DIANA GNATCHENKO
JUDGE
Diana Gnatchenko – International Oriental Dance Artist
Diana Gnatchenko is a world-renowned professional Oriental dancer from Ukraine, celebrated for her exceptional artistry, technique, and stage presence. She has won numerous international competitions and is a sought-after guest teacher and judge at the most prestigious dance events worldwide.
Her expertise has taken her on extensive dance tours across the globe, including the United States, Italy, China, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Korea, Chile, France, Malaysia, Sweden, Poland, Serbia, Brazil, Colombia, and many more. With her passion for teaching and performing, Diana continues to inspire dancers worldwide, elevating the art of Oriental dance to new heights.
ANNA DIMITRATOU
JUDGE PANEL PRESIDENT
Actress, Bollywood and Middle Eastern Dances Teacher, Pilates’ trainer,
Artistic Director of Artistic Studio Oriental Expression, founder of the 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece and member of committees at Panhellenic Bollywood and Oriental Competitions.
Anna Dimitratou was born in Athens. She studied theater in Iasmos Drama School and she awarded her diploma in 2003. She got involved with physical theater for many years and attended many workshops given by many teachers like, Kostas Filippoglou, Lilo Baur, Marcello Magni, Esther Gonzalez, John Wright, Tapa Sudana etc.
During that time she got involved with dancing. For many years she was taught contemporary, classic, modern dance and eastern dances like Oriental, Indian and Bollywood.
She has also a diploma in Pilates (Basi) and she is a Pilates’s trainer. Also she has developed her own training project that combines Pilates with oriental dance, called “orientalates”. She has designed many choreographies (Βοllywood, Oriental, Contemporary) as much for performances and shows of the studio as for series and theatrical plays. She also teaches theatrical game and physical theater to children, teenagers and adults and instructs various workshops in many cities of Greece and abroad.
In 2013, she creates the 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece. On April of 2013 she organizes the 1st Bollywood Flash mob in Greece, at Kerameikos Square, guided by the celebration of the World Dance Day. A very big event for 2013 and 2014 was the creation of a new institute in Greece, the 1st (2013) and the 2nd (2014) “Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival”. The Festivals (under the Aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the International Dance council CID- Unesco), were organized by Artistic Studio Oriental Expression, in collaboration with the Indo- Hellenic Society of Culture and Development (ELINEPA), with Anna Dimitratou as the creative manager.
Anna has presented the Bollywood dance numerous times on Greek TV shows like, “Ellate” on Antenna Channel, “Omorfos Kosmos2 “ on Mega Channel, “Nistikoi Praktores”, “Mila” on Star Channel, “Fthis Tv”, “Magazino Live” with Kim Kilian, “Koritsia stin priza” on Zoom channel, latest at “Eleni” with Eleni Menegaki, as well as on many Evening news Broadcasts, magazines and newspapers.
In September of 2013 she accepted the proposition from the great director Lilo Baur and performed at “Lakme” which was performed at Opera De Lausanne (5 shows), where she also taught the dancers basic steps and syllabus of Indian and Middle Eastern dances. Anna also participated in the following shows of “Lakme” which were held in January 2014 at Opera Comique of Paris
2015 was a significant year. Under her artistic direction 3rd Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival was held on July 2015, at Technopolis – City of Athens, under the aegis of International Dance council CID- Unesco and Greek National tourism Organisation (GNTO).
One more significant point was also and the 1st Greek Production Bollywood Musical “India – The Land of Love”, that was presented for the first time, under her coordination and artistic direction, within the 3rd Festival. More than 50 dancers participated and the basic roles had Anna alongside with the famous Indian choreographer and teacher George Jacob, actor Giorgos Hraniotis (narrator), George Tomboulis and Kleoniki Karachaliou.
Highlight of the year was her trip to India that lasted 2 months, were she was invited to teach and perform Bollywood as also Oriental, in schools, colleges, univercities, dance groups and dance schools.
Anna Dimitratou was born in Athens. She studied theater in Iasmos Drama School and she awarded her diploma in 2003. She got involved with physical theater for many years and attended many workshops given by many teachers like, Kostas Filippoglou, Lilo Baur, Marcello Magni, Esther Gonzalez, John Wright, Tapa Sudana etc.
