| About Layla and Layali Layla Dance Co. |
| The Middle Eastern world of spirituality and the richness of language and meanings expressed by Middle Eastern songs and dances were the sources of inspiration for creating Layali Layla Dance Company. Mata Hari, one of the first dancers that made the Middle Eastern dance moves known to the West, said: “Dance is a sacred poem in which each movement is a word and whose every word is underlined by music. The temple in which I dance can be vague or faithfully reproduced.” |
| Layla’s artistic work was inspired by the Middle Eastern dances and culture combined with the American approach to ethnic dances and entertainment. Her Romanian heritage, her exposure since early age to ethnic & classical dance and theatre, her American friends’ encouragements to express feelings through movement lead her naturally to become a performer and later a choreographer of oriental dance, well appreciated and sought after on the East Coast of USA. After switching career paths from legal science, to computers, to international business, she realized that her true call is to share with other women her knowledge of Middle Eastern dance. Layla’s dance knowledge was accumulated during several years of dance studies and cultural trips to Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt. During these trips Layla grasped not only the moves and combinations specific to ethnic dances, but the language and spirit of different tribes in North Africa and Middle East, which made her performance welcomed/appreciated by both the natives and the international audiences. Her travels for workshops also include: France, Spain, Dominican Republic and Belgium. Residing in the USA for the past ten years, new doors were opened. The possibility and opportunities to studies with great Master Instructors of Oriental Dance and Ethnologists like Morocco (Carolina Varga Dinicu), Tamalyn Dallal, Farida Fahmi, Randa Kamel, Tito, Asi Haskal, Jillina, Amara Al Amir, Moria, Ash, Fat Chance Belly Dance, Ansuya and others. Layla’s exposure to both traditional Middle Eastern dance and current American and international oriental dance trends positively challenged her to adapt her performances to her audience. However, her highly artistic sense is conveyed not only through performances on stage, TV, or international festivals, but also through choreography and class instruction. Layla’s choreographic experience includes dances for the Shakespearean play “The Comedy of Errors” produced on the stage of one of the most prestigious performing schools on the East Coast of USA, South Carolina Governors School of Arts, the musical play in two acts “Queen of Sheebah”, written for Layla and choreographed by her, several choreographies taught in workshops, group classes and private lessons throughout USA and now in Romania. Layali Layla is also the producer of 2008 Arabian Nights DVD which comprises a variety of oriental dance styles performed by Layali Layla Dance Group and guest artists from Atlanta, Seattle, Augusta, Charlotte, USA. Layali Layla Dance Group, founded and directed by Layla since the summer of 2005. The group members are women of various backgrounds and ages that share gracefulness, inner beauty, appreciation of artistry, long, long hours of dance practice and … at times, pressure of high expectations. After all, they are the ones that express through their moves the language of dance expected to be understood by everyone. The main style of the group’s performances is Egyptian dance, otherwise called Raqs Sharki, from Arabic translated oriental dance. Some group members have introduced a variety of Turkish, Indian, Tribal Fusion or American Tribal styles during performances. Egyptian dances are often mislabeled and called “belly dancing” but the actual movement involves not only the dancer’s belly, but also the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, eyes, hips, the entire body and especially the brain. Layali Layla dancers have great movement coordination, and the skill of muscle isolation which requires a high degree of concentration, focus and mental discipline. |
| Zahava, The Woman With Golden Hair, started her studies of Middle Eastern dance and culture in 2006 under Layla’s guidance. Zahava became a passionate performer as a member of Layali Layla Dance Group to local events as well as festivals and fundraisers in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Columbia, SC and Clemson, SC. She furthered her studies when she regularly traveled to attend workshops with: Tamalyn Dallal, Yasmine, Moria, Ansuya, ………, exploring from traditional to fusion oriental dance. However, her passion and appeal remains faithful to Egyptian modern style. Having so much knowledge to share, in addition to her performing talent, sensitivity, smoothness and passion, it was natural for Zahava to take oriental dance to the next level: teaching her ladies students the magic and sex-appeal of belly dance. Starting as instructor for the beginner level, Zahava teaches now group and individual lessons from beginner to intermediate level. She is also a specialist in pregnancy (pre & postnatal) belly dance. Zahava is married and lives in Mauldin where she teaches her classes. She is available to travel to teach workshops. |
| Visit the Schedule & Events page for information on class levels, times and locations. Also, contact Layla for more details regarding “belly dance” instruction and performances. |
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| ShiraBella's aproach to Middle Eastern dance was initiated by Layla and developed through many classes, workshops, seminars and performances. Her love of music and dance began at a young age and has continued to enrich her life. When not dancing, ShiraBella lives in Simpsonville, SC with her husband and her two "furry children". ShiraBella's attention to detail, accurate technique and feeling of the movement recommend her as one of the best instructor for ladies that want to get a good base of Middle Eastern dance. Read ShiraBella's article here. |
| Layla - Dec 2007 |
| ShiraBella - Jun 2007 |
| Zahava - Jun 2007 |
| Copyright © 2007, Layali Layla Dance Co. All Rights Reserved. GreevilleBellyDance.com ~ layla@greenvillebellydance.com ~ (864) 787-0236 |
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| We thank and recognize our partners for their contribution to the success of Greenville's Layali Layla Middle Eastern Dance Co. www.upstateosr.com www.greenvillehd.com www.oliveryuphoto.com www.mauldinchamber.org www.internationalupstate.org www.caesarsrestaurant.net www.pixelandpaperdesign.com http://bwaltonphoto.com |