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Soloist<br />

Danish Open Bellydance 2012<br />

Presented <strong>in</strong> alfabetic order


• Abriza is educated as a dressmaker <strong>in</strong> Textile Crafts<br />

School <strong>in</strong> Aalborg. She was previously a rhythm<br />

gymnast with big plans for a career <strong>in</strong> this field, but<br />

unfortunately she had to drop this career due to her<br />

knees, which could not withst<strong>and</strong> this sport. The<br />

dance has done so much good for her.<br />

• She has been danc<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 1996 at Inge Majbrit<br />

Ravn-Jensen. The <strong>in</strong>terest for belly dance started<br />

after participation <strong>in</strong> a Vik<strong>in</strong>g game at “L<strong>in</strong>dholm<br />

Heigts”, where she was act<strong>in</strong>g a harem woman. Inge<br />

Majbrit taught Abriza, <strong>and</strong> she started tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g with<br />

her right afrt. After Inge Majbritts untimely death,<br />

Abriza now dances at Bente Meyer-Nielsen, <strong>and</strong><br />

also takes courses <strong>and</strong> private lessons with Liza<br />

Laziza.<br />

• Abriza has never before participated <strong>in</strong> a<br />

competition so she is look<strong>in</strong>g forward to be see<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> dance from that side.<br />

• Abriza lives <strong>in</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Jutl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> dances <strong>in</strong><br />

Aalborg.<br />

• In 2008 Abriza became mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> one amaz<strong>in</strong>g little<br />

boy that she enjoy to <strong>the</strong> full.<br />

Abriza, Denmark<br />

Photo: Jiri Srba


Alex<strong>and</strong>ra, Ukra<strong>in</strong>e/Denmark<br />

• Alex<strong>and</strong>ra is from Ukra<strong>in</strong>e, liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Denmark now. She was<br />

born near <strong>the</strong> Black sea on pen<strong>in</strong>sula Crimea <strong>in</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e wich<br />

is very warm <strong>and</strong> close to Turkey. S<strong>in</strong>ce she was a child she<br />

have listen to oriental music <strong>and</strong> have been watch<strong>in</strong>g belly<br />

danc<strong>in</strong>g, She always thought that she would be a belly<br />

dancer.<br />

• She has been danc<strong>in</strong>g different types <strong>of</strong> dance s<strong>in</strong>ce she was<br />

13 years. In 2008 she started tak<strong>in</strong>g belly dance lessons <strong>in</strong><br />

Ukra<strong>in</strong>e. She was tak<strong>in</strong>g lessons from different teachers <strong>and</strong><br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional dancers <strong>in</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

• One <strong>of</strong> her teachers was Assiriya; she was absolute champion<br />

on one “cup <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world”.<br />

• Alex<strong>and</strong>ra took many workshops with pr<strong>of</strong>essional dancers, a<br />

few competitions <strong>in</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>and</strong> she was a belly dance<br />

<strong>in</strong>structor here <strong>in</strong> Denmark on one social project for women<br />

<strong>in</strong> Aarhus. Here she was danc<strong>in</strong>g with women from Turkey,<br />

Egypt <strong>and</strong> Morocco <strong>and</strong> Iran.<br />

• She has also performed at private parties <strong>in</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

Danmark.<br />

• Many <strong>in</strong>structors have <strong>in</strong>spired her, but her favorite is Marta<br />

Korzun (Ukra<strong>in</strong>e), Maria Shashkova (Russia), Aleksej<br />

Ryaboshapko (Russia), Assiriya (Ukra<strong>in</strong>e).<br />

• She cannot live without danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> belly dance <strong>in</strong> her<br />

favorite<br />

Photo: Private


Alva Aucu, Sweden<br />

• Alva Aucu started bellydanc<strong>in</strong>g late <strong>in</strong> life, she was over 30 years old. It<br />

started because she saw a bellydancer perform twice <strong>in</strong> one summer <strong>in</strong> her<br />

town (at S<strong>of</strong>iero Garden Party <strong>and</strong> at National day at Fredriksdal), so s<strong>of</strong>tly<br />

<strong>and</strong> gracefully. Her name was Arta Rrukiqi.<br />

• S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>re is no bellydance teacher on her level <strong>in</strong> her town, she<br />

commutes a few nights á week to dance lessons <strong>in</strong> Malmö with Sel<strong>in</strong>a Sevil<br />

at Dansöz. She is her ma<strong>in</strong> teacher.<br />

• She likes to learn to use different props <strong>and</strong> how to dance different styles.<br />

She has also tried bollywood, bharathanatyam, yoga, qi gong, classical<br />

ballet, hilal-style, ATS (with Dud Muurm<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen) <strong>and</strong> fusion.<br />

But for now she stays <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> oriental realm, s<strong>in</strong>ce it is so vast <strong>and</strong> she th<strong>in</strong>ks<br />

a dancer who performs must know much more than just one style or just<br />

one prop.<br />

• This is <strong>the</strong> first competition she participates <strong>in</strong>. She is not a competitive<br />

person. She just loves to dance, to move with <strong>the</strong> music. Normally, she<br />

likes to just watch to be <strong>in</strong>spired <strong>and</strong> see all <strong>the</strong> great dancers liv<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

stage. But this is a too great opportunity to miss: <strong>the</strong> first ever Danish Open<br />

