Dr. George Sawa is an internationally recognized musicologist, performer, and educator specializing in Arabic music history, theory, and performance. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he brings over 50 years of experience, with training from the Higher Institute of Arabic Music and a PhD in historical Arabic musicology from the University of Toronto. He has taught at the University of Toronto and York University, and lectured and performed worldwide. A prolific author on medieval and modern Arabic music, his work bridges historical research with contemporary practice and has become an important resource for the dance community. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for his contributions to Arabic music research.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How translating 11th-century Arabic music dictionaries reveals detailed insights into dancers, musicians, and aesthetics of that time

- Why even medieval musicians warned dancers about tricky drummers—and the importance of knowing the music

- The reality of fusion in history—and why some combinations worked while others failed

- How European influence shaped Egyptian music and led to the rise of large orchestras

- Why modern dancers struggle to interpret older music—and what is required to truly dance to it

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Dr George Sawa on YouTube, FB, and website with the info about his publications.

Previous interview with Dr George Sawa:

Ep 75. George Sawa: Digging Deep Into the History of Egyptian Music

Details the BDE shows and training programs 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

Bindu Bolar is an award-winning Indian dance artist and a pioneer of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance in her country, known for creating her signature style, “Belly Animation,” which blends belly dance with popping and animation. She is the founder and artistic director of Lights Camera Dance in Bangalore and has built an international career as a performer and teacher, leading workshops across the USA, Europe, and Asia. After initially balancing a career in software with dance, she chose to fully pursue her artistic path despite social pressures. Bindu has trained with leading figures including Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, and Carolena Nericcio, and was the first Indian dancer to win an International Belly Dance title in the Solo Tribal category. She continues to evolve as an artist and educator, with a strong focus on individuality and lifelong learning.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Why movement can become a form of communication beyond words

- What it means to move beyond technique and become an artist who makes people feel

- The reality of pursuing dance in a conservative environment—and the stigma around belly dance

- How dancers navigate family pressure, social judgment, and career risks

- Reframing success and failure into milestones and lessons in a lifelong artistic journey

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Bindu Bolar on Instagram.

Details the BDE shows and training programs 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

Kamilia is a Brazilian-born belly dancer who built an international career performing across Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, where she became known for her powerful stage presence and deep connection to Oriental music. Beginning her dance journey at the age of six, she went on to become one of the youngest dancers featured on LBC TV and trained under renowned figures including Caracalla. At the height of her performance career, she appeared in top five-star hotels in Cairo, sharing stages with icons such as Lucy, Mona Said, Fifi Abdou, Dina, and Hendeya, and performing with large live orchestras of up to 45 musicians. Today, Kamilia works as a teacher, artistic producer, and event organizer, dedicated to building a supportive and professional global dance community.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How Oriental dance has shifted from local Arabic dominance to a global, foreign-led scene

- How economic changes transformed belly dance performances into shorter, simplified formats

- What does it mean to be prepared for the dance improvisation

- Why foreigners must train their ears differently to truly understand Arabic music

- What it means to remain a “forever learner” after 30+ years in dance

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Kamilia on Instagram, and FB.

Previous interview with Kamilia:

Ep 62. Kamilia: Dreaming of a Big Supportive Community

Details the BDE shows and training programs 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