Show Program:
SAMAR Gala featuring Melissa Gamal
Saturday, August 22th 2026 7:30 pm
Meet the talent behind our Gala Show.
Musicians
Oud & Musical Director
Ayham Kardouh
When he plays his oud, Ayham feels like he is still home in his native Syria. Growing up in Damascus, he first played his instrument when he was 7 years old and learned from his brothers. He is in love with Arab music and has had his own band for years and years. He doesn't have a favourite composer because he enjoys the variety music can offer: fast, slow, old, classic, new, etc. Every experience is different. His favourite Raqs Sharqi dancer is Katia of Russia who worked for many years in Cairo. One of his favourite sounds from ordinary life is the sweet song of small birds chirping. Tonight, he dedicates his talents to all those who shared their passion, technique, and artistry for this stringed instrument with him.
Keyboard
Fadi Attileh
At 17 years old, Fadi first picked up the keyboard in his native Syria. He immediately feel in love with the feel of the keys beneath his finger tips. His friend, Nazih taught him and he greatly admires Wasim for his immense professionalism. His favourite composers are Shaabi style (Egyptian street dance) so it’s no wonder his preferred Raqs Sharqi dancer is Fifi Abdou. His skills include playing the trumpet as befits a man born on the first of January! When he’s playing music, Fadi feels relaxed and happy. Can you believe his favourite everyday sound is the roar of cars and the rip of motorcycles. If you order a shisha for him, make it Double Apple.
Qanoun
Josi Saba
Josi feels like she's flying when she plays her kanoun. As she plucks the strings and flicks the levers to create beautiful melodies the experience is dreamy. Originally from Lebanon, she started her journey with the kanoun when she was 7 years old. She is unable to choose a favourite composer because she loves them all. She also loves to play all music and values sharing it with others. She believes it is so important to see and hear her beloved instrument. In particular, she enjoys sharing with children, such as her daughter, since kids are so open. She says that if they see that she can do it with a positive mindset that they can do anything they put their mind to. Did you know that Josi also loves to dance? Her favourite Raqs Sharqi dancer is Fifi Abdou.
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Darbuka
Ahmed Al Auqaily
Our lead percussionist tonight, Ahmed Al Auqaily, began playing percussion at the age of 13 in his native Iraq. He studied for three years at the Baghdad Youth Music School, where he learned tabla under an Egyptian teacher and riqq under a Syrian master. His passion and talent soon led him to a teaching position at the same school, and before long, he was performing in nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants across Iraq. In 1984, he was awarded Best Drummer at the Iraq Youth Music Festival. Ahmed plays a wide range of Arabic and Khaleeji percussion instruments and has performed alongside some of Iraq’s most celebrated singers. Since immigrating to Canada, he has continued his vibrant musical career, performing with international artists at venues such as the University of Alberta, MENAME, and local nightclubs, and sharing his knowledge through music education. For Ahmed, music is a language of love, rhythm, and connection. He is inspired by the beat, the collaboration, and the joy it brings to those who listen and dance. “Music is just like love. You just feel it. You don’t know why, you just do.”
Singer
Maan Salim
Our Singer tonight, Maan Salim, is originally from Syria. In addition to his beautiful vocals, he is also an oud player who hopes to promote Syrian culture and integrate into Canadian society. He has performed in Syria, Brazil, Lebanon, and Canada. With love, he hopes peace prevails everywhere.
Singer
Rana
Growing up in Syria, I discovered my love for singing and the beauty of my voice at a young age. Although the dream of becoming a singer has taken time to unfold, I continue to pursue it here in Canada with passion and heart.
I am a lifelong music lover, especially drawn to the richness and emotion of Arabic classical music. I am proud to be a lead singer with MENAME BAND, a Middle Eastern and North African music ensemble, where I have the joy of sharing the music I love with others.
I believe music has a special way of reaching the deepest places in our hearts. Sometimes, a song can beautifully express what words in an ordinary conversation simply cannot. For me, singing is not only about music—it is about emotion, connection, culture, and telling stories from the heart.
