Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and a deep expertise in the performing arts of Rajasthan. Following a long academic career in higher education, she founded Kalbeliya World, an initiative supporting digital literacy among Kalbeliya dancers in India through virtual dance classes. She also serves as the creative director of Maghenta, a platform for Indian-inspired arts. Drawing on her extensive on-the-ground experience, Ayla regularly provides consultancy on intercultural communication with Indian companies, Hindi language education and translation, and practical guidance for filmmakers, NGOs, students, and professionals working or relocating to India.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How Ayla became interested in Kalbeliya dance, decided to quit school at the age of 16, and traveled to India

- The use of the term “gypsies” within the Kalbeliya community

- Analyzing the famous movie Latcho Drom

- The role of costume and jewelry in Kalbeliya dance

- How the recent popularity of the dance has changed gender dynamics within the community

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Ayla Joncheere on Instagram, and Facebook, her website on Maghenta project. Articles by Aya:

Kalbeliya Dance from Rajasthan: Invented Gypsy Form or Traditional Snake Charmers' Folk Dance?

Representing Rajasthani roots: Indian Gypsy identity and origins in documentary films

Intangible inventions: The Kalbeliya Gypsy dance form, from its creation to UNESCO recognition

Watch Latcho Drom movie on YouTube.

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

World-renowned dance teacher and choreographer Mahdy Emara is one of the most sought-after artists in the international oriental dance scene. Born in Cairo, Egypt, he trained at one of the country’s top dance institutes. He began teaching at a young age and soon moved on to choreograph major stage productions. Now based in Amsterdam, Mahdy founded his dance school and group “Baladi,” performing across Europe. He also organizes festivals that have featured renowned stars such as Dina from Egypt and other international icons. Many international dancers have been trained under his guidance. Mahdy continues to teach and perform at some of the biggest belly dance festivals around the world.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Becoming a troupe leader in Egypt at the age of 16

- The nuances of bringing folklore from life to stage

- Mahdy’s experience of moving to the Netherland and starting his teaching career there

- His decision to focus primarily on professional level students instead of beginners

- How to be responsible and supportive judge at a competition

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Mahdy Emara on Instagram, and website.

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast

Rachel Kay Brookmire is the founder and creative director of Sahara Dance, one of the largest and most well-established belly dance schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Sahara Dance has been a thriving center for Middle Eastern dance for over two decades, offering 30+ weekly classes, nine performance groups, and a hybrid model for both in-person and virtual students. Rachel is also the creator of Sahara Dance Foundations, an intensive teacher training program, and directs the professional ensemble Raqs Sahara and student troupe Raqs Caravan East. A specialist in Egyptian raqs sharqi, Rachel blends technical precision with lyrical expressiveness and is known for her detailed, community-centered teaching style. She has performed widely, taught thousands of students, and produced major theatrical performances and international retreats. In 2023, her school proudly represented Middle Eastern dance at the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC, with 100 dancers performing a Jillina-directed choreography on the National Mall.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Transitioning from regular job to a dance career

- How to understand if you are ready to teach

- Dealing with a team of 15 teachers, and keeping consistent curriculum throughout the school

- Why performing on stage is a magical part of your dance and personal growth

- Managing workload and avoiding burnouts

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Sahara Dance Instagram, FB, and website. Watch Sahara Dance on the National Mall HERE.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast