Gigi

Gigi is inspired by her peers in the thriving London belly dance community. Her studies have included learning from many well known schools and artists including Fleur Estelle dance school, Melissa Belly Dance, Mayel and Charlotte Desorgher. Last year, she learnt from teachers in Cairo with Belly Dance Now. In previous years, Gigi has explored other styles including Polynesian dance and more recently fusion dance as part of Diana Lunae's troop Hecate's Spells.

She previously coordinated Shimmy & Share student meet-ups to create a space to informally connect and share our love for this art!

She has completed teacher's training with Melissa Belly Dance and runs 'introduction to belly dance workshops' on occasion in a variety of settings - to help grow our beautiful community.

She enjoys performing in community & Arts settings especially and is honoured to dance at this event today - where she will be sharing a modern oriental piece to 'Arabia' by the stunning Lebanese electronic violinist Hanine El Alam.

About the performance :

Here are some words from Hanine the composer herself about what she tries to achieve in her music and this particular track as 'modern' oriental - balancing tradition with innovation:

She [Hanine] firmly believes that very little can hope to compete with oriental beats, her mission was to prove to her audience that while she-as an international arabic violinist- embraces diversity in music, she owes it to her own knowledge of oriental music to ensure arabic tunes prevail when pit against western beats.

And while the arabic violin has, for times immemorial, been associated with forlornness and relatively sombre thoughts, she sought to alter it and put an end to the stereotype by creating livelier, happier beats that it may appeal to different audiences.

PROJE: DANS

Arletta, Ayşe, Carol, Hulya, Kus, Laura, and Michelle from London. This awesome group of dancers are studying with Tev in her PROJE: DANS course at The Place every Tuesday. Tonight, they showcase their feminine awesomeness with an upbeat fan veil, sword and trending song medley.

Choreography by Tev.

Hecates Spell Fusion

Hecate’s Spell was born from the desire of Diana Lunae to reunite women dancers passionate about fusion, ethnical and spiritual dance, directed and choreographed by herself, Hecate's Spell incorporates essentially Diana’s Style built over the years where reflects renown dance teachers as Melissa Belly dance, Zoe Jakes, Alexis Southall and Valenteena Ianni with who Diana has been learning over the past years.

Tonight we have on stage: Diana, Sile, Savita, Eugenia and Ana.

Anjanie

Anjanie is a highly regarded artist, performer and instructor and has been studying dance since the age of 6. She started Belly Dance in 2011. She is the Salimpour School’s licensed instructor for the UK and leads the Salimpour Collective UK. She has toured with Bal Anat, the longest running belly dance show. In 2023 she organised a fundraising show for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria. Anjanie has taught at some of London’s most prestigious dance studios. She regularly performs in festivals and shows at home and abroad. She teaches regular classes in Lewisham.

About The Performance:

The pieces evoke the thrill and drama of Belly Dance in the 1970s, set to a sweeping orchestral composition by Ahmed Fouad Hassan.

Akanksha

Akanksha is originally from India and started her belly dancing journey 7 years ago in Hong Kong with Oasis Dance Centre. She then actively took up learning dance and committed to it under the guidance of Master Anna Lam, founder of Annasaba Dance & Performance Academy in Hong Kong, completing her Choreography and Teacher Training Certification. For Akanksha, dance is an integral part of life which brings happiness and celebrates feminine energy. She is now continuing her bellydance journey in London, growing and learning from the inspiring community here.

Diana Lunae

Diana Lunae is a London based Fusion Belly dancer and international performer who is the director and choreographer of Hecates Spell Fusion Dance Coven. Pulling together the four elements of fire, earth, air and water, Diana's signature contemplates the feminine power and energy. Uniting women and connectivity with inner nature and divine magic of the universe to bring a powerful, yet ethereal and fluid performance.

Jenny & Kim

Jenny and Kim, are two passionate dancers brought together by their love of movement - and they are excited to collaborate as a dynamic duo! After being dance sisters in Melissa Bellydance’s renowned Mahira troupe and performing in various groups together for years, they are excited to showcase their unique fusion.

Jenny's dance experience started with traditional raqs sharqi bellydance before discovering fusion styles including modern and tribal fusion. Her passion for dance has since evolved to include commercial and heels styles, infusing a bold, energetic flair to her performance.

