Ansuya

Kaeshi Chai

One of her greatest joys in life is sharing her love for bellydance with others by teaching.  Kaeshi considers herself an eternal student and regularly attends as many workshops and classes as she possibly can to ensure she is well-rooted in traditional bellydance as well as keeping abreast of the latest trends in this ever-evolving yet timeless art form. She is also trained in fitness to ensure that students thrive in a safe and supportive class environment.

Kaeshi has performed and taught all over the world including the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Carribean, Morocco, Bali, Australia, South America and throughout Asia. In 2002, she performed 5 shows a day to live Arabic music at Aladdin's Desert Passage in Las Vegas. In 2003-2004, she was part of the first professional touring bellydance company in the world, the Bellydance Superstars, and held the position of dance captain for the 2004 US & Canadian Spring Tour.

 (Source: http://www.kaeshi.com)

Miguel Crespo

Miguel Crespo is a lifelong 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) and 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.

(Source:  http://www.bellydancemasters.com)

(Source:  http://www.sadiebellydancer.com)

“Her energy is contagious and her work is inspirational”, Lorena.  Regarded by many dancers as a great inspiration, she has been extremely influential in creating competition winners, and stunning performers worldwide.  She is the founder of C.O.M.E. Dance & Rakstar Productions as well as the director/ choreographer for Virginia’s Wa Nour Al Ayun professional performing company. Rakstar is an annual long weekend event with the Oriental Dance Communities greatest legends, and brightest stars all converging on the glorious beaches of Miami for an unforgettable weekend of workshops, performances and an International Bellydance Competition.

 (Source:  Bellydance By Virginia.com)

Faisal Zedan

Master percussionist, Faisal Zedan, showcases the elements of an Arabic virtuoso drummer - impeccable technique, combined with an inherent understanding of the complexities of Middle Eastern musical structure.  From the classical Muwashahat style, to folkloric or fusion genres, Faisal's unique and graceful approach blends thousands of years of tradition with a contemporary touch.

2009 saw the birth of Aiyal.  Under the direction of Faisal, Aiyal features prominent local musicians, Nazir Latouf, Husain Resan, Laurie Eisler, TerriAnne and Susu Pampanin.  The group preserves and performs diverse genres of traditional music and dance from the Arab world.

(Source: http://http://www.amirsofi.com/#!biography)

Bozenka

Ava Fleming

Amir Sofi

Amir Sofi comes to us from the historic Mediterranean seaport of Haifa, One of the largest cities in the Middle East Now an accomplished, respected musician who has traveled the world as a master of his craft, playing the Ancient Arabic Tabla, Amir has devoted his life to this versatile and powerful percussion instrument, affording him a rich and exciting career.

Career highlights include; performing with Sting and Cheb Mami at the 2001 Super Bowl to an audience of 200 million, stage and studio collaborations with (Mansour, Andy, Shani, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton ...) the finest Middle-Eastern and Western artists. featured soundtrack recordings on (Spy games, The halk , Scorpion King, The Keeper, 10 commandments ...) as well as accompanying the worlds best belly dance; (Jillina, Aziza, Sadie, Tamra Henna...). These are just some of the accomplishments that Amir has so far enjoyed.

The tabla was the perfect instrument to focus his youthful energies, demanding both the dynamic abilities and learned respect that he sought and now possesses. By 15, Amir had not only assembled his own band, he was enjoying performing at local events and parties in his hometown. At 18 his abilities, no longer overshadowed by his youth, took him to Cairo, Egypt, to study at the prestigious "Conservatory of Music" while performing nightly with the finest musicians and dancers in the land. Upon graduation Amir returned to his native shore but was far from slowing down. Now 19 years old he became the youngest member of the number one band at the time "Dream", lead by the talented Zoohar Prancise. Amir's gift of skill and dedication were recognized as timeless by his fellow band members that were nearly twice his age. Things were moving fast, Dream was touring and Amir found time to collaborate with other well established bands plus regular performances on the most popular television shows broadcast throughout The Middle East. Amir enjoyed his first opportunity to travel with "Dream" on a 2 year tour throughout The Middle East, Europe, America and Canada.

Upon returning to America to release "Millennium" Amir had the strong desire to give back to the world. The platform he chose was through the beautiful collaborations with many talented belly dancers by educating and inspiring new talent through his touring workshops. Focusing on the connection between dancer and drummer, building respect and greater understanding for one another's art form.

Continuing his artistic mission, Amir Produced his most recent Albums Amir Sofis Guide to Middle Eastern Rhythms (Volume 1 & 2) to help audiens identify and become familiar with rhythms of the Arab world and beyond. Amir teaches the counts, plays the rhythms, and gives examples of how some of these rhythms sound as part of a musical arrangement. This is an essential tool for any dancer or musician.

(Source: http://http://www.amirsofi.com/#!biography)