Ep 108. Sara Al-Hadithi: About Popularization of Iraqi Dance

belly dance life podcast

After relocating from the UK to the USA, Sara Al-Hadithi got involved in the Middle-Eastern dance world and discovered an interest in Iraqi dance that has swept through the bellydance community. As an Iraqi, this area of performance was very surprising and personal to her, not just as a performer, but also as the daughter of one of Iraq's most well-known and respected vocalist and authority on Iraqi folklore. After partnering with dancer Uza of NYC, the collaboration of the Court of Morjana was born, the first English-language website dedicated to all subjects relating to Iraqi dance. Also, Sara has founded Autism Care Los Angeles (ACLA) to address the difficulty and frustration many families experience when seeking caregivers for family members living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

In this episode you will learn about:

  • Being the daughter of a well-known artist, and experiencing resistance from society and family towards her own artistic dreams

  • The female role in Iraqi culture and society, and why Sara was surprised to discover dancers interest in Iraqi dance

  • Navigating life, motherhood, autism diagnosis and an artist’s path

  • Finding support in the belly dance community

  • Why Sara refused to actively teach dance classes, and how she found a way to contribute to dance education in the most authentic way for her

Show Notes to this episode:

Thank you for your support via Iana Dance Club: www.ianadanceCLUB.com.

Follow Sara Al-Hadithi on FB, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Bellydance Evolution and information about their BDEmpower program at www.BellydanceEvolution.com.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast