Arish Lam (Puerto Rico)

Arish Lam was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his journey into the world of oriental dance in 1998 with Leyla Zahar. Considered a Master Teacher, he has studied with some of the best instructors in the field, and he keeps taking as many seminars as he can. Some of his teachers have been Amir Thaleb, Dr. Mo, Mohamed El sahed, Mohamed Shain, Fathiem, Angelika Nemeth, Aziza, Leyla Hadad, Jasmina Ramzy,  Unmata, Ava Fleming, Ariellah, among others.  Arish Lam is the recipient of various awards. In 1999 he won the Belly Dancer of the Year Competition, in California, in the male category. The following year, he won the same contest with his troupe. In 2000, he won the first prize of the contest Ms. And Mr. America Bellydancer in San Francisco. In 2005 he won the second prize at the event Bellyfusion, in Las Vegas. He has also trained dancers who have won many prizes, most recently Valerick Molinary, who won first prize at the Pro Competition of the Miami Bellydance Convention, in 2009.

He has performed and served as judge in various competitions in the USA, Europe, and Asia. For years, Arish Lam has used his creativity and art concentrating in tribal fusion with Latin music; he is known to be exhilarating and contagious wherever he performs. An actor and performer, Arish Lam is the President of the Temple of Dance School in Puerto Rico, and Director and Choreographer of the one and only Mirácula troupe. He is a favorite at Spirit of the Tribes and Mediterranean Echoes, where he always captivates the audience with the power of his movements and spell bounding presence.

Ozzy (FL-USA)

Ozzy is a master percussionist with over 10 years of instructional and performance darbuka drumming experience. Fascinated by rhythm, Ozzy is constantly striving to innovate the art of drumming by developing new combinations using interesting techniques.

Half Moroccan and half Egyptian, Ozzy was born in Israel and raised in Miami, Florida. His showmanship and style is reflective of his hot-blooded roots and influenced by his hometown’s vibrant Latin dance and music scene. Ozzy’s drumming is eccletic; the same way you see Ozzy drumming to today’s hottest music, you can find him performing alongside classically trained Egyptian bellydancers.

Ozzy has performed with renowned groups such as Hahbi’Ru, Zatar and Qadim as well as popular bellydancers such as Jillina, Ansuya, and Jill Parker. Ozzy has recorded with world famous composer Paul Dinletir, and with Latin Grammy nominated artist Elsten Torres.

Currently, Ozzy is on tour as the lead drummer for Jillina’s theatre production, Bellydance Evolution, as well as teaching workshops all around the world and online on DarbukaOzzy.com. He is also working on releasing instructional DVDs and his new album, “Yallah Tabla” due to release later this year.

Belly-Queens (NY)

Bellyqueen Dance Theater is an internationally renowned world dance company, founded in 1998 under the artistic direction of Kaeshi Chai, and Amar Gamal. Drawn together by their passion for Middle Eastern dance, the artists of Bellyqueen come from a wide range of nationalities and dance backgrounds. By fusing their individual influences, the company creates exciting multicultural performances that utilize traditional elements as a base for modern theatrical performance art that inspire audiences of all backgrounds, genders and ages.

Bellyqueen has won critical acclaim for their unique vision, impressive body of work and commitment to high-quality productions. Over the past 12 years, the company has completed extensive tours in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia, made numerous television appearances and been well received by the press. In 2007 and 2009 it released full-length performance DVDs, The Bellydance Experience and Bellydance NYC, as well as several successful instructional DVDs.

The Bellyqueen repertoire encompasses a wide range of Middle Eastern dances, from the traditional “Raks Sharqi” bellydance format to folkloric styles, blended with other dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, gypsy, flamenco, chinese, afro-haitian and hip hop. Journeys Along the Silk Road, Bellyqueen’s current touring show, explores the ancient link between East and West. The Silk Road was a trade route that for thousands of years allowed the flow of ideas, goods, culture and dramatically influenced progress in the Eurasian civilizations.

Educating the public about the benefits of bellydance and its healing powers, particularly for body image, self-esteem and self-expression, is an important element of the Bellyqueen mission. In order to serve this goal, the Bellyqueen School of Dance has been established, and ongoing classes in NYC as well as numerous workshops all over the world are offered and open to the general public. By creating a safe learning environment Bellyqueen teachers help people rediscover their bodies, gain greater control over mind and limb and also demystify this often misunderstood dance form.

Through its commitment to both tradition and innovation, to artistic integrity and professionalism, as well as cultural sensitivity, Bellyqueen Dance Theater delivers fresh, contemporary hybrid dance productions that educate and entertain.

Joana Saahirah (Egypt)

Joana Saahirah of Cairo, Egypt,  is one of the most respected names of Arabic Dance in Portugal and in Egypt where she´s currently performing in the best show places with her Egyptian orchestra. Joana has produced the most successful events in Portugal relating to Arabic Dance and Egyptian Folklore and had several appearances on television shows and national scale events building a name of respect and admiration from students, audiences and the press. Joana S. has performed in New York, Oman, Lebanon and Qatar and Egypt where she currently performs with her Egyptian orchestra presenting a show composed of Raks Sharki and different types of Egyptian folklore as well as assisting Master Teacher Mahmoud Reda in his dance work and finishing her first book about Arabic Dance in Egypt and her own experience as a dancer in the arab world

Sherena (Ohio-USA)

Sherena brings her dance experience of 19 years to South Florida a blend of American Cabaret and Lebanese Styles of Bellydance.
Performing since the age of 9 Sherena has a background in Classical Ballet,Jazz,Lyrical,Polynesian and several other international dances.
Sherena has studied with many well known dance masters such as Edward Vilella, LauraAlonso (daughter of Famous Cuban Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso)Sherena continued to study her love of oriental dance with several well known masters of the art such Dalia Carella,Jillina,Kareem Nagi,Karen Barbee,and a teacher close to her heart the late Bert Balladine whom Sherena studied with at the age of 9.
With Bellydance being her first love,she has blended her ballet training with her strong American Cabaret Bellydance background,which she teaches at her studio in NorthEast Ohio, Sherena’s Art In Motion  Dance and Fitness Studio.
You may have seen her recently as one of the top 3 on the hit reality show Project Bellydance.
Sherena travels all over the world bringing the passion and “firecracker” energy to the stage as well as passing it on to her students.

Mayra Huzid (Argentina)

Mayra Huzid is considered one of Latin America´s Stars of Belly dance.
She graduated from Bellydance Superstar´s Saida academy in Buenos Aires
and actually is teaching and performing extensively. Was a member of Saida’s ballet, Rakkasah.
Mayra has a passionate and creative style. Is a great teacher who travels to various countries of the world presenting her art and teaching quality.
In addition to love dance, performed extensive research on their roots, customs and origins, for future trials and dossiers which thousands of students use in all around the world.
She improved her art with the great master and the father of BellyDance Mahmoud Reda. Who has said -”What is happening with Mayra in differents countries is great. Schools want her presence because they know how she is as a teacher. It’s amazing what her knows about dance and history. Is the next generation of teachers who come to reign.”- Who has  gives her the name of “The Queen of Samai”.
 She´s the director of the Bellydance School “Mayra Huzid” with venues in Buenos Aires and Bogotá. Both with significant success. Mayra Huzid’s BellyDance School based in Buenos Aires, has become a promoter of excellent dancers, and a meeting point of professionals from Argentina and abroad, who come to school looking for their improvement.
Since 2005 she is director of the information content of the magazine Infoarabe Belly dance Magazine.
And she made countless workshops and performances in different countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Panamá, Canada, United States, Mexico and Uruguay and an also a very frequent workshops in different cities in Argentina performing and improving her art constantly. She has performed in Bozenka’s school too.
In 2009 and 2010 she participated in the Bellydance weekend festival produced by Infoarabe Magazine Belly dance, one of the most important events of Latin America and also performed her Bellydancing tour in the United States called “Live in New York”. On her tour Live in New York, has received an acknowledgment to her career.
She aims now visiting South Korea, and Poland.
 After 13 years of experience, his work is highlighted by students and colleagues around the world.

Lacey (FL,USA)

Lacey began her journey into Tribal Belly dance at the early age of 15 in southern California with Patricia Johnson. Her love for this beautiful art form was immediate; she began performing at tribal events and around campfires at SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events almost instantly. The thrill of live drums and dancing with her sisters was inspiring. She took this love for the dance all the way through high school and pursued a dance degree at Victor Valley Community College. She studied many forms of classical dance including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Ballroom. However, as fate would have it Lacey sustained an injury that would prevent her from ever pursuing a career in classical dance. To her surprise though, because Belly Dance is best danced barefoot her doctor approved and encouraged her to continue Belly dancing.

Lacey then traveled cross-country from California to Central Florida where she was exposed to the large community of Cabaret Belly dancers in Florida. Lacey then spent the next four years studying, teaching, and performing classical Cabaret Belly dance in Florida as well as in Southern California. It was in her last trip to California where her original love for Tribal Belly dance was re-ignited. Lacey then made the decision that she wanted to bring her experience and love of Tribal Belly dance to Florida. So she began Florida Tribal Dance in November of 2006 for just that reason.
Lacey is the director of Florida Tribal Dance Troupes: Black V, offering professional Tribal Fusion performances, Blue Caravan, a troupe specializing in improvisational Tribal Style, and Silver Sage Tribal Florida Tribal Dance’s student troupe. Lacey and Florida Tribal Dance also hosts two big events each year: ” An Evening of Tribal” every Spring/Summer and ” A Tribal Garden” our annual Gala every November celebrating the students, troupes, and extended family of Florida Tribal Dance.

