I was so fortunate to be starting my career in the early 2000’s and to see bellydance gain in popularity and have  its “Golden” era in the UK and the USA (around 2003 - 2015). During this time I was able to put on shows and small festivals featuring international teachers such as Princess Farhana from the USA and Tjarda Van Straten from the Netherlands. I was also invited to teach / perform and bring my Souk to many UK festivals and events a year including; Majma, Gothla UK, JoY (Jewel of Yorkshire) and Fantasia.

This Golden Era included multiple festivals from the US touring troupe run by Miles Copeland - The Bellydance Superstars - who even brought their touring show to Rugby after I had contacted them to say I had just run a Hafla (Performance Platform Show & Party) at the Benn Hall for 550 people. 

Because I was there in this amazing era with a front row seat due to my work, I was able to attend workshops with amazing teachers from all around the world such as; 

Tribal Teachers; 

Jill Parker, Carolena Nericcio, Kami Liddle, Sharon Kihara, Kajira Djoumahna, Rachel Brice, Samantha Emanuel, Sahira, Anasma The Uzume and many others! 

Cabaret Teachers;

Jillinea, Bozenka, Sonia, Ava Fleming, Princess Farahana, Petit Jamila, Morocco, Suhaila Salimpour,  to name but a few. 

Drumming Teachers 

Issam Houshan, Chas Whitaker, Guy Schalom, John Sleiman

I also saw Egyptian greats such as Fifi Abdou, Randa Kamal perform. 

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These were utterly joyous times and I feel so grateful to have met and worked with so many amazing artists. And I continue to do so through my work.