Our Dancers

Amiret, meaning “princesses” in Arabic, is a trio composed of Ana, Kelly, and Ykita. Having trained together at Sahara Dance, they will bring their shared passion for dance to a captivating fan veil choreography.

Arata loves belly dance because of the beautiful music and movements. He has been learning belly dance with Yasmin, Jillina, Kalayla and at Sahara Dance in DMV since 2024. He is also a passionate Brazilian and Caribbean carnival dancer for 15 years. He performed on stages, videos and carnival-paraded many times in the US, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Trinidad and India. He is hoping to blend some of these flavors into his belly dance.

Asena has been performing and taking classes for twelve years, She loves performing in restaurants and outdoor venues. Asena's style is influenced by the cultural dances of North Africa.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, Boudica blends the mystic with the traditional to create something unexpected. Specializing in sword, dark fusion, ritual, and the Fat Chance styles of belly dance, she can be found performing in online shows or in person around the Mid-Atlantic region as a soloist, as the artistic director of Wildlight, or in the fusion duo Firefly.

Brittany Haoui is a belly dancing, book-obsessed mermaid. She studies under Sophianna, Kalayla, and Sahara Dance. Brittany blends bellydance fusion with theatrical performance, serving drama, danger, and just the right amount of attitude.

Late to the party, but making up for lost time! Founding cast member of 1001 Nights - Fractured Fairy Tales, and recent Datura 8 Elements Initiate, Cairistiona started dancing with Sahara Dance in 2014 and is privileged to name Leilah Moon as one of her primary teachers and inspirations.

To Casimira, dance is simply another way to tell a story. Movement rather than words, expressions rather than pictures. Her style is an amalgam of world dance: from American Fusion to traditional Indonesian, but her favorites are Balkan and Fusion Sword. Casimira is the founder and organizer of Raq Out Bellydance, established in 2009. Raq Out provides monthly virtual and yearly in-person haflas in College Park, MD, open to dancers of all levels.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Chrystal brings over 21 years of dance experience to the stage, with formal training in Latin and Middle Eastern dance styles. Dance has been a gift in her life, and she is grateful to share her artistry with you today.

Emily Gonzaga is an internationally recognized Oriental dancer, instructor, and cultural artist with over 30 years of experience. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she became the youngest Brazilian belly dancer to relocate professionally to the Middle East and has performed and taught internationally, preserving the rich traditions of Oriental Dance.

Faerima has been belly dancing for 20+ years and is currently a teacher at the Shakti Rising in Sterling, Virginia. She specializes in American Cabernet and Contemporary Fusion styles of belly dance and loves to create unforgettable experiences for her audience.

Farah Abi has been dancing for over two decades. She has performed as a professional dancer specializing in Egyptian style at restaurants, parties, and festivals around the DC region and beyond.Farah’s favorite aspect of Egyptian style is interacting with the audience and adding character and personality to the show.

Flor began belly dancing in the early 2000’s training with Sadie Marquardt and later performed with Denver-based troupes Indigo Rain and Basma Dance. Since moving to the DMV in 2024, she has continued growing through workshops and classes.

Hanoomah is a natural talent whose movement is a direct expression of the music itself. Specializing in Saudi Gulf Samri, Egyptian classic, and Moroccan Shaabi, Rasha’s artistry is entirely self-taught—a pure, intuitive connection to the culture and rhythm that she delivers with effortless grace and authentic soul.

Hilal began her belly dance journey in Tokyo, Japan, performing at restaurants, private events, and in stage productions. Since moving to Pennsylvania, she has continued to study and perform with Art in Motion Belly Dance.

Inara has been studying and performing bellydance for over 20 years, developing her skills in the professional Cabaret circuit in Las Vegas for several years. She was a founding member of the multi-award winning Fusion troupe Tabu, and the Fusion choreographer for the "So You Think You Can Bellydance" competition at the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive from 2012 to 2015.