<strong>in</strong> Bellydance!<br />

• Alva Aucu is part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> show group Turkish Delight, from Dansöz, Malmö.<br />

They take part <strong>in</strong> shows all year round, <strong>in</strong> Malmö, rest <strong>of</strong> Skåne <strong>and</strong><br />

sometimes Denmark <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r places. Like all o<strong>the</strong>r dancers, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

participate <strong>in</strong> all from private company parties to public carnevals. None<br />

mentioned, none forgotten.<br />

• Her stage name is totally made up.<br />

• She pondered for a long time, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>listed arabic friends to help… but <strong>the</strong>n<br />

she realised she is not an arabic girl <strong>and</strong> it felt a bit strange to have an<br />

arabic name. Also, so many dancers have similar names <strong>and</strong> I want to have<br />

a unique name.<br />

• She has always loved fairies – which <strong>in</strong> swedish is Älva (s<strong>in</strong>gularis). Fairies<br />

are danc<strong>in</strong>g creatures.<br />

• And Alba <strong>in</strong> spanish <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r lat<strong>in</strong> languages means ”enlighted,<br />

hightened, fair, light, bright, white.”<br />

• And I am white. Even <strong>in</strong> summer.<br />

• The surname Aucu is made up from au= gold <strong>and</strong> cu= copper. That is her<br />

haircolour. Never dyed, all natural.<br />

• So <strong>the</strong>re it is: a danc<strong>in</strong>g creature, whitesk<strong>in</strong>ned <strong>and</strong> gold-copper haired:<br />

ALVA AUCU!<br />

Photo: Annika Norbeck


Anna Michaela, Denmark<br />

• Anna Michaela is 20 years old <strong>and</strong> comes from Vedbæk, Denmark. From an<br />

early age Anna Michaela took great <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 9<br />

began tak<strong>in</strong>g lessons <strong>in</strong> Jazzballet, showdance <strong>and</strong> hip hop. Soon hereafter<br />

she also started to perform <strong>and</strong> compete at different events <strong>and</strong><br />

competitions around Sjæll<strong>and</strong>.<br />

• When Anna Michaela was thirteen, her English <strong>and</strong> drama teacher, an<br />

accomplished belly dancer orig<strong>in</strong>ally from Libanon, suggested her class to<br />

do a belly dance rout<strong>in</strong>e for <strong>the</strong> annual summer performance - which <strong>the</strong>y<br />

did with great success - <strong>and</strong> it was for this occasion that Anna Michaela was<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduced to belly danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> was immediately captivated by <strong>the</strong> grace<br />

<strong>and</strong> fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>ity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance, it’s unique expression <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> course <strong>the</strong><br />

magnificent costumes.<br />

• Anna Michaela was eager to learn as much about belly danc<strong>in</strong>g as she<br />

could, <strong>and</strong> she started tak<strong>in</strong>g lessons with her teacher after school. In her<br />

free time she eagerly studied both tribal <strong>and</strong> traditional belly dancers on<br />

dvd’s <strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Internet. She studied <strong>the</strong>ir every move <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

choreographies, <strong>and</strong> she was greatly <strong>in</strong>spired by dancers such as Rachel<br />

Brice, Didem, Ansuya <strong>and</strong> Anasma, who each <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir way motivated her to<br />

start experiment<strong>in</strong>g with her danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> mix<strong>in</strong>g belly dance with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

dance styles, she knew.<br />

• Anna Michaela cont<strong>in</strong>ued develop<strong>in</strong>g her belly dance skills dur<strong>in</strong>g her three<br />

years <strong>of</strong> highschool, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> 2012, at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 20, she<br />

started tak<strong>in</strong>g lessons with S<strong>of</strong>ia Vester, who’s unique <strong>and</strong> outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

dance style <strong>and</strong> expression immediately became a great <strong>in</strong>spiration <strong>and</strong><br />

support for her.<br />

• Recently Anna Michaela was admitted to <strong>the</strong> renowned “Dansestudiet” – a<br />

dance education studio <strong>in</strong> Århus - where she has been study<strong>in</strong>g dance on a<br />

full time basis s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> August. Through this education she will<br />

be taught both ballet, modern <strong>and</strong> jazz, <strong>and</strong> what is more, she is proud to<br />

be able to <strong>in</strong>troduce belly dance to this classic danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitution as well.<br />

• Danish Open Bellydance will be Anna Michaela’s first time compet<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

belly danc<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> she is very much look<strong>in</strong>g forward to <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>and</strong><br />

to see<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>r dancers who shares <strong>the</strong> same love, respect<br />

<strong>and</strong> passion for belly dance as she does.<br />

Photo: Pernille Oms


Asia Maciejewski – Pol<strong>and</strong>/Denmark<br />

• ”Life is a motion <strong>and</strong> I have been always passionate about mov<strong>in</strong>g " - Asia<br />

Maciejewska<br />

• Asia Maciejewska is a Polish girl, born <strong>in</strong> 1979 <strong>in</strong> Koszal<strong>in</strong> city. She has now lived<br />

for four years <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen.<br />

• As a child <strong>and</strong> teen she was a typical tomboy. Her sport<strong>in</strong>g career started with<br />

basketball <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 90'ties .<br />

