Meet the Artists

The Samar organizers are proud to introduce you to some of the core talents behind our shows. We are grateful to our wonderful guest musicians, and beautiful guest dancers who help bring Samar to life.

Core 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.

Core Dancers

Dancer

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.

Dancer & Sagat Player

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).

Nico took over Jumping Camel Belly Dance in early 2022 as Artistic Director and owner and has been working on creating a place where people can go to learn about this rich dynamic dance and have fun.

Dancer

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, Aladdin's in Calgary, 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.

raqshala@gmail.com

403-688-4252

Guest Musicians

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.

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.

Voice & Oud

Fadi Katini

Playing music is about connection for Fadi. When he is playing or singing, he feels warm all over because he feels like all the people in the world. With music, he can speak to every person. He is a self-taught artist from Syria who first picked up the oud at age 10. Within a few minutes of picking up the stringed instrument, he had the basics to “An Sak” (a classic Um Kalthoum song) figured out. Before coming to Canada, he was in Sweden working as a musician full-time and teaching high school students in Stockholm. As a composer, he did a series of concerts in this Nordic country. His favourite composer is Mozart but he loves Balid Hamdi and Farid Al Atrash too. Did you know he also has a fondness for Tango and Bossa Nova music? Samia Gamal is his favourite famous raqs sharqi dancer. He offers some important advice to belly dancers; “know your rhythms - it’s VERY important.”.

Percussion

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.”

Voice

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.

Voice

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.

Sagat

Nicole

Nico took over Jumping Camel Belly Dance in early 2022 as Artistic Director and owner and has been working on creating a place where people can go to learn about this rich dynamic dance and have fun.

Violin

Abdelazim Shaker

Have you ever felt like something inside your heart reveals itself to others and deeply impacts them? That is a reality for Adheem every time he plays the violin. He began playing while growing up in Iraq when his brother, Hadi, taught him at age 15. Sadly, Hadi passed away in 1996. Adheem’s brother would be proud that he now plays 4 instruments: viola, cella, oud, and the violin. He earned a Bachelor of Music Science from the University of Baghdad. His career includes teaching violin at the Institute of Fine Arts, the Amman Academy, and the Calgary Multicultural Orchestra. He currently teaches private classes for the violin, viola, and the oud. He played with the Baghdad TV Orchestra for over two decades, the Calgary Multicultural Orchestra for 6 years, as well as multiple Arabic music groups in Calgary and beyond. Two composers he admires are Vivaldi and Mohammed Abdulwahad. Life offers so many positive activities and when Adheem is not listening to or playing music, he enjoys them.

Edmonton

Maya

Maya Christina celebrates the 36th anniversary since her first professional performance. 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.

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.

Saskatoon

Megan

Megan its co-owner of Dance Egypt in Saskatoon. She shares that "since I was a little girl I always danced. I grew up trying many styles of dance before finding Egyptian dance when I was a teenager. My mom suggested that I try belly dancing classes so that I could eventually show my grandmother, who was from Egypt. One of the things that I remember loving from the beginning was how expressive and free this dance form was. Eventually, I had the opportunity to join DancEgypt’s performing troupe and later became an instructor for the school. With a deepening appreciation of the dance I also learned how to play a couple Arabic instruments; the Arabic tabla and the oud. Learning how to play rhythms and melodies helped me better understand the musical connections to the dancing that I was doing and became a great tool for teaching as well. Over the years I have had the privilege of studying with many amazing Egyptian master instructors and Arabic music teachers and I am ever grateful for this beautiful art form that I get to share with audiences and students."

Saskatoon

Sara

Sara is co-owner of Dance Egypt in Saskatoon. She writes "Being the daughter of one of the co-founders of DancEgypt, Egyptian dance has always been part of my life. It wasn’t until 2000 that I took a serious interest in studying the art, however. (As serious as an 11 year old can be, that is.) I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from instructors that are as talented as they are passionate about preserving this style of dance, so it made the transition in 2006 from student to teacher pretty fluid. My ultimate goal in dance is to have our students experience the same joy and freedom of movement that we get to experience every time the music is played (even if it’s played in our own heads 😉.)"

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.

Ariellah’s Dance Ensemble performs many folkloric dance styles of the middle east. Upon a visit to Egypt Ariellah had visited Balloon Threatre, Cairo Egypt. Ariellah’s choreographies mimic those that were reminiscent of the dances found in Egypt. In 2009, Ariellah’s dance ensemble wowed the Egyptian Association of Calgary with an outstanding performance of folk dances – authenticating the costumes, dance styles and music. Ariellah’s dedication and works have been featured at Heritage Days, Canada Days, GlobalFest, local community events in and around the region, and yearly showcase year-end show “Night at the Oasis” and Shimmy the Night Away and more recently – “Twilight of the Sands”. A journey through time, of love of dance and beauty.