During that time she got involved with dancing. For many years she was taught contemporary, classic, modern dance and eastern dances like Oriental, Indian and Bollywood.
She has also a diploma in Pilates (Basi) and she is a Pilates’s trainer. Also she has developed her own training project that combines Pilates with oriental dance, called “orientalates”. She has designed many choreographies (Βοllywood, Oriental, Contemporary) as much for performances and shows of the studio as for series and theatrical plays. She also teaches theatrical game and physical theater to children, teenagers and adults and instructs various workshops in many cities of Greece and abroad.
In 2013, she creates the 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece. On April of 2013 she organizes the 1st Bollywood Flash mob in Greece, at Kerameikos Square, guided by the celebration of the World Dance Day. A very big event for 2013 and 2014 was the creation of a new institute in Greece, the 1st (2013) and the 2nd (2014) “Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival”. The Festivals (under the Aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the International Dance council CID- Unesco), were organized by Artistic Studio Oriental Expression, in collaboration with the Indo- Hellenic Society of Culture and Development (ELINEPA), with Anna Dimitratou as the creative manager.
Anna has presented the Bollywood dance numerous times on Greek TV shows like, “Ellate” on Antenna Channel, “Omorfos Kosmos2 “ on Mega Channel, “Nistikoi Praktores”, “Mila” on Star Channel, “Fthis Tv”, “Magazino Live” with Kim Kilian, “Koritsia stin priza” on Zoom channel, latest at “Eleni” with Eleni Menegaki, as well as on many Evening news Broadcasts, magazines and newspapers.
In September of 2013 she accepted the proposition from the great director Lilo Baur and performed at “Lakme” which was performed at Opera De Lausanne (5 shows), where she also taught the dancers basic steps and syllabus of Indian and Middle Eastern dances. Anna also participated in the following shows of “Lakme” which were held in January 2014 at Opera Comique of Paris
2015 was a significant year. Under her artistic direction 3rd Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival was held on July 2015, at Technopolis – City of Athens, under the aegis of International Dance council CID- Unesco and Greek National tourism Organisation (GNTO).
One more significant point was also and the 1st Greek Production Bollywood Musical “India – The Land of Love”, that was presented for the first time, under her coordination and artistic direction, within the 3rd Festival. More than 50 dancers participated and the basic roles had Anna alongside with the famous Indian choreographer and teacher George Jacob, actor Giorgos Hraniotis (narrator), George Tomboulis and Kleoniki Karachaliou.
Highlight of the year was her trip to India that lasted 2 months, were she was invited to teach and perform Bollywood as also Oriental, in schools, colleges, univercities, dance groups and dance schools.
NTIA PILATOU
JUDGE
Ntia Pilatou is a professional dancer, judge and teacher with experience, as she is the owner of one of the biggest bellydance schools in Greece.She is recognized by THE INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION(I.D.T.A) in Great Britain.
In order to imrove her bellydance skills and education she took part in workshops and private classes, with renowned teachers and dancers..such as Randa Camel ,Raqia Hassan,Gamal Seif ,Sahar Samara,Horacio & Beata Cifuentes,Jillina Carlano,Ali Sherif,Mohamed Kazafy,Khaled Mahmoud,Mohamed Shahin, Wael Mansour,Tito Seif, Dariya Mitskevich, Aleksei Riaboshapka,Elena Ramazanova,Anna Borisova,Mercedes Nieto, Azad Kaan,Yana Tsehotskaya,Aida Bogomolova,Artem Uzunov,Leila....and so many more artists!
She is also very educated in arabic rhythms since her husband is a tabla player.Until now she has been ,several times , a winner in national and international competitions.Her students constitute some of the most successful dance groups and soloists in Greece .She took part as an instructor and judge in international oriental festivals..and she keeps travelling learning and teaching. She is also the creator of a new warming programme called Bellyfitness and organizer of “VENUS” Oriental Festival in Greece.
In order to imrove her bellydance skills and education she took part in workshops and private classes, with renowned teachers and dancers..such as Randa Camel ,Raqia Hassan,Gamal Seif ,Sahar Samara,Horacio & Beata Cifuentes,Jillina Carlano,Ali Sherif,Mohamed Kazafy,Khaled Mahmoud,Mohamed Shahin, Wael Mansour,Tito Seif, Dariya Mitskevich, Aleksei Riaboshapka,Elena Ramazanova,Anna Borisova,Mercedes Nieto, Azad Kaan,Yana Tsehotskaya,Aida Bogomolova,Artem Uzunov,Leila....and so many more artists!