Tabla
George Kardouh
He feels the joy of journeying into another world when making music. George started playing at age 15 while growing up in Syria. He also plays the trumpet and the trombone but his preference is for the tabla. Not surprising;y, he likes melodies that have rhythm. He acknowledges Egyptian percussionists Saeed Aratasit and Kaid Silawi as his teachers. While he doesn’t name a favourite composer, he shares a fancy for Iraqi singing and old songs. He recommends listening to Iraqi singers Hatem Al Iraqi and Yass Khader. Sadly, the war interrupted his studies and plans to learn the Greek bouzouki stringed instrument and also the violin. He is optimistic for the future.
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Sagats (Finger Cymbals)
Nicole
Nico began her dance journey in early 2011 after the birth of her first son. Looking for a way to reconnect with her body, she stumbled on the TV show 'Shimmy' and decided to follow along- and that was it; love at first step. After a year of dedicated home practice, Nico headed out to find her first dance teacher- enter Minya of Jumping Camel. Nico continued regular weekly classes with Minya (from 2012 until her retirement from teaching in early 2022) and quickly joined the performance troupe in 2013, and then started teaching in 2016. She has since continued to learn with teachers from all over including Amarna (Calgary), Rachel George (USA), Ashley Rhianne (Van, BC), Nourhan Sharif (USA), Karim Nagi (USA, Egypt), Dr George Sawa (Canada), Johara of Belly Up (Canada) and Shahrzad (USA, Egypt).
Dancers
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Toronto
Melissa
Melissa Gamal is an internationally admired Raqs Sharqi artist, sought after as a teacher, performer and choreographer for her refined technique and embodied musicality.
Melissa has been invited to teach and perform across multiple cities in Canada the USA, Europe and the Middle East.
Melissa has been recognized for her proficiency of Sagat (finger cymbals), for which she was invited to play at the Cairo Opera House in 2021.
And in 2022 she was honoured to train Egyptian actress Nada Moussa for her role as Sha’abi singer/dancer Azza in the popular Ramadan series “El Meshwar.”
She is the Director of the Ya Amar studio and dance company, based in Toronto,, with the goal of providing comprehensive training in Middle Eastern dance styles, while also instilling in her students a deep love and respect for the cultures behind these dances.
Calgary/
Edmonton
Maya
Maya Christina celebrates the 36th anniversary since her first professional performance this month. She has trained extensively in dances from the Middle East and North Africa as well as flamenco, reggaeton, and the Indian classical dances of bharatanatyam and kathak. She currently dances in Edmonton where she performs and plays percussion with MENAME, the University of Alberta's Middle Eastern and North African Music Ensemble and is the artistic director of Belediyya Dance Company. When she is not dancing, she spends her time as a professional geologist, paleontologist, and marine biologist. Maya believes that to understand the heart of the people or a culture, one should experience their art, dance, and music, and so is the eternal student of world music and dance.
Saskatoon
Megan
Megan is an Egyptian dance artist who specializes in raqs sharqi and folkloric dances from Egypt. Since she was a little girl Megan has always taken opportunities to dance. She grew up trying many different styles before taking her first Egyptian dance class with DancEgypt Dance Co. over 20 years ago. Her mom suggested that she try belly dancing classes so that she could dance for her grandmother, who was from Egypt.
Eventually, Megan joined DancEgypt’s performing troupe and later became an instructor for the school. With a deepening appreciation of the dance she also learned how to play a couple Arabic instruments; the tabla and the oud. Learning how to play rhythms and melodies helped her better understand musical connections in dance. Over the years Megan has had the privilege of studying with many wonderful Egyptian dance artists. Her strong foundation in Egyptian folkloric dance is thanks to many hours of study with the amazing Denise Enan. And Megan is grateful to all of the Arabic music teachers that she has learned from over the years. Especially her oud teacher Mohamed Masmoudi who patiently answers all of her (many) questions about Arabic music theory.
​Megan is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and is co-owner and director of DancEgypt Dance Co. alongside her long time dance bestie, Sara Kreuger. Megan is ever grateful for this beautiful art form that she gets to share with audiences and students.
