GreenvilleBellyDance.Com ~ About Layali Layla

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.”

If each movement is a word, then isn’t the dance a whole story? Aren’t dances a whole language?
Historians argued which language is the oldest in the world. Archaeologists tried to find proof of the
oldest language used for communication between different tribes. Pictograms, form representations
on rocks or caves never went as far back in time as movement and dance, which is today unanimously
recognized as the world’s most ancient language.

Practiced dancers, in their gestures and poses, express the world’s joy or pain, peace and balance,
war and chaos, birth, life and death; they take you to a world of spirituality, energy, power, health and
sensuality.

Women’s desires to express and convey their feelings about life’s important events, or even everyday
life, remain just as strong today as thousands of years ago. Through today’s modern versions of the
ancient dance we’ll try to carry on a part of the unwritten language of a woman’s universe.

About Layali Layla Dance Group

The group, founded and directed by Layla since the summer of 2004, has ten members (in 2007). 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 Raks 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.

About Layali Layla Dance Group “belly dance” classes and instructors

Mainly designed for beginners, the “belly dance” fitness classes use the energetic moves and
techniques of the Middle Eastern dances. The moves are fun and help increase metabolism, tone your
muscles, and improve your balance and coordination, while relaxing and energizing your body.

Layali Layla Dance Co.’s main instructor and choreographer,
Layla, grew up overseas and learned the art of “belly dance”
dance through her travels to the Middle East: Egypt, Turkey,
Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. While in the United States, she
continued learning through workshops conducted by famous
instructors like: Jillina, Tamalyn Dalal and Moria of The
Bellydance Superstars; Yasmine of Magic Hips, Charlotte, NC;
Morocco – Casbah Dance Experience, New Yorkn and Ash of
Karvan Gypsy, Perth, Western Australia.

Zahava, the woman with gold hair, was introduced to Middle
Eastern dance and culture by Layla. Her development as
intructor and performer was continued by several workshops,
seminars and individual research focused on pregnancy belly
dance. Zahava has recently married and lives in Mauldin, SC.
Zahava’s sensitivity, patience, wisdom and passion for the
Middle Eastern dance makes her an ideal instructor for first time
learners.

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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We thank and
recognize our
partners and
friends for their
contribution to the
success of
Greenville’s Layali
Layla Middle
Eastern Dance Co.

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.

We thank and
recognize our
partners and
friends for their
contribution to the
success of
Greenville’s Layali
Layla Middle
Eastern Dance Co.

Layla - Dec 2007

ShiraBella - Jun 2007

Zahava - Jun 2007

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