• She was play<strong>in</strong>g as a cadet , junior <strong>and</strong> senior , travel<strong>in</strong>g with teammates to all<br />

tournament throughout Pol<strong>and</strong> .<br />

• In 1997 she discovered Karate Oyama - full contact karate. In 1998 she won <strong>the</strong><br />

Polish Master title <strong>and</strong> a year after that she f<strong>in</strong>ished second place at <strong>the</strong> Polish<br />

Cup <strong>in</strong> Oyama Top. In <strong>the</strong> year 1999 Asia completed a course <strong>in</strong>structor <strong>of</strong><br />

sports - specialization Karate. She was assigned to lead a group <strong>of</strong> kids for 8<br />

years.<br />

• The turn <strong>in</strong> Asia's career was when her coach advised her tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> aerobic<br />

<strong>and</strong> dance.<br />

• In <strong>the</strong> year 2000 Asia received a work <strong>of</strong>fer, <strong>and</strong> traveled with a vocal/dance<br />

group to Bahra<strong>in</strong>. There she have made a first contact with Arabic culture,<br />

music <strong>and</strong> dance. In <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g she didn't underst<strong>and</strong> it's specifics sound,<br />

rhythm <strong>and</strong> motion, but Asia became fasc<strong>in</strong>ated by it quite soon. The mysticism<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance got a hold <strong>of</strong> her!<br />

• She decided to travel to Icel<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2005. There she met her first <strong>of</strong>ficial teacher<br />

<strong>of</strong> belly dance JOSY ZAREEN. She has been Asia's dance <strong>in</strong>structor for 2 years. In<br />

2008 Asia moved to Copenhagen. She carried on with dance classes at school <strong>of</strong><br />

HEIDI JONSDOTTIR for 1,5 years. In July 2010 Asia beg<strong>in</strong>s dance classes with<br />

MAHER KISHK, until now Maher is her teacher <strong>and</strong> a good friend.<br />

• She tries to regularly take part <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Copenhagen Hafla. She is perform<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

restaurants <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen <strong>and</strong> Pol<strong>and</strong>, danc<strong>in</strong>g at private parties, sport<strong>in</strong>g<br />

events, also teaches at dance workshops <strong>in</strong> Pol<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Copenhagen.<br />

• Asia's teachers: Josy Zareen , Heidi Jonsdottir , Lela B Hansen , Maher Kishk .<br />

• In 2007 she won 4’Th place <strong>in</strong> belly dance competition - beg<strong>in</strong>ner category, <strong>in</strong><br />

Reykjavik/ Icel<strong>and</strong>.<br />

• Dance <strong>in</strong>spiration: Mahmoud Reda , Nour , Maher Kishk , Jamilah -Pol<strong>and</strong> ,<br />

Smirnova Svetlana - Russia .<br />

• Asia Maciejewska is a physical <strong>the</strong>rapist <strong>and</strong> she is <strong>in</strong> a happy relationship for<br />

sixteen years.<br />

Photo: Jaroslaw Maciejewski


Gisela Karlestedt, Denmark<br />

• Gisela found belly dance <strong>in</strong> 2003. She fell <strong>in</strong> love<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Middle Eastern music <strong>and</strong> just had to learn<br />

how to move to it. Because <strong>of</strong> this, her philosophy<br />

on Oriental Dance has been that for her, it must<br />

“always start with <strong>the</strong> music”.<br />

• Lena Astrid was Gisela’s first teacher <strong>and</strong> she still<br />

regards Lena as her primary <strong>in</strong>fluence. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n<br />

Gisela has taken classes <strong>and</strong> workshops with many<br />

teachers <strong>in</strong> Denmark <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>the</strong> latter while<br />

on exchange dur<strong>in</strong>g her studies, as well as <strong>in</strong><br />

festivals <strong>in</strong> Stockholm <strong>and</strong> Cairo. Egyptian style is<br />

closest to her heart <strong>and</strong> her absolute favorite<br />

dancer is Fifi Abdou.<br />

• Be<strong>in</strong>g a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> belly dance community is very<br />

important to Gisela <strong>and</strong> she spends a lot <strong>of</strong> time<br />

work<strong>in</strong>g to promote <strong>the</strong> dance through Orientalsk<br />

DanseUnion, <strong>the</strong> Danish Organization for Oriental<br />

Dance. She has learnt a lot from putt<strong>in</strong>g on shows<br />

<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r events, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

board <strong>of</strong> ODU, <strong>and</strong> has made plenty <strong>of</strong> dancer<br />

friends along <strong>the</strong> way.<br />

• In her o<strong>the</strong>r life, Gisela is a Ceramic artist from <strong>the</strong><br />

Danish School <strong>of</strong> Design <strong>and</strong> she shares a studio<br />

with two colleagues <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen. Even here,<br />

Belly dance has sneaked its way <strong>in</strong>. Much <strong>of</strong> her<br />

patterns are <strong>in</strong>spired by <strong>the</strong> Orient <strong>and</strong> she enjoys<br />

sculpt<strong>in</strong>g little porcela<strong>in</strong> belly dancer figur<strong>in</strong>es.


Iben Koch, Denmark<br />

• Iben Koch, Denmark has now been danc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

belly dance <strong>in</strong> 15 years <strong>and</strong> she have been<br />

taught by various dancers, e.g. Anna Barner<br />

Sarp, Ulla Kallenbach, Beata & Horacio<br />

Cifuentes.<br />

• Iben started danc<strong>in</strong>g, because she was<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g for fun exercise <strong>and</strong> that she found.<br />

Also it is challeng<strong>in</strong>g, giv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong><br />

she enjoy meet<strong>in</strong>g various dancers from all<br />

over <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

• She participated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Danish Championship<br />

2008 <strong>and</strong> she performs at various private<br />

parties.<br />

• Privately, she lives outside Copenhagen with<br />

her friend <strong>and</strong> his two daughters <strong>and</strong> she<br />

works fulltime as an after sales supporter <strong>in</strong><br />

an European company, support<strong>in</strong>g customers<br />

all over <strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g her l<strong>in</strong>guistic<br />

skills <strong>in</strong> German, French <strong>and</strong> English.<br />

Photo: Private


• Inessa was born <strong>in</strong> Odessa, Ukra<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> 1991,<br />

<strong>and</strong> has been liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Denmark s<strong>in</strong>ce 1999.<br />

• When she was 13, she was drawn to <strong>the</strong><br />

world <strong>of</strong> belly dance, <strong>and</strong> has been danc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

ever s<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />

• Inessa has been taught by many Danish <strong>and</strong><br />

foreign dance teachers, e.g. Anna Barner,<br />

Lena Astrid, Lucy Bannon, Horacio & Beata<br />

Cifuentes, Nour, Liza Laziza, Dalila.<br />

• In 2012 Inessa began danc<strong>in</strong>g with Thuraya<br />

Troupe.<br />

• Besides belly dance, Inessa also dances<br />

Bollywood-dance <strong>and</strong> kathak.<br />

• When Inessa lived <strong>in</strong> Beij<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2011, she<br />

participated <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese dance classes. Inessa<br />

was very <strong>in</strong>spired by <strong>the</strong> various Ch<strong>in</strong>ese folk<br />

dances <strong>and</strong> loves explor<strong>in</strong>g dances from<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r ethnic groups.<br />

• Inessa studies Ch<strong>in</strong>a studies at Copenhagen<br />

University.<br />

Inessa, Denmark<br />

Photo: Rasmus Oddder Nicolaisen


Janni Byø, Denmark<br />

• Janni has danced for 7 years <strong>and</strong> loves it still.<br />

Oriental dance is her daily exercise. Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

with Marie Langvad she forms <strong>the</strong> duet<br />

Jammal. They meet as <strong>of</strong>ten as possible<br />

where <strong>the</strong>y practice toge<strong>the</strong>r. Janni is<br />

<strong>in</strong>credibly grateful for participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

duet, which also is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> competition.<br />

• Janni is very <strong>in</strong>spired by S<strong>of</strong>ia Vester who was<br />

her eye-opener <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> oriental world. She<br />

taught her <strong>the</strong> freedom to <strong>in</strong>terpret, <strong>and</strong> she<br />

is deeply grateful. In her dance, she uses <strong>the</strong><br />

motto, "I just dance". The word mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />

freedom <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> feel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>side that makes<br />

<strong>the</strong> expression true <strong>and</strong> natural.<br />

• Janni is an energetic woman, with husb<strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong> children, horses <strong>and</strong> a job <strong>and</strong> right now<br />

she also study to be a nurse. Danc<strong>in</strong>g is her<br />

haven.<br />

• Janni welcomes this competition <strong>and</strong> hopes<br />

it will become a tradition <strong>in</strong> Denmark.<br />

Photo: Private


Julia Gaspar, Hungary/Denmark<br />

• Julia Gaspar has been belly danc<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 2003. She started to take lessons<br />

<strong>in</strong> a local Belly Dance Studio <strong>in</strong> her hometown, <strong>in</strong> Hungary. Later she<br />

learned from hungarian masterteachers, from Mercedes Nieto <strong>and</strong> Ghazi<br />

Mona Dolores. She took workshops from pr<strong>of</strong>essional dancers from all<br />

around <strong>the</strong> world, eg. Djamila, Sefirah, Amaraya, Shahrazad, Magdy El-<br />

Leisy, Shafeek Ibrahim.<br />

• She took part <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest countrywide competition <strong>in</strong> Hungary, <strong>the</strong> Raks<br />

Sharqi, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2008 she has won 3rd place <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional category.<br />

•<br />

From 2008 till now she has worked <strong>in</strong> several prestigious restaurants <strong>and</strong><br />

clubs all around Europe such as:<br />

Austria: Lord <strong>of</strong> S, Al Fayrooz, Hafez, Pars, El Basa<br />

Hungary: Lial<strong>in</strong>a, Rotana, Seherezade,1001 Night<br />

Danmark: Ankara<br />

• She has performed <strong>in</strong> many festivals, carnivals, galas, wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, birthday<br />

parties <strong>and</strong> a lot <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r events.<br />

