whole life -- starting with ballet, jazz, modern and tap.
Several years ago, Zahra fell in love with Egyptian dance. She regularly trains with superstars who live and work in Cairo.
Zahra has performed and taught overseas, and has placed at international competitions. Locally, she performs at restaurants and private parties, and teaches weekly beginner belly dance classes. 

Egyptian Dance

Meet Shanze! She started henna pop ups in Philly to represent her Pakistani heritage, after seeing a major lack of South Asian artists providing this medium in the city. She believes it’s important to use natural henna paste and to teach people how it works, and it’s history. Adorning one self can provide so much confidence, self love, and relaxation. The art of adornments was something she was drawn to from a very young age. She was surrounded by unique jewelry, and henna at any celebration, these cultural practices have shaped her current style. Shanze loves to interact with people and encourages them to try this beautiful tradition, while supporting South Asian (or North African) artists

Delicious Greek food will be available from Traditional Greek Sweets. Homemade  Greek entrees and  desserts.  Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available. as well as a selection of beverages. 

When she isn't dancing, Amalia has a business importing quality Turkish Textiles. 25% of the sales from this event will go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.