She is also very educated in arabic rhythms since her husband is a tabla player.Until now she has been ,several times , a winner in national and international competitions.Her students constitute some of the most successful dance groups and soloists in Greece .She took part as an instructor and judge in international oriental festivals..and she keeps travelling learning and teaching. She is also the creator of a new warming programme called Bellyfitness and organizer of “VENUS” Oriental Festival in Greece.
NELLY GLIKIOTI
JUDGE
Nelly is professional dance teacher of Ballet, Modern-contemporary dance, Latin-Ballroom, Flamenco, Performer, Master Instructor, Choreographer, Director and Producer of Oriental Events. 2005, when she first met Bellydance, she studied the beauty of oriental dance with well-known teachers as Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Randa Kamel, Tito, Jillina.
Έχει προσκληθεί σε πολλές χώρες της Ευρώπης, της Μέσης Ανατολής, του Αραβικού κόσμου αλλά και της Νότιας Αμερικής για να χορέψει, διδάξει ή να παραστεί ως κριτής διαγωνισμών χορού.
Her compassion and her discipline in training brought her in many countries as performer, teacher and judge. Nelly 's talents took her to Egypt, Lebanon, England, China, Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Santo Dominigo, Canada, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Cyprus, Poland, Russia, Bahrain & Dubai.
Her classes and workshops are well known for her clever and creative teaching methods with focus on each student individually. She knows to share the happiness, fun and feminine energy that she is feeling about her dancing, which is coming from her combination as a teacher and performer. Beneath Classic Oriental Dance, she is teaching unique fusions of Ballet, Latin, Flamenco, Jazz with Bellydance-Techniques and steps.
Nelly is the only Greek Bellydancer that perfomed with Mario Kirlis, Amir Sofi, Matias Hazrum, Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution. She performed also as featured performer in the prestigious Closing Gala at “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” in Egypt. Except of this she is the expert teacher and judge of the Global Bellydance Conference in China.
Nelly is the owner of tanzEuphoria dance studio, located in Vienna, Austria. The studio combines harmony and modern interior and is the place for Superstars of Bellydance, professional Oriental training and important events.
Her love for dance, art and her bellydance experiences drive her to organize the biggest festivals in Austria, the “Orient Express” and the “Egyptian Dream” Festival! She is the founder of the Orient Festivals in UK, Greece, Austria and Cyprus - Events that have as a target the glamorous style and which drive with their focus in details every visitor in the highest point of joy and education.
Έχει προσκληθεί σε πολλές χώρες της Ευρώπης, της Μέσης Ανατολής, του Αραβικού κόσμου αλλά και της Νότιας Αμερικής για να χορέψει, διδάξει ή να παραστεί ως κριτής διαγωνισμών χορού.
Her compassion and her discipline in training brought her in many countries as performer, teacher and judge. Nelly 's talents took her to Egypt, Lebanon, England, China, Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Santo Dominigo, Canada, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Cyprus, Poland, Russia, Bahrain & Dubai.
Her classes and workshops are well known for her clever and creative teaching methods with focus on each student individually. She knows to share the happiness, fun and feminine energy that she is feeling about her dancing, which is coming from her combination as a teacher and performer. Beneath Classic Oriental Dance, she is teaching unique fusions of Ballet, Latin, Flamenco, Jazz with Bellydance-Techniques and steps.
Nelly is the only Greek Bellydancer that perfomed with Mario Kirlis, Amir Sofi, Matias Hazrum, Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution. She performed also as featured performer in the prestigious Closing Gala at “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” in Egypt. Except of this she is the expert teacher and judge of the Global Bellydance Conference in China.
Nelly is the owner of tanzEuphoria dance studio, located in Vienna, Austria. The studio combines harmony and modern interior and is the place for Superstars of Bellydance, professional Oriental training and important events.
Her love for dance, art and her bellydance experiences drive her to organize the biggest festivals in Austria, the “Orient Express” and the “Egyptian Dream” Festival! She is the founder of the Orient Festivals in UK, Greece, Austria and Cyprus - Events that have as a target the glamorous style and which drive with their focus in details every visitor in the highest point of joy and education.