Saskatoon
Sara
Sara has been immersed in Egyptian music and dance from the beginning; a daughter to a dancer, music and dance have been the constants that ground her in life. She has been privileged to experience mentorship from some of the most knowledgeable and passionate artists throughout her dance journey, not only from a technical perspective, but also in learning to practice the wholistic experience of Egyptian dance. She has continued in her mother's teaching path and is now co-owner and co-director of DancEgypt Dance Co. in Saskatoon.
Calgary
Estefania
Hi, I’m Estefania — a Mexican dancer with 10 years of experience exploring movement through
folklore, modern styles, and my biggest passion: Arabic dance. Currently training at Jumping Camel Studio in Calgary, I’ve had the chance to learn from inspiring artists like Nourhan Sharif, Mercedes Nieto, Aziza, Wendy Sidar, Carmen Fragoso, and Esmeralda Calabone. For me, dance is a way to connect, celebrate, and share stories that go beyond borders.
Calgary
Ariellah
Ariellah is founder and artistic director of Lotus BellyDance Studio established in 2001. Ariellah’s love of Middle-Eastern Dance started in 1976 and she has been a respected and professional performer of Danse Orientale since 1980. Other styles include varied and authentic folkloric repertoire, fusion chic and Greek Styles. Ariellah’s dance has been influenced by Sahbra, Meryl Aydin (Turkey), Lana Miller (California), Hadia (Canada), Beata & Horacio Cifuentes (Germany), Sahra Saeeda (California), Nourhan & Yousry Sharif (New York), Yasmina Ramzy (Canada), Denise Enan (Canada), and Sabura (Seattle). She continues to research and share the love of Middle-Eastern dance with audiences and her students. As a teacher, she developed and maintains a high standard for her students as well as her own dance discipline and styles including musicality and rhythms. Ariellah’s passion for the dance carried her through a bout with breast cancer in 2009/2012. She continues to perform sometimes at restaurants, fundraisers, corporate functions, and private events and hopes to bring her love of this beautiful art form to everyone.
Banff
Hala Jamal
Hala Jamal of Banff Bellydance is known for her fluid and graceful style and her playful performances. A natural performer hopelessly in love with Egyptian and Greek dance, she dances with clean technique, charming charisma, and joyful elegance. Hala simply loves to dance!
She has been performing weekly at restaurants for over two decades. Currently, you can see her at the Balkan Restaurant in Banff, Mama’s Greek Kouzina in Strathmore, and other dinner show venues by request. She also enjoys dancing for private functions, weddings, festivals, and community events. She is the main choreographer for her troupe, Banff Bellydance, and enjoys dancing as a soloist, duet, or group member in both Raqs Shaqi and Folkloric styles.
She is grateful for all the women who contributed to her knowledge and skills, from her first teacher, Shadia, to her mentor, Hadia, and intensive studies with Aziza, Natalie Lebel, Yasmina Ramzy, Shahrzad, and others. She also recognizes the important role colleagues, friends, and students have had in her development too. Lastly, she has a special fondness for all audience members who generously offer their attention.
403-688-4252
Calgary
Moselle
Moselle is a professional bellydancer specializing in Egyptian-style raqs sharqi, with over 17 years of experience and training under some of the world’s most respected masters. She is a respected figure in Calgary’s bellydance community, known for her ability to improvise live to both traditional and contemporary Arabic music.
Moselle has trained extensively under Rahel Claman and studied with international masters such as Mohammed Shahin, Sahar Samara, Kareem Gad, Shahrazad, Vanessa of Cairo, and many others. She has performed at high-profile events in Canada, Egypt, Australia, and Italy, sometimes for audiences over 2,000, in addition to her regular appearances at local festivals, private events, and restaurant gigs.
Her passion for live music collaboration led her to perform at the 2021 “Dance Like an Egyptian” Intensive in Cairo, and co-organize this “Samar” showcase alongside Nico and Hala Jamal, starring Calgary’s top Arabic musicians.
Passionate about culturally sensitive, accurate representation, Moselle collaborates with peers across Alberta and BC to strengthen technique, foster community, and honor the rich cultural heritage of the art form.