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

Keti Sharif is an Australian dance teacher, performer, and choreographer who lived in Egypt for two decades, directing the Sphinx Festivals and collaborating with legends Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy. Creator of the A-Z Bellydance methodology—taught to over 6,000 students in 40 countries—Keti combines live Egyptian music, cultural dance traditions, and somatic movement to deepen musicality, artistry, and wellbeing. Her vision of belly dance as both a healing path and a communal art has shaped her global teaching, performances with international artists, and her role in preserving Farida Fahmy’s legacy through publications and archives. Today, she continues to teach, write, and inspire dancers worldwide through her studio, online academy, and cultural projects.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Connections between Chinese medicine and Zar rituals.

- The concept of “movement connectivity” and how body halves, upper-lower, and spinal movements influence creativity and decision-making.

- The contrast between authentic Egyptian embodiment and Westernized, fast-paced choreographies.

- Keti’s unique experience training with Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, and their complementary teaching styles.

- Farida Fahmy’s writing legacy, the preservation of Reda troupe history, and the emotional journey of documenting her life.

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Keti Sharif on Instagram, FB and website. Her A-Z Bellydance course is available HERE, and Farida Fahmy’s website.

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