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Biography
Layla’s exploration of Middle Eastern dance began in 2000. She began taking classes while attending college, and was immediately hooked! After a move to the East Coast, she decided to intensify her studies, with the intent of teaching the dance. She took extensive private lessons and group classes with Alia Thabit, Monica Caldwell (MOCA New World Dance) and other teachers. She has also taken workshops with dancers such as Katia of Boston, Sofya (Raks El Tarab), and Joe Paul Williams (The Delsarte Project), and Elena Lentini.
She began teaching in 2005, and she continues to take workshops and master classes in order to further enrich and develop her dancing. She has performed in many different venues, including cafes and restaurants, parties and celebrations, workshops, non-profit and community events, and educational seminars.
Layla’s specialty is cabaret-style belly dance. While primarily influenced by classical Egyptian-style cabaret, her studies of Turkish cabaret and folkloric styles, Saidi, and other regional variations add depth and variety to her dance. Additionally, her continuing studies of Middle Eastern history and culture, and the Arabic language, have deepened her knowledge and appreciation of the cultural context of this ancient dance form. Exploration of other dance forms, such as Orissi (an Indian Classical dance form), Bhangra, and West African Dance, have broadened her horizons as a dancer.
Oasis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe
Layla is the director and choreographer of Oasis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, a multi-generational group of women from diverse backgrounds. Oasis’s performances are intense, uplifting, and expressive, evoking the power and mystery of the feminine spirit. The troupe has performed at venues such as restaurants, cafes, non-profit events, parties, dance workshops, and community events, including First Night! Montpelier.
For more information on Oasis Middle Eastern Dance, please copy the following address into your e-mail (set for anti-spam):
oasismiddleeasterndance@gmail.com
For general information about Belly Dance or Layla and her teaching, please contact Layla by copying the following address into your email (set for anti-spam):
layladances@yahoo.com