• Her style is dynamic <strong>and</strong> elegant. She performes <strong>in</strong> many styles <strong>of</strong> belly<br />

dance, classical, folklor <strong>and</strong> modern as well. Some <strong>of</strong> her repertoire: raks<br />

sharki megancé, saidi, baladi, <strong>and</strong>alus, melaya, bollywood, arab pop,<br />

shaabi, revue/burlesque fusion.<br />

• She moved to Aarhus, Danmark with her husb<strong>and</strong> one year ago. Now she is<br />

stud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> danish language. She is <strong>in</strong>teressted <strong>in</strong> belly dance costume<br />

design<strong>in</strong>g, she creates most <strong>of</strong> her costumes by h<strong>and</strong>. Her fur<strong>the</strong>r goals are<br />

to teach belly dance <strong>and</strong> to create pr<strong>of</strong>essional belly dance costumes for<br />

dancers.<br />

Photo: Private


Julie Eichner Knudsen, Denmark<br />

• Julie Eichner Knudsen started danc<strong>in</strong>g belly dance <strong>in</strong><br />

2004 <strong>and</strong> before that funk / jazz ballet for many<br />

years. She quickly became fasc<strong>in</strong>ated by belly<br />

dance's elegance, charm, music <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />

costumes. At that time she had no great ambitions<br />

but she was soon caught by <strong>the</strong> dance <strong>and</strong> had to<br />

have more tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> more workshops.<br />

• That way, she also tried different teachers <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Lena Astrid, Lucy Banon, Benedikte Solberg, Regitze<br />

Rugholm, Marie M. Jensen, Liza Laziza <strong>and</strong> Dalila,<br />

Nour <strong>and</strong> Khaled Mahmoud. They have all taught<br />

her someth<strong>in</strong>g different <strong>and</strong> given her much<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration, each with <strong>the</strong>ir own special emphasis<br />

on dance. Sadie from USA has also been a huge<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration.<br />

• Julie has performed <strong>in</strong> many places most recently at<br />

a big charity show for Plan Denmark. Additionally,<br />

Julie has performed at cultural events, girl festival<br />

<strong>and</strong> private events like wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, bachelor parties<br />

<strong>and</strong> corporate parties. Julie is now a teacher herself.<br />

• Julie studies psychology at Copenhagen University.<br />

Photo: Private


Laura Anderson, Denmark/Engl<strong>and</strong><br />

• Laura Krist<strong>in</strong>e Graham Anderson, has<br />

been danc<strong>in</strong>g belly dance s<strong>in</strong>ce 2002<br />

<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2010 she started teach<strong>in</strong>g at<br />

<strong>the</strong> local even<strong>in</strong>g school.<br />

• She has received tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g from lots <strong>of</strong><br />

different teachers both from<br />

Denmark <strong>and</strong> abroad, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2007<br />

she tra<strong>in</strong>ed with <strong>the</strong> ensemble<br />

"Sirocco - Copenhagen Oriental<br />

Dancers" by Lena Astrid <strong>and</strong> Ulla<br />

Kallenbach.<br />

• Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, she spent a year liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong> where she participated <strong>in</strong> a<br />

full-time course <strong>in</strong> contemporary<br />

dance & movement studies. Laura<br />

has also performed at private parties<br />

<strong>and</strong> public events.<br />

Photo: Private


L<strong>in</strong>nea Færch, Denmark<br />

• L<strong>in</strong>nea Færch started belly danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

2000 as a exercise dancer <strong>and</strong> has<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce evolved <strong>in</strong>to a pr<strong>of</strong>essional belly<br />

dancer.<br />

• Her comprehensive CV <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />

performances at restaurants,<br />

wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, company events, Roskilde<br />

Festival, on Danish national television<br />

shows like "Go’aften Danmark" <strong>and</strong><br />

"Dans i Manegen", guest lecturer<br />

abroad <strong>and</strong> teaches at Danmarks<br />

Mavedanserskole.<br />

• As Audience Favorite at <strong>the</strong> Danish<br />

championship <strong>in</strong> belly dance 2002<br />

<strong>and</strong> Danish champion <strong>in</strong> 2005, L<strong>in</strong>nea<br />

is extra excited to participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

first Danish Open Bellydance <strong>in</strong> 2012.<br />

Photo: Claude Zwahlen


Maria Vernegren, Denmark<br />

• Maria is 21 years old <strong>and</strong> has been danc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

belly dance s<strong>in</strong>ce 2008.<br />

• Her comprehensive CV <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />

performances at restaurants, bars, birthdays,<br />

company events <strong>and</strong> she has been<br />

perform<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> U2 cover b<strong>and</strong><br />

“Elevation”.<br />

• Maria was <strong>in</strong>spired by her friend, Christ<strong>in</strong>a.<br />

Christ<strong>in</strong>a was passionately <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

dance <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> culture <strong>and</strong> Maria fell <strong>in</strong> love<br />

with this whole new world immediately.<br />

• Maria has been taught by pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

dancers as Yasm<strong>in</strong>a, Marie Jensen <strong>and</strong> Tracy<br />

Gibbs. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m have been an <strong>in</strong>spiration<br />

to Maria.<br />

Photo: Morten Fjord Steengaard


Maya Meru, Sweden<br />

• Maya Meru started danc<strong>in</strong>g ballet when she was only two years old<br />

<strong>and</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ued to do so for 14 years. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n she’s been try<strong>in</strong>g<br />

different types <strong>of</strong> dance like Salsa, Bollywood, American Tribal Style<br />

<strong>and</strong> Tribal Fusion. In 2001, while work<strong>in</strong>g as a social worker with a<br />

group <strong>of</strong> women from Iran <strong>and</strong> Iraq, Maya Meru was <strong>in</strong>troduced to<br />

<strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong> Belly dance <strong>and</strong> fell totally <strong>in</strong> love with <strong>the</strong> rhythms, <strong>the</strong><br />

feel<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> beauty it br<strong>in</strong>gs to body <strong>and</strong> soul.<br />

• Maya Meru is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> show group Turkish Delight <strong>of</strong><br />

Dansöz, Malmö. She frequently performs with Turkish Delight <strong>and</strong><br />

solo at different public events, restaurants <strong>and</strong> private parties such<br />

as wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, bachelorette parties <strong>and</strong> birthday parties. Maya Meru<br />

also teaches <strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong> oriental dance at various dance classes <strong>in</strong> her<br />

hometown Hels<strong>in</strong>gborg <strong>and</strong> has been do<strong>in</strong>g so s<strong>in</strong>ce 2007.<br />

• Maya Meru has been tak<strong>in</strong>g great <strong>in</strong>spiration <strong>and</strong> wonderful lessons<br />

by many belly dance stars. Her ma<strong>in</strong> teacher is Sel<strong>in</strong>a Sevil <strong>of</strong><br />

Sweden. She’s been tak<strong>in</strong>g workshops for Aziza <strong>of</strong> Canada, Marta<br />

Korzun <strong>of</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e, Özlem Idilsu <strong>of</strong> Tukey, Nesma Al Andalus (Spa<strong>in</strong>),<br />

<strong>the</strong> Euro Divas Suraiya (Pol<strong>and</strong>), Maikki (Norway) <strong>and</strong> Khalida<br />

(Belgium) among many o<strong>the</strong>rs. Whenever opportunities come<br />

along, Maya Meru travels to Belly Dance Festivals <strong>and</strong> events round<br />

<strong>the</strong> world to learn <strong>and</strong> develop even more. Danish Open will be <strong>the</strong><br />

first competition Maya Meru enters.<br />

• Maya Meru also has got a passion for draw<strong>in</strong>g, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g as well as<br />

sew<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g her own belly dance costumes. Mostly she<br />

performs wear<strong>in</strong>g her own design <strong>and</strong> will do so <strong>in</strong> Danish Open as<br />

well.<br />

• Maya Meru shares not only her life <strong>and</strong> home, but also her passion<br />

for music with her boyfriend. He is a highly educated classical<br />

concert pianist <strong>and</strong> composer (educated at Malmö academy <strong>of</strong><br />

Music, <strong>the</strong> Royal Danish Academy <strong>of</strong> Music <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Carl Nielsen<br />

Academy <strong>of</strong> Music). They <strong>in</strong>spire <strong>and</strong> support each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> will<br />

deepen <strong>the</strong>ir collaboration on stage <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.<br />

Photo: Annika Norbeck


Naja Ravn-Jensen, Denmark<br />

• Naja Ravn-Jensen is 23 years old <strong>and</strong> is liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Aalborg. She<br />

has had <strong>the</strong> oriental dance as a part <strong>of</strong> her life s<strong>in</strong>ce she was<br />

born. Her mo<strong>the</strong>r was <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional dancer, teacher <strong>and</strong><br />

choreographer Inge Majbrit Ravn-Jensen also known as<br />

Nashwa. When Najas lost her mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> 2009, she said that<br />

she would cont<strong>in</strong>ue danc<strong>in</strong>g for her, <strong>and</strong> every time she<br />

dances, she feels that her mo<strong>the</strong>r is with her. Najas mo<strong>the</strong>r is<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itely Najas biggest <strong>in</strong>spiration. Now dances <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> showteam<br />

El Saada taught by Bente Meyer once a week.<br />

• Naja regularly participate <strong>in</strong> various workshops: Nashwa,<br />

Maher Kishik, Sel<strong>in</strong>a Sevil, Noura v/Regitze Rugholm, Jane<br />

Franzen, Anna Barner Sarp <strong>and</strong> Maizena Harmon <strong>and</strong> Liza<br />

Laziza. Naja f<strong>in</strong>ds Liza to be an <strong>in</strong>credibly beautiful <strong>and</strong><br />

talented dancer. In addition, Naja participate <strong>in</strong> percussion<br />

weekend courses by Lars Bo Kujahn.<br />

• Naja has performed at Oriental Dance Festival <strong>in</strong> Kold<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

Season shows, Aalborg Cultural night with <strong>the</strong> show Alayki El<br />

Dalal, Aalborg <strong>in</strong> Red <strong>and</strong> P<strong>in</strong>k Saturday. When she performs<br />

it is with dignity <strong>and</strong> respect for culture <strong>and</strong> tradition beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />

<strong>the</strong> oriental dance. Naja puts focus on both <strong>the</strong> dance <strong>and</strong><br />

personal expression. Naja has never before participated <strong>in</strong><br />

dance competitions. Naja does her own solo-choreographies<br />

or she improvises. Her first solo appearance was a balady at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong> Theater <strong>in</strong> Aalborg, 2006.<br />

Photo: Private


Pernille Gilbro, Denmark<br />

• Pernille Gilbro is 19 years old <strong>and</strong> lives <strong>in</strong> Hels<strong>in</strong>gor -<br />

Denmark.<br />

• Pernille is a young <strong>and</strong> is passionate about belly danc<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