Calgary

Amarna

Amarna is the Artist Director and principal dancer of Daughters of the Nile Middle Eastern Dance Academy. She has been performing and studying Raks Sharki for 24 years and has studied with world renowned instructors in the art of Oriental Dance. Amarna has a passion for performing and teaching and is available for lessons and performances.

Calgary

Viktoria

Viktoriia is excited to join us this evening. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion related to Arabic culture and styles of bellydance. She has been a teacher and choreographer of this dance form since 2009. She served as a judge of the IV category of the Ukrainian Association of Oriental Dance Performers and also a teacher-choreographer and judge for the IV category of the International Union of Dance Education in Ukraine. Her students range in age from 4 to 65 years old. She has had the successful experience of participating in different regional and international competitions and Belly Dance festivals in Ukraine and abroad. In 2022, due to political conflict, she came to Canada with her kids. She began to offer dance classes in Calgary in September 2024.

Calgary

Lyla

Lyla is an Oriental and Fusion Dance Artist based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 15 years of experience, she captivates audiences with her vibrant performances that celebrate the beauty, empowerment, and elegance of Middle Eastern dance.

Lyla’s dance journey began with ballet and hip hop, but in 2003, she discovered her passion for Middle Eastern dance in a class with Christine Maurette. This newfound love led her to study at Eighth Wonder Studio, where she became part of the performance troupe. Influenced by renowned instructors like Randa Kamel, Tito Seif, and many others, Lyla continues to expand her skills and artistry. She is now Level 1 Certified in the Suhaila Salimpour Format, allowing her to incorporate structured techniques into her expressive style.

Beyond traditional Middle Eastern dance, Lyla is passionate about Fusion Bellydance, where she creatively explores new movement styles and storytelling through dance. Her accolades include winning 1st Place in Folklore at the North Star Competition and performing at prestigious events like the Masriyatt Festival in Toronto.

Lyla regularly performs at restaurants, community events, and festivals in the Calgary area, bringing joy and cultural richness to each performance. She is also the Creative Director of Zafiet El Afrah, co-founder of Ishtar Dance Collective, and a member of Bollywood Beats, adding a traditional flair to weddings and celebrations.

As a lifelong student, Lyla sought to deepen her knowledge and experience by fulfilling a dream of training with Randa Kamel in Cairo. With her infectious energy and passion for dance, Lyla left her audiences mesmerized and eager for more.

Calgary

Sakinah

Sakinah is a professional Middle Eastern dancer based in Calgary, AB, Canada, with over two decades of experience. She captivates audiences with her enchanting performances that showcase the artistry and richness of belly dance at festivals, restaurants, and exclusive events across Alberta.As a lifelong student, Sakinah has sought out and trained with master teachers from around the world, absorbing a wealth of knowledge and techniques that enrich her dance. As a performer and instructor, she loves sharing her passion. She enjoys exploring diverse styles within the realm of belly dance.

Sakinah specializes in creating dynamic and energetic works that blend modern and traditional elements, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Her extensive background in gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and fitness instruction (AFLCA) enhances her movement, adding grace and strength to her performances. In addition to her solo work, Sakinah is a proud performer with Lyla from Ishtar Belly Dance and can regularly be seen dancing with the Bollywood Beats Academy.

Audiences are drawn to Sakinah’s warm, inviting presence, which radiates her love for the dance. Sakinah is not just a performer; she is a passionate teacher, guiding her students to discover their unique expressions through the beauty of belly dance. Fueled by an unwavering passion that has only deepened over the years. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she hopes to inspire others with her dedication and artistry, finding joy in being part of the belly dance community.

Calgary

Siya

Siya is an award-winning competitor, performer, and instructor with a decade of professional training in traditional belly dance (oriental dance). Her dedication to the art form and passion for its rich cultural heritage have shaped her journey as both a performer and teacher. Since launching her artistic career in 2016, Siya has captivated audiences near and far with her dynamic presence.

Siya of Calgary, formerly China ,is an award-winning competitor, performer, and instructor with a decade of professional training in traditional belly dance (oriental dance). Her dedication to the art form and passion for its rich cultural heritage have shaped her journey as both a performer and teacher. Since launching her artistic career in 2016, Siya has captivated audiences near and far with her dynamic presence.

Siya has performed at prestigious events, cultural festivals, and international stages, mesmerizing audiences with her precision and emotional depth. In addition to her performance career, she is a dedicated instructor, and promoting the cultural significance of belly dance in China. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to growth has earned her recognition as one of the most respected dancers in the community.

Meet the Artists

Core Musicians

Core Dancers

Guest Musicians

Guest Dancers