In addition to teaching weekly classes Lacey is also available for instructional workshops. She prides herself on her upbeat personality that puts students in a fun place to learn and her meticulous breakdown of movements so whether you are a first time dancer or a seasoned professional you will find Lacey’s teaching easy to comprehend and useful in any dancer’ s progression.

Renata Lobo

Renata is undoubtedly one of the star of Brazil, who arrives to the Miami Bellydance Convention for the first time in the USA  to celebrate this 4th annual event with us.
 With an overwhelming charisma she was able to conquer people from 5 different continents with her art. Renata has dedicated exclusively to Arab dance for 16 years, having under her belt training with great master instructors of the world. One of the great masters was Yousry Sharif. In 1996 she founded her own school in the city of Londrina (Brazil) where it has a large numbers of students learning everything about the dances and culture of the Arab world. In 2002 she was invited to the oriental dance festival in Egypt, Ahlan Wa Sahlan, created by Raqia Hassan.
 One of the great impacts in her career was when she was invited to participate in  the multi-art telenovela EL Clon.
 Because of her charisma, professionalism and creativity she is participating in many events and festivals in Brazil and abroad. From 2004 to 2007 she was one of the  dancer chosen to give intensive courses for the School of Dance and the National Conservatory of Portugal. Taught courses and presented in Lisbon, Braga, Cascais and Oporto.  She was one of the first Brazilian dancers in lecturing in Japan, teaching courses in the cities of Tokyo, Oizumi, Hamamatsu and Toyohashi. She was the special guest to participate in a music CD with the great singer Tony Mouzayeck.

 Renata is powerful, energetic and spectacular with a dramatic and sleek style. Her dance is fused with ballet and jazz. She is joining us for the first time at the Miami Bellydance Convention, and in the USA in general. She will delight us with her beautiful performances and spectacular classes. Don’t miss Renata Lobo at the 2011 MBC.

Ruby Beh (Oregon,USA)

With a background in American Classic Bellydance, Kung Fu and Turkish Oriental styling, Ruby is taking the stage with her own unique movement style. Rubys love of Turkish culture and dance have drawn her to head strait for the source and study extensively in Istanbul. She is widely recognized for a raw, untamed and passionate dance style that has won numerous titles including 2009 Bellydancer USA and 2008 East Coast Bellydance Classic Grand Champion.

In addition to being a multi-award winning performer, Ruby is a certified Pilates instructor and is featured on several instructional and performance bellydance DVDs including her own full length instructionals: “Flawless Floorwork” and “Totally Turkish”. When Ruby is not charming audiences nationwide, selling out workshops or producing top selling bellydance DVDs, she teaches weekly classes in Portland, Oregon and performs in the Seattle/Portland area.

Aubre ( California-USA)

Aubre has been studying dance since she was a child growing up in Seattle. Her dance background includes classical ballet, jazz, hiphop, tap, and her main passion, Middle Eastern bellydance. Studying with such esteemed talents as Suhaila Salimpour, Samara, Jamila Salimpour, Tamra-henna, Zahra Zuhair, Sahira (WA), Sahra Saeeda, and many others, Aubre has developed her own beautiful and elegant style. She has shared stages with Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group. Aubre performed with the Bellydance Superstars as well as served as Assistant Director while touring extensively through Europe and North America and can be seen on the “Bellydance Superstars: Live at the Folies Bergere” dvd. Aubre is also the winner of the IBDC Professional competition and Fusion division for 2007. She is now the Artistic Director of the Lumina Bellydance Company.

Aubre teaches numerous workshops around the world, as well as classes in Los Angeles, where she resides. Her teaching style is known for its strong emphasis on technique, clear explanations, and a warm nurturing approach. She blends dance movement, pilates, and yoga for a full body workout specifically designed for bellydancers. This workout can be seen on FitTV’s All Star Workouts “Bellydance with Aubre”. She is also a certified classical pilates instructor. Aubre is on faculty at California State University, Los Angeles, teaching accredited bellydance and pilates classes and she teaches a full bellydance program at The Center of Worldance in Alhambra, CA. She has two instructional dvd’s available including “Bellydance Core Fitness” and “Tribal Essence” as well as online lessons available at FUGU.

Armed with exquisite technique and a pure soul, her dancing mesmerizes audiences everywhere.