Leandra

Leandra has been a devoted belly dancer for a remarkable ten years, embracing the art form with passion and dedication. Her favourite style is the classic oriental style, a beautiful and expressive genre that highlights the movements and cultural richness of belly dance. Drawing inspiration from the iconic golden era dancers of the 1950s, she endeavors to emulate their elegance and grace, capturing the essence of their performances while adding her personal flair. Today, Leandra is excited to present her own choreography to the enchanting song "Batwanes Beek" from Warda. This title, which translates to "I Cherish Your Presence," perfectly encapsulates the emotions she aims to convey through her dance.

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.

Victoria

Victoria is an award-winning dancer based in London who has been dancing for over a decade. For this edition of Belly Quarter she will be straying from her usual oriental and folklore to experiment with fusion. She also occasionally writes short fiction, and a couple of her short stories have been published or placed highly in writing competitions. She is genre agnostic and has written literary, romantic, historical, and weird fiction but today's reading is of course dance-themed!

Flavia

Flavia, our resident dancer, hails from Venezuela and has been an integral part of the Belly Quarter since its inception. With a passion for dance that shines through every performance, she has captivated audiences across Europe, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. Her talent and dedication not only elevate the art of belly dancing but also inspire those around her. We feel incredibly fortunate to have Flavia as a cherished member of our team, bringing her unique flair and vibrant energy to every show. Her journey is a testament to her hard work and commitment, making her an invaluable asset to our community and a celebrated artist on the stage.

Desert Diamonds

Desert Diamond travelled far and wide to grace us with their performance in London. Desert Diamond doesn't just perform; they invite their audience into a world where music knows no borders, a place where rhythms pulse like the heartbeat of the earth itself. Each member of Desert Diamond shines in their own right, yet it is their harmony, their collective rhythm, that truly captivates. The melodies build and swell, creating an immersive atmosphere that envelops the audience, leaving no soul untouched.

Sherrie

Sherrie has been learning belly dance for the last six years, training with several renowned dance schools across London. She has a special love for dancing with props. In this performance, she will dance with silk veils in an elegant choreography by Fleur Estelle, set to Wahde which means “alone” in Arabic by Armen Kusikian

Fyra Velvette (Anastasia)

In the vibrant world of dance, where movement becomes a language of its own, there exists a powerful nexus of creativity, expression, and community. Leading this charge is Fyra Velvette (Anastasia), the founder and director of BAW Dance Group. With her unwavering dedication, she has carved out a unique space that prioritizes safety, empowerment, and emotional sharing. BAW Dance aka Bad Ass Women Dance is not just a collective of dancers; it is a sanctuary where individuals can explore their feelings and break through mental and physical barriers through the art of dance. Today’s performance is not merely an exhibition of talent; it is an invitation to feel, to connect, and to dance with abandon. Performing with singer Sinta, this piece is a prayer form two women who are united by their mixed heritage and cultures. Sinta and Fyra Velvette were inspired together ater listening to this adaptation of Sabri Aleel which includes elements of italian traditional pizzica dance and belly dance. Sinta has been part of numerous choirs and singing competitions in Greece and the UK. Together they will share a piece of their hearts with you.

Rosie

After training in a variety of dance styles through her life, Rosie found her passion for the art of belly dance and is training to master some classic styles that are new to her. She has recently been training with props and for this show, you will see Rosie perform a colourful oriental veil piece and an exciting Saidi choreography.

Salimpour Collective

The Salimpour Collective UK embodies the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation in the world of belly dance. Rooted in the renowned Salimpour School of Dance founded by the legendary Jamila Salimpour and continued by her daughter Suhaila Salimpour, the collective represents a legacy of excellence and innovation in belly dance education.

Composed of talented dancers trained in the Salimpour methodology, the ensemble showcases the intricate choreographies, expressive movements, and cultural richness of belly dance. Drawing inspiration from the SWANA dance forms and culture, while incorporating contemporary elements, the collective captivates audiences with its mesmerizing performances that reflect both the heritage and evolution of belly dance.

As ambassadors of the Salimpour legacy, the ensemble continues to push the boundaries of belly dance, while honoring the traditions of this ancient art form. With each performance, the Salimpour Collective UK invites audiences on a transformative journey, celebrating the beauty, power, and cultural significance of belly dance.

Anjanie

Anjanie is a highly regarded artist and instructor and has been studying dance since the age of 6. 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 leads Undulate Dance school, teaching regular classes in Lewisham.