YARA DAGHER
JUDGE
Yara Dagher originates from Syria. She has studied microbiology and then
she studied fashion design because of her love on that subject and due to her deeper weakness to the world of oriental, where she has now dedicated herself.
It has launched projects to a large number of artists and famous dancers in Greece and abroad. An important factor for the two above is the impact of fashion show. Because of her temperament she has taken part as guest and perform in plenty shows and festivals: Mediterranean delight festival, Let’s Dance Bellydance, Oriental Passion, Cairo by night, Raqs Mystique (Estonia), Rakkas festival (Turkey) ,Night in Luxor (Lithuania) International Oriental Festival (Germany), Cairo by Cyprus festival, Enigma of Arabia (Ukraine) and in many other countries such as Denmark-Sweden.
Finally, after
Her dancing experience boosted by Latin dances, she finally recognized her passion for the Eastern dance scene and started her own dance school, in Athens. With this school, which Yara is running, she engages teaching and promotion of special features.
she studied fashion design because of her love on that subject and due to her deeper weakness to the world of oriental, where she has now dedicated herself.
It has launched projects to a large number of artists and famous dancers in Greece and abroad. An important factor for the two above is the impact of fashion show. Because of her temperament she has taken part as guest and perform in plenty shows and festivals: Mediterranean delight festival, Let’s Dance Bellydance, Oriental Passion, Cairo by night, Raqs Mystique (Estonia), Rakkas festival (Turkey) ,Night in Luxor (Lithuania) International Oriental Festival (Germany), Cairo by Cyprus festival, Enigma of Arabia (Ukraine) and in many other countries such as Denmark-Sweden.
Finally, after
Her dancing experience boosted by Latin dances, she finally recognized her passion for the Eastern dance scene and started her own dance school, in Athens. With this school, which Yara is running, she engages teaching and promotion of special features.
AISHA OF GREECE
JUDGE
Aisha hails from Asia Minor, Turkey. She grew up in a family where the Oriental influence was particularly strong. Her first musical experiences came from Anatolia and later from Arabia, with the latter playing a decisive role in shaping her dance identity.
She began gymnastics at the age of 10, as her father was an athlete. At 14, she turned to a new field: dance. She trained in Ballet, Modern Jazz, and Flamenco, gaining the necessary experience to develop her distinctive style in Oriental Dance.
She then traveled to Egypt, where she studied under renowned Egyptian dancers and teachers such as Farida Fahmy, Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, and others. She also collaborated with Mohamed Sadek (former lead drummer of Fifi Abdo), forming their own group, the Pure Oriental Band, further enriching her knowledge of her dance style. Later, she became a member of the prestigious Classical Oriental Orchestra Al Mahabba for 12 years.
She began gymnastics at the age of 10, as her father was an athlete. At 14, she turned to a new field: dance. She trained in Ballet, Modern Jazz, and Flamenco, gaining the necessary experience to develop her distinctive style in Oriental Dance.
She then traveled to Egypt, where she studied under renowned Egyptian dancers and teachers such as Farida Fahmy, Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, and others. She also collaborated with Mohamed Sadek (former lead drummer of Fifi Abdo), forming their own group, the Pure Oriental Band, further enriching her knowledge of her dance style. Later, she became a member of the prestigious Classical Oriental Orchestra Al Mahabba for 12 years.
KALYPSO
JUDGE
Kalypso Mani is an instructor, choreographer and dancer of Modern Oriental Dance/Tribal Fusion Bellydance, and the founder of Somnia Troupe and Amaroses Troupe. She’s a member of CID - UNESCO (International Dance Council) and has an internationally recognized Diploma of Oriental Dance Diploma by CID – UNESCO.
Born in Athens, she has studied beauty practice, professional makeup (theater, tv, special effects-deformity, wedding makeup, permanent tattoo makeup) and nail art. She worked for many years in this field, alongside with dancing, and this gave her the ability to combine those two, resulting in more dramatic and spectacular performances.
She started her dance studies at the age of three with classical ballet (I.S.T.D. & R.A.D.), Modern Theater Dance, Jazz and Karakter and followed them through for more than 13 years. She had also taken classes of Flamenco, Bollywood, Kung Fu, Yoga, Pilates and she has also knowledge of musical instruments – classical/electrical guitar and Darbuka (basic oriental rhythms).