She grew up close an Arab family that she has been closely<br />

associated with s<strong>in</strong>ce she was a small girl. This family she<br />

today th<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>of</strong> as her second family, <strong>and</strong> it is here she<br />

knows about <strong>the</strong> Arab way <strong>of</strong> life, culture, language <strong>and</strong><br />

especially <strong>the</strong> oriental music. Pernille has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong><br />

all forms <strong>of</strong> Arab parties, as big birthdays, Eid celebrations<br />

<strong>and</strong> Arab wedd<strong>in</strong>gs throughout her life.<br />

• When she was 13, she started belly danc<strong>in</strong>g at Petunia<br />

Sonne, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n at Benedikte (DITA). Ever s<strong>in</strong>ce, she has<br />

been danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> has made an <strong>in</strong>credible development as<br />

a dancer, teacher <strong>and</strong> performer.<br />

• Pernille has completed hhx exam <strong>in</strong> summer 2012. Besides<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g to school, she has worked as a fitness <strong>in</strong>structor <strong>and</strong><br />

taught belly danc<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce she was 16. Pernille <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

occurs <strong>in</strong> smaller shows, <strong>in</strong> restaurants <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r private<br />

events such as birthdays <strong>and</strong> Arab wedd<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

• Pernille's big passion is belly danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> she sees it not as<br />

a job but as a free space. She is very aware <strong>of</strong> her dance<br />

style <strong>and</strong> choice <strong>of</strong> music <strong>and</strong> costume, which is why she<br />

even designs her own costumes <strong>and</strong> always dances<br />

choreographies <strong>of</strong> her own.<br />

Photo: Kaj Frøl<strong>in</strong>g


• Suvi started oriental dance at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 9 <strong>and</strong> her first teacher was her<br />

mo<strong>the</strong>r. Later on her teachers has been here <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong>: N<strong>in</strong>a Ekholm, Sirke<br />

Seppänen, Saara Soikkeli, Pepp<strong>in</strong>a L<strong>in</strong>dfors, Tuija R<strong>in</strong>ne, Jaana L<strong>in</strong>droos <strong>and</strong><br />

Zahra Mujunen. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m was her regurlar teachers <strong>and</strong> some<br />

workshops. Later on she have also been learn<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong>achers from<br />

festivals abroad like sweden, egypt, estonia. Teachers: Kaidi Udris, Pille<br />

Roosi, Mercedes Neito, Azad Kaan, Maria Aya, Lubna Emam, Tito Seif,<br />

Magdy el Leisy, Mahmoud Reda, Ze<strong>in</strong>a, Camelia, Abeer Kamal, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia,<br />

Youssri Sharif, Aida Nour, Farida Fahmy <strong>and</strong> so on.<br />

• Suvis biggest <strong>in</strong>spiration among oriental dance is Mercedes Nieto <strong>and</strong> Azad<br />

Kaan because <strong>the</strong>y have managed to create a style <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />

do not always follow <strong>the</strong> limits that some oriental dance teachers set us.<br />

• She have participated <strong>in</strong> many big events <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong> like for example <strong>the</strong><br />

Yalla! Festival but also many small events. She has also performed <strong>in</strong><br />

Sweden, Estonia <strong>and</strong> Cairo (nile group festival)<br />

• Suvi participated competitions <strong>in</strong> Stockholm bellydance festival, Nile group<br />

(Cairo), Estonia (Tall<strong>in</strong>n) <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first <strong>in</strong>ternational oriental dance<br />

competition <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong> that she managed to w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1st place (Hafla<br />

<strong>in</strong>tensive)<br />

• There is also ano<strong>the</strong>r side <strong>of</strong> her <strong>in</strong> danc<strong>in</strong>g. She is serious about all <strong>the</strong><br />

street dances <strong>and</strong> try to improve <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m as much as she can. She has been<br />

lately perform<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> house <strong>and</strong> hip hop <strong>and</strong> also participated <strong>in</strong><br />

competitions. Also her new serious passion is krump<strong>in</strong>g. Besides that she<br />

also danced contemporary dance, afro <strong>and</strong> show.<br />

• Suvi th<strong>in</strong>ks that every dancer should have knowledge from all <strong>the</strong> fields <strong>of</strong><br />

danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> so <strong>the</strong>y will learn also more about <strong>the</strong>ir own field. Like for her<br />

she has learned from oriental dance so much dur<strong>in</strong>g that time she started<br />

to dance o<strong>the</strong>r stuff as well.<br />

• Suvis motto is: It’s not about how much you do it, it’s how you do it.<br />

Besides danc<strong>in</strong>g she studys archaeology as her major at <strong>the</strong> university <strong>of</strong><br />

Hels<strong>in</strong>ki.<br />

Suvi, F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong>


T<strong>in</strong>a Bendix, Denmark<br />

• T<strong>in</strong>a Bendix has been danc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

various types <strong>of</strong> dance s<strong>in</strong>ce she<br />

was five. She started tak<strong>in</strong>g belly<br />

dance classes <strong>in</strong> 1995 <strong>and</strong> soon<br />

became captivated by <strong>the</strong> dance,<br />

<strong>the</strong> techniques <strong>and</strong> not least <strong>the</strong><br />

