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About
Hello I am Fulya and I began teaching in 2000 when my bellydance tutor moved away and said I should teach the class! I had already started some bellydance teacher training just as a way of learning more about bellydance (there weren't many opportunities to at the end of the 90’s). Teaching wasn’t something I had even thought about doing until I was given the opportunity and I just loved it, knowing I had found my vocation from the start.
When I first found a bellydance class I had been ill with ME and Endometriosis since I was 12 years old, by then I was 18. Initially I would do the warm up and a little of the basic moves, and then I would have to sit and watch the rest of the class. I then did a little of the moves each day and by the end of the first 10 week course I was able to do the whole class. I am so grateful to this dance form as I know my health would be so much worse without it. I went on to develop Fibromyalgia in my early 20’s after the laparoscopy to diagnose Endometriosis. I still have a lot of symptoms and fatigue to manage, but I have always managed to keep dancing, and it has taken my mind off the worst of my troubles and always given me hope.
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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, with a front row seat due to my work in this amazing era, I was able to learn from 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;
Jillina, 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 and 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 continue to do so.
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Other areas of study
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I have always loved all forms of movement and have studied Yoga and Tai Chi and have tried many forms of dance including Argentine Tango, Salsa and Bharatanatyam. And have performed and taught Burlesque, Flamenco & Charleston.
In my early 20's I studied the Alexander technique and found it quite life changing. This has led me to me to a life long interest in the body / mind connection, somatic practices and neuroscience. I read extensively and attend workshops in these areas when I can.
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Music is my first love and I have played guitar and sung in a Jazzy Girl Duo, an Industrial Rock band and a Jazz standards covers band. In 2022 I took the opportunity to study with one of my favourite Flamenco Guitarists, Juan Martin.
I am currently working on Andy Portas Listen Play Grow course
Some Career Highlights
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In 2013 Beatrice Flowers invited me to appear on the teaching DVD UK Tribal Fusion Bellydance.
I have developed dances and performed with some well known dancers from the UK such as Katie Holland, Amira (Emma Wheate-Price), Amaris (Diane Cox), Arielle (Val Rainbow) and Jo Parish.
I was asked to perform at the Leicester Show of the Club Cairo tour in 2018
Follow Fulya on Instagram and Facebook for regular costuming, tips, dance videos and more!
https://www.facebook.com/fulyabellydancer/
https://www.instagram.com/fulya_bellydance/
Related Qualifications
Safe Exercise and Effective Dance Practice NQF Level 5 with Distinction From Trinity College
OCN Level 2 in Belly Dance from The Open College Network.
7307 Teaching Adults Stage One from City & Guilds
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF) from Morley College
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Currently Studying
Movement Therapy Practitioner Certification Course with Scholistico accredited by; International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM), Complementary Medical Association (CMA), and the Center for CPD Excellence (CPD)