Ep 300. Saida: How Everything Started

Ep 300. Saida: How Everything Started

Author: Iana Komarnytska August 7, 2024 Duration: 50:38

Saida, born to Syrian parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, immersed herself in classical dance from 1983 to 1991, training with esteemed masters like Olga Ferri and Ricardo Rivas. In 1991, she embraced Arabic dance, studying under Amir Thaleb’s guidance and performing with the Arabian Dance Company, where she became the principal dancer for over a decade. In 1994, Saida established her own belly dance school. By 2004, she joined the Bellydance Superstars for a major U.S. tour, thanks to an invitation from producer Miles Copeland. Collaborating with Mario Kirlis, she released two acclaimed instructional DVDs in 2005 and 2007. In 2008, UNESCO's International Dance Council honored her as Argentina's best Arabic dance performer.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How she met Amir Thaleb

- Starting her teaching career by hosting classes at her mom’s house

- Incredible collaboration with Mario Kirlis

- Saida’s experience at Bellydance Superstars

- Dealing with criticism and negative feedback

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Saida on Instagram, FB, and website.

Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast


Iana Komarnytska hosts Belly Dance Life, a podcast that goes far beyond the stage to explore the rich, textured world surrounding this ancient art form. This isn't just about steps and technique; it's a deep, personal conversation about the culture, history, and community that give the dance its soul. Each episode feels like a candid journal entry, weaving together the performing arts with honest discussions on health, body image, and personal growth. You'll hear from dancers, historians, and artists about how this practice intersects with modern society and individual identity. The Belly Dance Life podcast delves into the lifestyle in its entirety-the triumphs, the creative struggles, the cultural appreciation, and the quiet moments of practice that never see the spotlight. It's for anyone curious about the stories woven into the music and movement, offering a nuanced perspective that celebrates belly dance as a living, evolving form of human expression. Tune in for thoughtful reflections that connect the art to the broader tapestry of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 302

Belly Dance Life
Podcast Episodes
Ep 238. Special Series: Student Voice with Fiona, Soukaina & Emily [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45:51
This is a continuation of our special series ‘Student Voices’ where I share my conversations with the members of the Iana Dance Club about life, dance and training. Some of participants are belly dance beginners, some ar…
Ep 231. Iana & Pedro: Dating a Belly Dancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45:00
Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil, Pedro works in fine art and fashion photography, with works published in Elle Arabia, Fashion Canada and a number of magazines and b…
Ep 230. How to Memorize Any Choreography Faster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
This is a new solo episode with Iana! Sharing 10 practical tips that I use to memorize choreographies faster. These tips will be especially useful during workshop settings, when you need to learn a dance piece within ver…
Ep 229. Oreet: Business Education for Dancers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:02
Oreet has over 25 years of experience in fitness and dance. She grew up with Yemeni folk and Oriental dance and has a degree in Contemporary Dance from SUNY College at Brockport. SharQuí has been featured on NBC, ABC, CB…