FIND MORE ABOUT OUR PERFORMERS

Here is a little bit about our performing stars

MOHAMED EL SAYED

He was born in Cairo on November 23, 1979. Ever since his childhood, he took part in the dance and music program in his school in Cairo. Music and dance were his preferred activities both while in Cairo and after moving to Spain. In 1995, he began his formal performance and dance studies under the mentorship of the great teacher Shokry Mohamed, who had a great impact on El Sayed's dance and oriental music career. (Shokry Mohamed, an Egyptian pioneer in oriental dance in Spain, had a studio where he taught and choreographed oriental performances in Spain. He also authored several books on the topic). In Cairo, El Sayed continued with his Sufí learning in the Tannura School of the Mosque of the Sultan the Gurí, with the great teacher Bondok El Asmar. While studying percussion, it is necessary to emphasize the role of Khamis Henkesh besides Shokry Mohamed. Henkesh is a world-renowned drummer recognized by his work and his great discography.

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ACCALIA

A Manitoba Arts Council grant recipient and Dance Manitoba Gold Award recipient, Accalia is the founder and director of Deep Roots ॐ Strong Dance® dance company. She performs at weddings, restaurants, and Festivals. Accalia is a Certified Datura Style™ (Bellydance) practitioner who loves to teach dance, and is based at Nafro Studios in Osborne Village.

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ZAFIRAH

Zafirah brings more than 17 years of dance experience to the stage. Her passion for Middle Eastern dance shows in her strong technique and versatility, delighting her audiences with multiple styles including modern Egyptian, folkloric, and fusion. Zafirah is well-respected in the Winnipeg Bellydance community and can often be found performing with dance partner Asra. She is a skilled seamstress and costume designer - proudly presenting several of her creations on the Folklorama stage.

ASRA

Asra is a highly respected dancer and choreographer in the Winnipeg Bellydance community. She is passionate about Middle Eastern dance in all its forms and has travelled throughout Egypt, Turkey and Morocco to pursue dance training and develop a greater understanding of the music and culture in these countries. She is committed to presenting her audience with the finest Middle Eastern dance Winnipeg has to offer.

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KEVLA

Specializing in Egyptian and Cabaret Bellydance, Kevla is an international award-winning Winnipeg dancer. Bringing years of extensive study in ballet, jazz, and modern to her love of Middle Eastern dance gives her versatility and dedication to be reckoned with. She has been performing as a professional soloist since 2014, and prior to that with professional dance troupes such as Amar Egyptian Dance and Starfire Bellydance Collective.

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LAURA

Laura Canfield is the co-creator of Luna Sol Tribal Bellydance in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has been belly dancing since 2007, and has performed at a number of events including Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition. Laura is honoured to be participating in the first-ever Egyptian Pavilion at Folklarama 2019!

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MANDY

Mandy Desjarlais fell in love with Bellydance in 2004 and has danced and performed in an American Tribal Style troupe for 5 years. In 2012, she was a co-founder of LunaSol Tribal Bellydance. She has a great love of both teaching and performing.

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KARLA YANINA

Karla Yanina fell in love with the beauty of Middle Eastern music and dance in 1997. Since then, she has been devoted to learning Oriental Dancing and respectfully presenting it to numerous audiences, as dance artist and instructor.