Maya Youssef is a multi-award-winning composer and qanun virtuoso, acclaimed by the BBC as the "Queen of the Qanun." Recognized as the world’s leading mentor in Maqam and Taqsim, she has spent over a decade guiding hundreds of Arabic music enthusiasts and dancers in deeply understanding and embodying Arabic music — without relying on dry theory or vague clichés. Maya offers practical, dancer-friendly insights into recognizing Maqam by ear, understanding the true structure of Taqsim, and interpreting the emotional dynamics in the works of legends like Umm Kulthum and Farid al-Atrash. She is currently preparing a free "Maqam for Dancers Challenge" to help dancers forge a meaningful connection with Arabic music through embodied experience.

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is Maqam

• Nine most commonly used Maqamat, and how they “behave”

• The structure and rules of Taksim improvisation

• How to predict Tarab moment

• Why is it important for dancers to learn about Maqam and Taqsim

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Ojasvi Verma is an accomplished Indian dancer, content creator, and entrepreneur whose journey began on YouTube in 2016, growing to an audience of over 800K subscribers and nearly 1 million Instagram followers. Trained in a variety of dance forms including Bharatnatyam, Waacking, Jazz, Salsa, and Belly Dance, Ojasvi has developed a unique fusion style blending Oriental Belly Dancewith other genres. She has taught over 3,500 students worldwide through her online and offline classes. Alongside her creative work, Ojasvi launched "Ojasvi’s Bellydance Closet," a costume line designed to offer affordable and elegant dance wear for performers. Recognized for her influence both on stage and social media, she has performed at prestigious events including TEDx, Mumbai Hafla, and shows for UNICEF, and has been featured in numerous media outlets and awarded for her contributions to dance and digital artistry.

In this episode you will learn about:

• How belly dance helped Ojasvi to stay dance-active and recover from the knee injury

• Taking it slow with your training, and benefits of focusing on the beginners moves for a long time

• Stereotypes surrounding belly dance in India

• Developing unique fusion style, including Ojasvi’s signature back moves

• Taking a decision to put on hold a super successful dance wear business in order to find fulfilling balance in life

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Raïssa Leï is a multifaceted individual celebrated for her creative and cultural contributions. She is an advocate for the warrior spirit of Amazigh women, reflecting her dedication to preserving and promoting Amazigh heritage and values. Her work often highlights themes of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. Raïssa is featured in interviews and podcasts that explore her journey and the impact of her advocacy on empowering women and communities. Raïssa is renowned for blending traditional North African tribal dances with modern styles like hip-hop and Waacking, creating a unique fusion that celebrates Amazigh heritage while embracing contemporary artistry. She directs the Kif-Kif Bledi troupe, showcasing her leadership in promoting North African culture. Through her art and public engagements, Raïssa actively challenges stereotypes and colonial erasure, using dance as a medium to reclaim and celebrate Amazigh identity.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The Amazigh culture in Moroccan landscape

• Stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Amazigh community

• Quitting a “regular” job to focus full time on activism and spreading awareness about the Amazigh culture

• How fragile the copyright protection of the intellectual property of a choreographer is

• Dealing with random people and organizations using your photos for commercial purposes

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Mar is an Egyptian American woman and source dancer based in Los Angeles who founded Move And Radiate Inc. (M.A.R.). She created M.A.R. to provide a safe and non-judgmental space that steers away from competition & perfectionism. Mar’s classes are a home away from home to many MENA women & a new home to women who are excited to embrace the Egyptian culture. Her work includes empowering & uplifting women from her community and abroad to step into their power, connect with their bodies & heal from within. Her deep passion for her vibrant culture inspires her to educate and build confidence amongst women through the art of belly dance. She aims to restore confidence, boldness, strength, and unity amongst women. M.A.R. is now a national & global name w/ students taking classes from all over the country & world. Mar’s mission can be seen in & through her dance company. As Mar likes to say, “It’s bigger than belly dance.” She strives to spread love & she welcomes all women into this space!

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is limiting your potential

• Vanessa’s decision to stay in the USA

• Learning at look at a bigger picture

• How to deal with criticism, rejection and self-doubt

• Mentorship program “Trasform”

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Ansuya is an award-winning belly dancer, instructor, and pioneer in online belly dance education. Raised in the artistic world of American Cabaret Bellydance by her mother, Jenaeni Rathor, Ansuya began performing at the age of four and went on to become a three-time Golden Belly Award winner, a Bellydance Superstars member, and a sought-after performer in Hollywood and international theaters. Her career spans television appearances, music videos, choreography for film, and collaborations with celebrities. Known for her expressive, fusion-based style, she integrates yoga and sensual empowerment into her teachings. Today, she continues to inspire dancers worldwide through her online training programs and certifications.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Being a daughter of a belly dancer, and learning her first choreo at 4 years old

