2012 BELLY DANCE MASTERS
August 9-12 - Orlando, Florida
Doubletree by Hilton at Sea World - Orlando in the fantastic Ocean's Ballroom!
August 9 - 7 p.m. - STELLAR PRO CHALLENGE USA
August 10-11 - 8 p.m. - "Bellies for Babies" Gala Shows and Silent Auctions benefitting Formula One Life.
August 10-12 - Intensive workshops with outstanding instructors!
Read about them and see them in action in our 2012 Faculty Section below!
Get information to register for 2012 Belly Dance Masters here!
Register for the 2012 Stellar Pro Challenge USA here!
Click on MORE on the menu bar to get all the information including the schedule and description of all classes which you can find HERE.
OUR 2012 FACULTY
NESMA AL-ANDALUS of Spain, lived in Cairo 1993–1998, where she obtained her extensive knowledge of Oriental dance and Egyptian folklore. During this time she performed as a soloist with her own orchestra in over 3,500 shows on the most prestigious stages in Cairo.
She was very fortunate to establish a wonderful relationship with Mamoud Reda which continues to this day and she was also able to broaden her artistic career in the Egyptian Reda Troupe. Since 1998 she has danced and taught around the world. She has also developed her own school and dance company in Madrid: Al-Andalus Danza.
Along with her dance company, Nesma also has established a company representing a great line of authentic music and dvds which cover work she has developed and music and dance she admires, most importantly the work of her mentor and teacher, Mamoud Reda. She also presents a major festival Raks Madrid yearly in July in the grand city of Madrid, Spain hosting the Operas of Cairo and Alexandria and other fantastic artists of Egyptian, Orientale, Folkloric and Flamenco fame.
In July of 2011, she was invited to return to Egypt and perform as a soloist with some of the best orchestras on the Nile Maxim in Cairo. She will continue to dance with the artists she loves and brings to Madrid every year along with managing her dance company and travelling as an International Instructor. We are delighted to welcome her to Orlando as our primary instructor for Belly Dance Masters and we hope you will join us at this great event!
She was very fortunate to establish a wonderful relationship with Mamoud Reda which continues to this day and she was also able to broaden her artistic career in the Egyptian Reda Troupe. Since 1998 she has danced and taught around the world. She has also developed her own school and dance company in Madrid: Al-Andalus Danza.
Along with her dance company, Nesma also has established a company representing a great line of authentic music and dvds which cover work she has developed and music and dance she admires, most importantly the work of her mentor and teacher, Mamoud Reda. She also presents a major festival Raks Madrid yearly in July in the grand city of Madrid, Spain hosting the Operas of Cairo and Alexandria and other fantastic artists of Egyptian, Orientale, Folkloric and Flamenco fame.
In July of 2011, she was invited to return to Egypt and perform as a soloist with some of the best orchestras on the Nile Maxim in Cairo. She will continue to dance with the artists she loves and brings to Madrid every year along with managing her dance company and travelling as an International Instructor. We are delighted to welcome her to Orlando as our primary instructor for Belly Dance Masters and we hope you will join us at this great event!
ANDREA VARGAS of Costa Rica began her dance studies at the National University of Heredia in 1995. She spent two years studying at the School of Performing Arts and four years at the School of Modern Dance. During these years she worked as a teacher of modern dance at several schools, private academies in the "MargaritaEsquivel" at the National University also danced with the dance theater group "Speculum Mundi" under the direction of Nandayure Harley.
In 2000, she was hired by the National Dance Company for three consecutive years, under the direction of FranciscoCenteno. During this period, she also danced with the independent dance group "Insight Dance" directed by Henrriette Bourbon. In January 2003 the Company obtained a place in A Dance Chamber and in June the same year she received a scholarship from ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) to study classical dance of India in New Delhi from 2003 to 2007. In May 2007 she obtained her Diploma in Kathak dance from the National Institute of Kathak, "Kathak Kendra" with Guri Krishan Mohan Misra, also she participated in numerous workshops with the most important exponent of this dance, Master Birju Maharaj. From 2005 to March 2009 studied Odissi dance at the Odissi Academy in New Delhi with Guru Kavita Dwibedi.