Arab music <strong>and</strong> culture.<br />

• Over <strong>the</strong> years she has tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

classes with a number <strong>of</strong> Danish<br />

<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational teachers <strong>and</strong> is<br />

currently a student at Danmarks<br />

Mavedanserskole.<br />

• Besides from perform<strong>in</strong>g as a<br />

soloist T<strong>in</strong>a is also member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

dance ensemble Jumanah.<br />

Photo: Private


Victoria, Russia/Denmark<br />

• Victoria Kassow comes from a beautiful ancient city Vladimir <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

heart <strong>of</strong> Russia, where she graduated from <strong>the</strong> university as a<br />

journalist <strong>and</strong> english-russian translator. She moved to Denmark <strong>in</strong><br />

2009 <strong>and</strong> lives with her danish husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir little daughter<br />

Sophia <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen, where she studies public adm<strong>in</strong>istration at<br />

University College Metropol.<br />

• Victoria has been danc<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce she was a little girl. At <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 6<br />

she started ballroom danc<strong>in</strong>g but has always had passion for oriental<br />

music. After her first trip to Turkey <strong>in</strong> 2004 belly dance became an<br />

important part <strong>of</strong> her life. She was watch<strong>in</strong>g belly dance DVDs by The<br />

Bellydance Superstars <strong>and</strong> took her first pr<strong>of</strong>essional belly dance<br />

classes <strong>in</strong> Turkey, where she has been several times <strong>and</strong> participated<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Alladd<strong>in</strong> show, where she was danc<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> sultan. That was<br />

her first, at that time not at all pr<strong>of</strong>essional, belly dance<br />

performance. Victoria's first danish belly dance teacher was Natshia N<strong>in</strong>et<br />

Hjelme.Victoria was danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> her group for a year <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n was tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

classes with Zanobia (Lotte L<strong>in</strong>dgård Andersen) <strong>and</strong> danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> her<br />

showgroup Tafan<strong>in</strong>. That was a wonderful time <strong>in</strong> Odense belly dance<br />

school both with Natshia <strong>and</strong> Lotte. Now liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen, Victoria<br />

misses her beautiful Odense teachers <strong>and</strong> visits <strong>the</strong>m from time to time<br />

to see <strong>the</strong>ir performances or to take part <strong>in</strong> workshops. One <strong>of</strong> such<br />

workshops was <strong>in</strong>structed by Maher Kishk, an Egyptian dancer <strong>and</strong><br />

choreographer, whose fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g performance <strong>and</strong> special style<br />

<strong>in</strong>spired Victoria to spend more time learn<strong>in</strong>g technique <strong>and</strong> basis <strong>of</strong><br />

Egyptian <strong>and</strong> Lebanese folk dance. Luckily she could take classes with<br />

Maher <strong>in</strong> Copenhagen, where he lives <strong>and</strong> where Victoria met her new<br />

dance-friend Asia from Pol<strong>and</strong>, with whom she performs on belly dance<br />

”come toge<strong>the</strong>r party” Hafla <strong>in</strong> Valby. Victoria has also performed at a<br />

belly dance concert <strong>in</strong> Esbjerg <strong>and</strong> at ”1001 night” party <strong>in</strong> a night<br />

club Kupe <strong>in</strong> Århus. Victoria dances also at private parties like<br />

wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, bachelor parties etc.<br />

• Victoria has never taken part <strong>in</strong> belly dance competitions before <strong>and</strong><br />

is look<strong>in</strong>g forward to meet o<strong>the</strong>r belly dancers from all over <strong>the</strong> world<br />

<strong>and</strong> dance, dance, dance...<br />

Photo: Claus Petersen


• Yarr<strong>in</strong>e have been danc<strong>in</strong>g for 5 years. Her<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration to start danc<strong>in</strong>g oriental dance came<br />

when she saw a dancer danc<strong>in</strong>g this beautiful dance<br />

at one <strong>of</strong> her friends birthday parties. She fell <strong>in</strong><br />

love with <strong>the</strong> music <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> dance so she started to<br />

dance with Sel<strong>in</strong>a Sevil. She has also tacked lessons<br />

<strong>and</strong> workshops with Suraiya from Pol<strong>and</strong>, Marta<br />

Korzun from urukra<strong>in</strong>a, Farida Fahmy from Egypt,<br />

Mo Geddawi from Egypt, Nelly from grece, Ogün<br />

from Turkey, Özlem from Turkey, Asia from<br />

Amsterdam <strong>and</strong> more.<br />

• Yarr<strong>in</strong>es biggest <strong>in</strong>spirations is Sel<strong>in</strong>a sevil <strong>and</strong><br />

Suraiya but also <strong>the</strong> dancers she has taken<br />

workshops with because she th<strong>in</strong>ks that every<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional dancer always give her some new<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration for <strong>the</strong> dance.<br />

• She have started with competitions this spr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong><br />

before that she has participated <strong>in</strong> different shows<br />

with her dance.<br />

• When she don't dance Yarr<strong>in</strong>e works as a nurse at a<br />

hospital or take care <strong>of</strong> her 3 horses.<br />

• Dance <strong>and</strong> music have always been a part <strong>of</strong> her life<br />

<strong>and</strong> it will cont<strong>in</strong>ue with that as long as it's possible<br />

Yarr<strong>in</strong>e, Sweden<br />

Photo: Ahmed Sakr

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