• Treating props as spirits

• Ansuya’s experience with Belly Dance Superstars

• Belly dance as a tool to release stress, or a source of stress

• Pushing the acceptable boundaries of exploring sensuality and sexuality through dance

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Aliah is a renowned professional belly dance artist, international teacher, and judge. With a career spanning over a decade, Aliah has performed and taught in numerous countries including China, Switzerland, Norway, France, and many more. She is the founder of the Aliah Bellydance fashion brand and choreographer of the Aliah Oriental Dance Studio in Warsaw. Aliah has a rich background in competitions, having won several awards, and her students have achieved notable success in Belarus, Poland and beyond. Since 2015, she has been based in Warsaw, where she continues to inspire and educate through her classes and the Dance Weekend in Warsaw festival.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Aliah’s experience on TV project

• Building successful school in Poland

• When and why to start participating in competitions as a beginner

• Combining international travels with teaching locally

• Managing two festivals

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Marlene Tafle is an Argentine dancer specializing in Raqs Sharqi, with a profound passion for Egyptian culture. She began her dance journey at the age of 13 and earned her teaching degree from the Maiada Arabic Dance Academy in 2011. In 2014, Marlene opened her dance studio, Helwa, in Buenos Aires, which became Helwa Online in 2020. Over six years, she taught hundreds of students and organized numerous events. With over a decade of teaching experience, she employs a student-centered methodology that fosters personal growth and emotional connection through music. Marlene has performed extensively in solo shows and with live orchestras, and she has trained with international masters. In 2022, she moved to Cairo to work as a freelance dancer and has since collaborated with Mohamed Shahin's team on various events. Currently back in Argentina, Marlene continues to inspire and grow the local and international dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Empowering yourself to move towards your goals

• Marlene’s first trip to Egypt

• Taking the leap to open a studio, and then eventually closing it

• Comparing performance experience in Egypt, Emirates and Tunisia

• Organizing events in Egypt vs Argentina

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Vanessa of Cairo is an international performer, award-winning choreographer, and instructor specializing in Egyptian dance and folklore. A native Texan with a BFA in ballet, she honed her craft in New York City, studying with Broadway legends before moving to Egypt in 2008. As the first American woman to own a production company there, she performed and produced shows in Sharm El Sheikh and held a 30-month residency at Cairo's Sofitel El Gezirah. Vanessa has taught, performed, and judged competitions worldwide and is now the Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company in Minneapolis, continuing to inspire students through classes, workshops, and her mentorship program, "Transform."

In this episode you will learn about:

• What is limiting your potential

• Vanessa’s decision to stay in the USA

• Learning at look at a bigger picture

• How to deal with criticism, rejection and self-doubt

• Mentorship program “Trasform”

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Veronika Shulkevich is a renowned Ukrainian belly dancer, choreographer, and educator from Odessa, celebrated for her contributions to oriental dance. Beginning her dance journey at a young age, she gained international recognition by winning numerous competitions and teaching at prestigious festivals like Ahlan Wa Sahlan in Egypt. As the founder of VEROSHDANCE, she trains aspiring dancers and conducts workshops all over the world, blending traditional and contemporary styles in her performances.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Teaching dance classes in Ukraine during the war time

• Managing her own clothing brand

• Working with professional models

• Tips for improvisation & improving musicality

• Veronika’s routine before going on stage

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Acia Legras comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts, having started her artistic career at a young age with the Folkloric Troupe of Réunion, which was directed by her family. This involvement allowed her to learn traditional dances like Séga and Maloya, as well as gain experience in various musical instruments native to her island. Her family's influence played a crucial role in shaping her passion for dance, particularly when she was introduced to authentic Egyptian folklore at just seven years old, sparking her lifelong dedication to belly dancing.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Childhood years in artistic family

• Touring and rehearsing shows vs attending regular school

• Finding passion with Egyptian dance

• Teaching postpartum dance classes

• Sharing her passion to dance with her own daughter and students.

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Cassandra Fox is a prominent Canadian belly dancer based in Ontario, Canada. She has garnered attention for her unique blend of belly dancing and Caribbean dance styles, reflecting her Jamaican heritage. Cassandra's early interest in dance led her to pursue a career that combines performance and education. She shares her passion through various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and Patreon, where she posts videos showcasing her dance routines and offers tutorials on dance techniques and costume making. In addition to her dance career, Cassandra is known for her work as a costume maker, further enhancing her artistic expression in performances. Her vibrant dance style and engaging content have helped her build a significant following within the dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Online boom during lockdown times

• Separating your dance activities from your self-identity

• Difficulties during a post-pregnancy recovery

• Dealing with a postpartum depression

• Approach to social media comments

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