Ellie is a belly dancer, teacher, and researcher who approaches Raqs Sharqi with a deep respect for its cultural roots and a focus on connection through movement. Dancing since childhood, she discovered belly dance in 2014 and has since spent over years teaching and performing, cultivating a practice centered on confidence, femininity, and ongoing learning. Alongside her dance career, Ellie holds a PhD in Mental Health and brings a research-based perspective to understanding the psychological and emotional experiences of dancers. She has trained and certified with leading international instructors, including Kaeshi Chai and Keti Sharif, and further deepened her connection to the dance through studies in Egypt and Turkey.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Why belly dance can feel both empowering and intimidating at the same time

- The difference between hobbyists and professionals — and the hidden pressures of making dance a career

- The darker side of the dance world — competition, insecurity, and even bullying within the community

- Simple but powerful tools for self-care — from shimmies to emotional awareness

- And how belly dance continues to create connection, belonging, and a sense of home across the world

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Ellie on Instagram, FB, and website.

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

Julieta Maffia is a dance artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina, specializing in what was formerly known as Tribal Fusion Bellydance. She is the founder of Saturnus Studio, where she teaches regular classes and develops a wide range of artistic projects. Her work has been recognized internationally, allowing her to present the Argentinian approach to this dance form across different cities worldwide. Through her travels, Julieta continues to expand and refine her artistic voice, integrating diverse influences into her creation, teaching, and performance.

In this episode you will learn about:

- The ongoing search for femininity and sensuality beyond stereotypes and expectations

- How politics and media shaped public perception of belly dance in Argentina

- Why growth happens through discomfort, failure, and real performance experience

- How stage performance can unlock a level of freedom unavailable in daily life

- Why workshops inspire—but real transformation happens through consistent training

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Julieta Maffia on Instagram, and YouTube.

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