Warda is a choreographer, instructor, and performer of oriental dance and folklore styles with 13 years of experience. She has organized over 15 international events and excursions to the Middle East, making her a key figure in Bulgaria's belly dance events. With performance experience in both Bulgaria and Egypt, she is deeply connected to Oriental culture, speaks Arabic, and offers workshops across the world. In 2017, Warda launched the international festival HEZZ YA WEZZ in Sofia. She established her dance school in 2018 and has taught and judged at various international festivals. In 2021, she fulfilled her dream of teaching at Egyptian festivals, and in 2022, she performed in Egypt and appeared in a music video for Mahmoud El Esseily.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Studying the Arabic language, and different dialects of Arabic

- Does age make difference in belly dance career

- How folklore dances are different from oriental

- Most important qualities the event organizer must have

- Warda’s experience of living and working in Egypt

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Warda on Instagram, FB, YouTube, 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

Roula Said is a multifaceted artist of Palestinian heritage based in Toronto, Canada. She is a singer, dancer, musician, actor, and poet, renowned for her distinctive contributions to the world and fusion music scenes. As an Arabic musician, Roula sings and plays the qanun. One of her notable projects is "Om Laila: Bellydance for Body and Soul," a holistic system for bellydance instruction. After more than 30 years of teaching Middle Eastern dance, she has distilled her extensive experience into a suite of offerings rooted in tradition and focused on what she calls Embodied Soul Attunement.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Incredible story of the universe guided Roula to the world of belly dance

- Dealing with constant pain during dancing activities

- Healing trauma and blocks through belly dance

- The concept of movement embodiment and seven waves

- How to find joy during dark times

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Roula Said on Instagram, FB, and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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

Brenda, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, discovered her passion for dance at age 3, mastering Italian and Argentinian folklore, Salsa, Tango, Jazz, and later Raks Sharki. At 17, she starred at the prestigious "Al Shark" restaurant in Argentina for five years. After earning her Oriental Dance Professor Certification from Amir Thaleb’s School, Brenda's popularity soared, leading to TV appearances and international teaching engagements. In 2014, she was chosen for the Egyptian TV show "Al Rakesa." Her success in the Middle East prompted her move to Egypt, where she performed in top venues and appeared in movies and music videos. Since 2018, Brenda has released her own bellydance music. In 2022, she published "Belly Dance in Cairo," a guide for dancers and those wanting to live in Egypt. Currently, Brenda continues teaching and performing at major festivals, living between Italy and Egypt.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Brenda’s decision to change her lifestyle in Cairo

- Her move to Italy and how she continues her career in Egypt

- Health and nutrition tips

- The difference between teaching and performing activities

- Brenda’s current dreams and aspirations

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Brenda on Instagram, FB, and Youtube, and website.

Previous interview with Brenda:

Ep 34. Brenda: Building Dance Career in Cairo Without a Manager

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

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