On the course of this journey she discovered Oriental Dance and she was amazed by its expressivity and femininity. She was so charmed that she followed it to every path until she discovered Tribal Fusion Bellydance. She extended her knowledge on this mysterious, sensual dance and she realized her body’s unlimited capabilities on movement and expression. For that reason, she has completely dedicated to this dance.
She took numerous classes and seminars of recognized teachers such as Mariam Prokou, Assia Guemra, Sadie Marrquardt, Mohamed Kazafy, Rea Diana, Mona El Said, Tommy King, Asi Haskal, Simona Guzman, Katalin Schafer, Elina Pechersky, Osama Emam, Sunny Singh, Willow Chang, Ashley Lopez, Morgana Haza, Lamia Barbara, Mercedes Nieto, Khaled Mahmoud, Camelia, et al.
She has participated in dance festivals, music scenes, theaters and many social events, and has also earned several medals on Greek dance competitions.
Finally, she participated in the 33th, 35th and 37th Global Dance Conference held by CID – UNESCO as a coach and performer. She also works as a Dance Instrunctor and offers lessons and seminars in and out of Athens.
Born in Athens, she has studied beauty practice, professional makeup (theater, tv, special effects-deformity, wedding makeup, permanent tattoo makeup) and nail art. She worked for many years in this field, alongside with dancing, and this gave her the ability to combine those two, resulting in more dramatic and spectacular performances.
She started her dance studies at the age of three with classical ballet (I.S.T.D. & R.A.D.), Modern Theater Dance, Jazz and Karakter and followed them through for more than 13 years. She had also taken classes of Flamenco, Bollywood, Kung Fu, Yoga, Pilates and she has also knowledge of musical instruments – classical/electrical guitar and Darbuka (basic oriental rhythms).
On the course of this journey she discovered Oriental Dance and she was amazed by its expressivity and femininity. She was so charmed that she followed it to every path until she discovered Tribal Fusion Bellydance. She extended her knowledge on this mysterious, sensual dance and she realized her body’s unlimited capabilities on movement and expression. For that reason, she has completely dedicated to this dance.
She took numerous classes and seminars of recognized teachers such as Mariam Prokou, Assia Guemra, Sadie Marrquardt, Mohamed Kazafy, Rea Diana, Mona El Said, Tommy King, Asi Haskal, Simona Guzman, Katalin Schafer, Elina Pechersky, Osama Emam, Sunny Singh, Willow Chang, Ashley Lopez, Morgana Haza, Lamia Barbara, Mercedes Nieto, Khaled Mahmoud, Camelia, et al.
She has participated in dance festivals, music scenes, theaters and many social events, and has also earned several medals on Greek dance competitions.
Finally, she participated in the 33th, 35th and 37th Global Dance Conference held by CID – UNESCO as a coach and performer. She also works as a Dance Instrunctor and offers lessons and seminars in and out of Athens.
FENIA BOTSI
JUDGE
Fenia Botsi is a performer, choreographer and dance teacher (tribal fusion, latin, European dances, e.t.c.).
Over the years she has been giving many performances in several settings, including shows, festivals and dance competitions.
As an artist she is always striving to evolve and improve, by frequently attending seminars on variable dance genres, thus keeping up to date with latest trends and techniques.
When it comes to dance competitions, Fenia is a veteran. As a contestant herself, she has managed to win the gold medal for three consecutive years and in different events, including the Spring International Bellydance Competition (organized by Oriental Expression Awards).
Furthermore, as a choreographer, she has been tutoring very successfully both solo and group contestants for several dance genres; her students manage to climb at the very top of every dance competition.
Over the years she has been giving many performances in several settings, including shows, festivals and dance competitions.
As an artist she is always striving to evolve and improve, by frequently attending seminars on variable dance genres, thus keeping up to date with latest trends and techniques.
When it comes to dance competitions, Fenia is a veteran. As a contestant herself, she has managed to win the gold medal for three consecutive years and in different events, including the Spring International Bellydance Competition (organized by Oriental Expression Awards).
Furthermore, as a choreographer, she has been tutoring very successfully both solo and group contestants for several dance genres; her students manage to climb at the very top of every dance competition.