​Inspired by her Lebanese and Mexican heritage, Julie Athie is an Oriental dance and Latin Fusion bellydance performer and instructor. She has performed and taught in numerous cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Kelly dances for the pure joy of it. She has belly danced steadily since 2006 and enjoys the support of her family, friends, and amazing instructors.

Krystal Nicole is a professional Egyptian style dancer from Hyattsville, Maryland. Krystal Nicole found a love for Middle Eastern dance when she saw it performed as a teenager, becoming intrigued and believing that this was the most beautiful movement she has ever seen a person do with their body. Krystal has trained in Middle Eastern dance for over 10 years and forever will be a student because there is still so much to learn. She is know for her grace and fluid movement and has a passion for preserving the roots, beauty and value of Middle Eastern dance.

Liliana began dancing at Sahara Dance in fall 2023. She quickly found a creative home in belly dancing and has performed in troupe performances at Sahara Dance and the 1001 Nights Dance Company.

Lulu has studied and performed dance in Egypt, Turkey, Greece and India. She is currently performing in Baltimore and DC.

Oona is a local dancer and beginner instructor. She loves all styles of this beautiful art form and can frequently be found dancing as a Nightshade in Belladonna Blade's DC based fusion troupe.

Patricia is a co-founder of Capital City Hafla and former co-host of DC Hafla. She is a long-time dancer who fell in love with bellydance in 2010 after attending a show and has been studying bellydance since. Patricia has had numerous teachers, most notably Faten, and has been in her Al-Massraweya troupe since 2018. While she has studied many dance forms, Patricia’s particular interest is Egyptian folkloric. Patricia is the founder of the yearly Sands of Time Retreat on the Mediterranean, combining classes by world-renowned teachers, cultural excursions and beautiful beaches.

Queen Bastet is primarily a fusion dancer who blends American Cabaret, Egyptian Baladi, Western dance forms and theatrical elements. Dance is a powerful form of expression and connection. Queen Bastet loves sharing it!

Rachael is the definition of a social butterfly, making friends wherever she goes and exploring all the joys life has to offer, including various dance styles. She is a current belly dance student and is also learning traditional dances from the Pacific islands.

Sabiha is a DC-based Egyptian style belly dancer. While her heart belongs to Umm al Doonya, she still has strong influences from Tahitian hula, samba, and more. Sabiha is here to bring a smile to your lips and bounce to your hips!

Samantha is a belly dancer and salsera with Somos Candela in New York City, performing her Latin fusion piece tonight, her love letter to both styles.

Born in America with Arab and North African roots, Shoo-Shoo is a DC-based dancer whose passion ignites the moment a tabla beat or saxophone riff fills the air. They have trained with renowned artists, including their mentors Tommy King & Dandash, Kamelia Mourad, among many others. With a deep love for Egyptian arts, Shoo-Shoo aspires to become both a dance instructor and a researcher dedicated to preserving and sharing Egypt's vibrant traditions of performance and culture.

Tina began her oriental dance journey in South Korea where she was introduced to Raqs Sharqi. In recent years, she has developed a passion for Tsifteli and Turkish style oriental dance.

Via fell in love with belly dance as a college student. Today she studies bellydance at The Shakti Rising and Sahara Dance, and regularly performs around the DMV either solo or as a member of several dance troupes. Via is an alumnus of Jillina Carlano's Bellydance Experience and Bee Law's "1001 Nights".

Originally from Peru, Ykita began dancing during college and later rekindled her love for dance after moving to the Washington, DC area. She studies at Sahara Dance, Almassraweya and this year she joined 1001 nights theatrical bellydance cast, she is continually seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and explore different styles of dance. For Ykita, dance is a celebration of culture, community, and personal growth. She is thankful for every chance to learn from talented teachers, connect with fellow dancers, and share the joy of movement with audiences. If you like to follow her journey check her instagram @ykita.dance ✨💕