Kim’s rich dance journey began in New York as a student in Chinese silk ribbons, fans and silk veil dances, before training in Egyptian bellydance, tribal fusion, modern, and K Pop. Reflecting a unique blend of styles, Kim’s choreographies aim to tell a story with each movement. Kim runs the budding Novaforma Dance community, designed to support the Fusion Bellydance community with curated classes, workshops and shows.

Together, they’ve crafted a fun Modern Fusion performance, drawing inspiration from across their dance journey! Don't miss this engaging collaboration.

Edina

Edina is a London-based fusion dancer who discovered this style over eight years ago. Since then, she has studied with a number of teachers and performed in multiple group choreographies. This time, she is bringing to stage her solo choreography.

Edina’s fusion piece ‘Smoke’ tells the story of a spirit-being who, after centuries of drought, is awakened by rain and regains her elemental power. The piece explores and plays with musicality. It reflects Edina’s passion for music and her belief in the empowering nature of dance.

Kus

Kus is a Sri Lankan Kiwi, who started her belly dance journey in New Zealand. She has been dancing for about 7 years. Since moving to London she has had the privilege of learning from some amazing teachers like Maelle, Tevec and Sureya. She is currently a student of Charlotte Desorgher's. She'll be dancing to Mahasin Essodaf by Hossam Ramzy.

Barbara

Bárbara is a seasoned Portuguese bellydancer based in Worthing, UK, known for her dynamic yet graceful style cultivated over the last 18 years. Her training under international master teachers and tenure with the Arabesk Troupe have honed her expertise in Drum solos, Classic, and Fusion styles. Recently, she's seamlessly integrated Bachata into her repertoire, infusing her performances with a distinctive flair. Bárbara is also sharing her art in regular bellydance classes in Brighton & Hove. Bárbara is presenting a beautiful and majestic choreography by Diana Gabriella.

StarVeil Nexus

StarVeil Nexus are a vibrant group of Advanced students each of whose journey has been enriched by learning with various other teachers before finding each other several years ago in Nafiseh’s class.

Every rehearsal is filled with laughter, encouragement, and a shared commitment to growth, creating a bond that transcends age and experience.

Together, they weave a dynamic, harmonious performance that celebrates individuality and community alike.

Marina

Marina is a passionate and accomplished bellydance performer and teacher, whose journey of creativity and self-expression began almost 20 years ago as a simple hobby. For over a decade, she was a member of the renowned Russian ensemble Bellyrina, acclaimed for its spectacular shows and victories in prestigious international contests in Russia and Barcelona.

This time, Marina will present an absorbing fusion performance, blending the rich influences of Hispanic and Arabic cultures. The choreography, crafted by her current mentor and teacher Yulia Gelver, promises to leave a lasting impression.

Coco

Coco is a dedicated belly dancer who specialises in Chinese fusion. She usually takes a story from Chinese culture and creates her own choreography. Tonight she will be dancing in a Chinese cheongsam with the music from a classic romantic HK film In the Mood for Love. Cheongsam is also known as qipao or mandarin gown, originated in the last dynasty of old China. It is a type of slim fit dress with a tight collar, knot buttons and high slits, either with or without sleeves. Cheongsam can show off women's curves and elegance, and is coming back to fashion among young Chinese ladies.

Carrin

Carrin, our poster girl for this edition of Belly Quarter, has captivated us with her extraordinary talent. Hailing from Hong Kong, she made the journey from Birmingham to grace our stage with a mesmerizing veil dance. With eight years of dedicated belly dancing experience under her belt, Carrin has honed her skills as a student of the renowned Maggie Wong at Maggie Oriental Hong Kong. Her passion and commitment to the art form shine through in every movement, enchanting the audience and bringing a unique blend of cultural richness and elegance to her performance. We are thrilled to have her as part of our event, celebrating the artistry and beauty of belly dancing.

Flavia

Flavia, a passionate dancer from Venezuela, brings her love for belly dance to the stage tonight. With her vibrant energy and remarkable talent, she has captivated audiences in festivals across Europe. As the lights dim and the music starts, Flavia takes centre stage, ready to mesmerize you with an exhilarating drum solo. Her graceful movements and intricate footwork transport you to a world filled with rhythm and enchantment. With each beat of the drum, she effortlessly blends technique and emotion, showcasing her years of dedication and training. Flavia's performance tonight promises to be an unforgettable experience, leaving you in awe of her skill and passion for the art of dance.