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 288. Sylvia Yssei: Kundalini Energy & Dance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
Sylvia Yssei began her dance training in 2000 with Jazz, and throughout the years she included Flamenco, Spanish, Classical and Contemporary dances in her training. Later she discovered bellydance, and eventually Tribal…
Ep 287. Izel Kirana: Exploring Tribal Fusion & Indian Kalbelia Dance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:01
Izel Kirana started her dance journey almost 15 years ago. Originally from Barcelona, she fell in love with belly dance, tribal fusion style, and eventually Indian culture and art. 5 years ago she embarked on multiple jo…
Ep 286. Amanda Rose: Therapeutic Effect of Belly Dance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:19
Amanda Rose is an internationally acclaimed instructor and performer based in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to over a decade of teaching experience, and almost 2 decades of experience with Raqs Sharqi, she also has a mas…
Ep 283. Julia Farid: Pregnancy, Motherhood, & Dance Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
Julia Farid, a professional oriental dance artist, instructor, and choreographer originally from Ukraine, is renowned for her elegant and feminine dance style. Her contributions extend beyond the stage, as she has organi…
Ep 281. Dipika Vijay: Comparing Dance With Design And Geometry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:24
Dipika Vijay is an academically trained designer, and a belly dance artist by passion. Her belly dance company is called Badass Belly Dance and her fitness classes fly under the name Firefly Aerial Fitness. She lives in…
Ep 280. What Does The Term “Baladi” Mean? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
As belly dancers we often use the term “Baladi” in reference to a particular dance style. Also, we sometimes call Masmudi Saghir rhythm as Baladi rhythm, which is common a mistake. But in Egyptian culture the word “Balad…