Though Andrea Vargas is not an Oriental Belly Dancer, her mastery of Classical Indian Dance and her Contemporary Dance Skills are phenomenal! She will make an amazing contribution to the serious students of Belly Dance Masters!
In 2000, she was hired by the National Dance Company for three consecutive years, under the direction of FranciscoCenteno. During this period, she also danced with the independent dance group "Insight Dance" directed by Henrriette Bourbon. In January 2003 the Company obtained a place in A Dance Chamber and in June the same year she received a scholarship from ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) to study classical dance of India in New Delhi from 2003 to 2007. In May 2007 she obtained her Diploma in Kathak dance from the National Institute of Kathak, "Kathak Kendra" with Guri Krishan Mohan Misra, also she participated in numerous workshops with the most important exponent of this dance, Master Birju Maharaj. From 2005 to March 2009 studied Odissi dance at the Odissi Academy in New Delhi with Guru Kavita Dwibedi.
Though Andrea Vargas is not an Oriental Belly Dancer, her mastery of Classical Indian Dance and her Contemporary Dance Skills are phenomenal! She will make an amazing contribution to the serious students of Belly Dance Masters!
MIA SHA'URI of Puerto Rico is an incredible rising star and the ultimate example of passionate dedication. In her early 20’s, she is already a multi-award winning performing artist holding these noteworthy titles:
As an instructor, her maturity exceeds her years and her desire to participate in the growth of her students is immediately evident. As a performer, her musicality and unique artistic interpretation are her signature. Her dynamic stage presence makes her a crowd favorite and a shooting star to watch!
Learn more about Mia Sha'uri of Puerto Rico here!
- Belly Dancer of the Universe 2008
- Double Crown Gypsy Stylist 2008
- Yaa Halla, Yall People's Choice Solo Cabaret Professional Star 2008 and 2009
- Belly Dancer of the Year 2010
As an instructor, her maturity exceeds her years and her desire to participate in the growth of her students is immediately evident. As a performer, her musicality and unique artistic interpretation are her signature. Her dynamic stage presence makes her a crowd favorite and a shooting star to watch!
Learn more about Mia Sha'uri of Puerto Rico here!
KAREN BARBEE of Texas began studying Belly Dance at the age of 10. Over three decades later, Karen has developed a teaching methodology for this ancient dance form based on technical precision, soulful innovation, and cultural respect.
Having begun her study of Belly Dance during the 1970’s, a period of limited explanations, she developed her own. Her background in Systems Analysis enables her to analyze movement, decompose that movement, and explain it to others in a logical way. Karen’s years of teaching have enabled her to hone her teaching skills and develop a strong philosophy and curriculum, which have evolved into progressions she refers to as “From Mastery to Mystery”.
Karen operated one of the largest belly dance studios in the US. She also continues to operate Karavan Belly Dance Productions in San Antonio, Texas, as she has for 25 years. She has directed numerous staged productions of Middle Eastern Dance, studied and performed in Egypt and Lebanon, and has worked with some of the most highly acclaimed musicians in the business. In addition, she has produced several instructional DVDs and music CDs and has trained some of the world’s leading professional dancers and choreographers.
Learn more about Karen Barbee here!
Register for awesome online classes here!
Having begun her study of Belly Dance during the 1970’s, a period of limited explanations, she developed her own. Her background in Systems Analysis enables her to analyze movement, decompose that movement, and explain it to others in a logical way. Karen’s years of teaching have enabled her to hone her teaching skills and develop a strong philosophy and curriculum, which have evolved into progressions she refers to as “From Mastery to Mystery”.
