Virginia Danielson (PhD, Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, 1991) is an associate of the Harvard Music Department and a visiting scholar at New York University Abu Dhabi. She is the author of The Voice of Egypt: Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the 20th Century (University of Chicago Press, 1997), the first English-language biography of the Arab world’s most celebrated singer. Through rich ethnographic insight and historical analysis, Danielson traces how Umm Kulthum—known as “the voice of Egypt”—rose from rural beginnings to become a unifying cultural icon whose songs shaped modern Egyptian identity and Arab popular culture. Danielson’s work illuminates the complex interplay between gender, media, and nation-building in 20th-century Egypt, showing how one woman’s artistry transcended social boundaries to define an era.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How a village Imam’s daughter became Egypt’s most celebrated voice through talent, strategy, and relentless discipline.

- The clever business deals and radio contracts that secured Umm Kulthum’s financial and artistic independence.

- The myth-making and media control behind her carefully protected public image.

- The musical evolution of Umm Kulthum’s ensemble, blending classical Arabic poetry with modern Western instruments.

- Why audience described her concerts as a national ritual where “life stopped” every Thursday night.

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Virginia Danielson on FB. You can find her book “The Voice of Egypt. Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song, and Egyptian Society in the 20th Century” on Amazon and other major book platforms.

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

Elen Oriental (Elen Chikhladze) is a Georgian choreographer and dance instructor from Tbilisi, specializing in oriental dance since 2002. Beginning her artistic journey at the School for Athletic Fine Arts and later the Department of World National Dances, she graduated with honors from the College of Choreography and the N. Pridonishvili School of Popular Dance in 2001. As President of the International Association of Oriental Dance in Georgia and founder of her own belly dance school, Elen emphasizes the historical depth, elegance, and physical artistry of the dance. Her teaching method combines elements of gymnastics, yoga, and dance to strengthen muscles and joints while fostering psychological readiness, enabling students to master the demanding yet captivating techniques of oriental dance.

In this episode you will learn about:

- The danger, stigma, and literal risks of working as a belly dancer in Georgia during the chaotic post-Soviet years.

- How Elen fought back against prejudice by going on national TV, writing in magazines, and reframing Oriental dance as an art form.

- The story behind her iconic Arabic–Spanish fusion pieces, why they made audiences cry, and why she later chose to move beyond them.

- The critical difference between “advanced” and truly “professional” dancers.

- Why she insists on studying with Egyptian teachers rather than chasing festival choreographies.

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Elen Chikhladze on Instagram, and FB.

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

Laman Hendricks is an acrobatic gymnast, Azerbaijani and Caucasus folk dancer, teacher, and choreographer, as well as the Artistic Director and Founder of Dances of Caucasus. Born and raised in Azerbaijan and Turkey, she trained in classical ballet and folk dance at the Baku Choreography Academy while also competing as a member of Azerbaijan’s national gymnastics team and founding the country’s first post-Soviet women’s cycling team. A silver medalist in both cycling and mountain climbing, Laman has combined her athleticism with artistry, earning recognition at the 2015 Rakkas Istanbul International Dance Festival for her innovative performance as a male Caucasus dance part. She has since performed and taught at festivals and events across the United States and internationally, sharing the rich traditions of Azerbaijani dance while continuing to explore the intersections of ballet, gymnastics, Middle Eastern dance, and folk heritage.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How a 1001 Nights ballet production sparked her lifelong curiosity about belly dance.

- The transition from professional ballet training to belly dance, and tips for loosing up your shimmies.

- The challenges of cultural stigma around belly dance and the tension of being recognized only as a folkloric dancer.

- Folklore versus belly dance, and how folk dances enrich belly dance but are undervalued at festivals.

- How Azerbaijani and Caucasus dances remain a parallel passion alongside Laman’s belly dance career even today.

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Laman Hendricks on Instagram, and website.

Check links of ballet productions mentioned in the interview:

Fikret Amirov - "1001 nights" 1983

Fikret Amirov - "1001 nights" 1981

A scene from Alibaba and 40 thief’s

From movie “Koroglu”

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