Karen operated one of the largest belly dance studios in the US. She also continues to operate Karavan Belly Dance Productions in San Antonio, Texas, as she has for 25 years. She has directed numerous staged productions of Middle Eastern Dance, studied and performed in Egypt and Lebanon, and has worked with some of the most highly acclaimed musicians in the business. In addition, she has produced several instructional DVDs and music CDs and has trained some of the world’s leading professional dancers and choreographers.
Learn more about Karen Barbee here!
Register for awesome online classes here!
SILVIA SALAMANCA of Spain/TX. was a University graduate at the age of nineteen with a major in ballet and went on to perform professionally as a feature modern dance artist in major European Festivals and Events with the Contemporary Dance Company of the University of Barcelona. She started her career as a belly dancer in 2001 because she realized the enormous benefits that this art form brings to women in both body and soul. In her own studio, she continues to observe and help women get closer to their personal identity at a new level by increasing self-esteem, and getting deeply in touch with their feminine essence through dance.
As a natural evolution, Silvia discovered tribal fusion in the USA and has developed her own unique style through deep historical and cultural research into her own Spanish Gypsy and Arabic roots. Now she is known for her passionate and magnetic personality which shines through in her exciting stage style and inspirational programs in the field of Zambra Mora (spanish gypsy-oriental dance fusion). Originally from Mallorca, Spain, Sylvia Salamanca continues to gain international recognition. Currently she is a featured guest artist and popular instructor at major festivals world-wide.
In order to reach as many students as possible, Silvia is proud to present 2 instructional Zambra Mora DVDs. Silvia is also the director of Shunyata Belly Dance, a nationally awarded tribal fusion company and a proud member of Urban Gypsy, Houston's premiere ATS troupe. Silvia's activities are based in Houston, and there you can find her performing regularly in a variety of venues, including the House of Blues, and offering regular classes.
Learn more about Silvia Salamanca of Palma de Mallorca, now Texas, here!
As a natural evolution, Silvia discovered tribal fusion in the USA and has developed her own unique style through deep historical and cultural research into her own Spanish Gypsy and Arabic roots. Now she is known for her passionate and magnetic personality which shines through in her exciting stage style and inspirational programs in the field of Zambra Mora (spanish gypsy-oriental dance fusion). Originally from Mallorca, Spain, Sylvia Salamanca continues to gain international recognition. Currently she is a featured guest artist and popular instructor at major festivals world-wide.
In order to reach as many students as possible, Silvia is proud to present 2 instructional Zambra Mora DVDs. Silvia is also the director of Shunyata Belly Dance, a nationally awarded tribal fusion company and a proud member of Urban Gypsy, Houston's premiere ATS troupe. Silvia's activities are based in Houston, and there you can find her performing regularly in a variety of venues, including the House of Blues, and offering regular classes.
Learn more about Silvia Salamanca of Palma de Mallorca, now Texas, here!
MIGUEL CRESPO of Colombia is a percussionist with 22 years experience. He currently performs professionally in his original art of Latin music, playing different genres including Folklore, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Pop and Fusion. Over the last ten years he has developed his skills as a Middle Eastern percussionist. His main influences have been Hossam Ramzy(Egypt), Erez Monk (Israel). In 2009 Miguel participated in the "Tamburimundi Festival" in Freiburg (Germany) where he had the opportunity to study with great masters such as Murat Coskun (Turkey), David Kuckhermann (Germany), Glen Velez (USA), Sattor Fozilov (Tadjikistan), David Kuckhermann (Germany), N. Scott Robinson (USA), Shekoofeh Pariab (Iran), and many others.
Miguel is an integral part of the Bereket Association, known as the pioneers of Arabic music in Colombia, with whom he has won 4 titles in the World Music Festival, organized by the Philharmonic Orchestra and The Institute of Culture and Tourism of Bogotá. Because of his dedication to Arabic Music, Miguel Crespo has developed rhythym and percussion workshops in the main Arab dance academies Bogotá, and has accompanied national and international dancers as Amar Gamal and Karen Barbee (USA). We are very excited to bring him to 2012 Belly Dance Masters for his first USA Appearance!
Miguel is an integral part of the Bereket Association, known as the pioneers of Arabic music in Colombia, with whom he has won 4 titles in the World Music Festival, organized by the Philharmonic Orchestra and The Institute of Culture and Tourism of Bogotá. Because of his dedication to Arabic Music, Miguel Crespo has developed rhythym and percussion workshops in the main Arab dance academies Bogotá, and has accompanied national and international dancers as Amar Gamal and Karen Barbee (USA). We are very excited to bring him to 2012 Belly Dance Masters for his first USA Appearance!
By popular demand, we are bringing back DEBKA. Several students of 2011 Belly Dance Masters have raved about improved flexibility and even have reduced longstanding chronic pain from
attending and continuing to use what they learned with Debka! If we can help you be a better dancer longer and in better physical condition, what a bonus! Make it a point to attend these sessions as part of your day at 2012 Belly Dance Masters!
Debka has a masters degree in dance and movement education. She has been teaching all forms of dance for 40 years. She is a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and has worked in physical therapy clinics for 20 years. She has produced 6 instructional DVDs composed of her unique "Fluid Moves" program which are sold internationally. She worked at the 1996 Olympics with the kayak teams to help relieve their pain and improve their performance. At 62, she is super active with 3 performing belly dance troupes and instructing several Zumba classes per week due to utilizing these "Fluid Moves" designed for dancers.
To learn more about Debka, Click here.
attending and continuing to use what they learned with Debka! If we can help you be a better dancer longer and in better physical condition, what a bonus! Make it a point to attend these sessions as part of your day at 2012 Belly Dance Masters!
Debka has a masters degree in dance and movement education. She has been teaching all forms of dance for 40 years. She is a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and has worked in physical therapy clinics for 20 years. She has produced 6 instructional DVDs composed of her unique "Fluid Moves" program which are sold internationally. She worked at the 1996 Olympics with the kayak teams to help relieve their pain and improve their performance. At 62, she is super active with 3 performing belly dance troupes and instructing several Zumba classes per week due to utilizing these "Fluid Moves" designed for dancers.
To learn more about Debka, Click here.
RAFAELLA formerly known as ANAIS FATALE of Florida has been dancing since the age of 6. After experimenting with many different genres of dance, she discovered belly dance and fell in love with it instantly. From the beginning, Anaïs has been continuing to evolve her own personal dance style through her dedication to learning new techniques, styles, and props.
Currently Anais is the co-owner of a state of the art belly dance studio based in Jacksonville, FL. As an artist and entertainer, she has performed in countless venues across the nation. Anais has a passion for sharing her knowledge, and a patience for educating. She has been teaching dance arts for over 8 years and has been excited to watch many students grow from beginners to pros.
As the director of Hipfinity belly dance troupe, winners of 2011 Stellar Troupe of the Year, she has won the honor of teaching here at 2012 Belly Dance Masters! Hipfinity under the direction of Anais Fatale also won troupe honors at 2011 Rakstar!
Get information to register for 2012 Belly Dance Masters here!
Register for the 2012 Stellar Pro Challenge USA here!
See the schedule and description of classes HERE!
Currently Anais is the co-owner of a state of the art belly dance studio based in Jacksonville, FL. As an artist and entertainer, she has performed in countless venues across the nation. Anais has a passion for sharing her knowledge, and a patience for educating. She has been teaching dance arts for over 8 years and has been excited to watch many students grow from beginners to pros.
As the director of Hipfinity belly dance troupe, winners of 2011 Stellar Troupe of the Year, she has won the honor of teaching here at 2012 Belly Dance Masters! Hipfinity under the direction of Anais Fatale also won troupe honors at 2011 Rakstar!
Get information to register for 2012 Belly Dance Masters here!
Register for the 2012 Stellar Pro Challenge USA here!
See the schedule and description of classes HERE!