SAMIRA MASREYA
JUDGE
Samira is a Greek-Egyptian dance teacher. She has studied in Egypt, and in Greece she has mastered all three Oriental dance levels, (BRONZE-SILVER-GOLD) from the Panhellenic Association of Dance Teachers
She has won awards and distinctions on various International Competitions.
In Greece she has been holding the title of Bellydance Star of the Year for the last 6 years.
After winning all these titles she decided to retire as a contestant, and move on as a Competition Judge, coaching and offering workshops as well. Born and raised in Egypt, she is immersed in Arabic culture. She always strives for perfection, continuing to enrich her knowledge by attending seminars and master classes in Greece and abroad.
She has won awards and distinctions on various International Competitions.
In Greece she has been holding the title of Bellydance Star of the Year for the last 6 years.
After winning all these titles she decided to retire as a contestant, and move on as a Competition Judge, coaching and offering workshops as well. Born and raised in Egypt, she is immersed in Arabic culture. She always strives for perfection, continuing to enrich her knowledge by attending seminars and master classes in Greece and abroad.
MYRIAM AAMINA
JUDGE
Myriam Aamina, from a young age, felt captivated by rhythm. With an open mind towards dance, she explored various dance genres, starting with Latin dances, ballet, European, Greek, and Belly Dance. She pursued dance professionally and has been teaching dance for the past 10 years in Belly Dance and Latin styles, both at a competitive level and to amateur students.
Belly Dance won her over as a genre, as its dance style combines mystery, sensuality, romance, cheerfulness, and dynamism. In recent years, she has worked as a specialized Belly Dance instructor.
In 2014, her dream became a reality, and she opened her own Dance School under the name "Dance Evening Association" in Menidi-Acharnes, Greece. She draws inspiration from renowned Belly Dance performers such as Jillina, Jamillah, Nelly, Nour, Mona El Said, Tommy King, Oscar Flores, Elina Pechersky, Tito Seif, Mercedes Nieto, Fanni Kiss, Kaid Udris, Prince Kayammer, Aziza, Amira Balkis, Khaled Mahmoud, Margarita Darina, Leila, Princess Turrini Shalaby, and others.
With a decade of experience in athletic dance and teaching, Myriam Aamina comes to entertain you with her dance expertise, vivacity, and communication with the audience. Her dance is characterized by impressive combinations of movements grounded in the absolute technique of Belly Dance.
Myriam Aamina is a certified dance instructor from IDTA (INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION) and has worked as a dance instructor in various dance schools, gyms, and municipalities, including Natalia's Dance Studio, Festival Dance Studio, Eugene Moltchanoff Dance Studio, Athletic Club Gyms, and the Municipality of Acharnes.
Myriam Aamina has participated in major Belly Dance festivals such as Oriental Passion Festival Greece in Athens, Lets Dance BellyDance in Thessaloniki, Orient Crete Festival, Nour&Yasser in Greece, Saida&Yamil in Greece, and more.
Myriam Aamina holds a Belly Dance diploma from IDTA (INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION), an International Latin Syllabus diploma from IDTA, and an American Latin diploma.
Belly Dance won her over as a genre, as its dance style combines mystery, sensuality, romance, cheerfulness, and dynamism. In recent years, she has worked as a specialized Belly Dance instructor.
In 2014, her dream became a reality, and she opened her own Dance School under the name "Dance Evening Association" in Menidi-Acharnes, Greece. She draws inspiration from renowned Belly Dance performers such as Jillina, Jamillah, Nelly, Nour, Mona El Said, Tommy King, Oscar Flores, Elina Pechersky, Tito Seif, Mercedes Nieto, Fanni Kiss, Kaid Udris, Prince Kayammer, Aziza, Amira Balkis, Khaled Mahmoud, Margarita Darina, Leila, Princess Turrini Shalaby, and others.
With a decade of experience in athletic dance and teaching, Myriam Aamina comes to entertain you with her dance expertise, vivacity, and communication with the audience. Her dance is characterized by impressive combinations of movements grounded in the absolute technique of Belly Dance.
Myriam Aamina is a certified dance instructor from IDTA (INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION) and has worked as a dance instructor in various dance schools, gyms, and municipalities, including Natalia's Dance Studio, Festival Dance Studio, Eugene Moltchanoff Dance Studio, Athletic Club Gyms, and the Municipality of Acharnes.
Myriam Aamina has participated in major Belly Dance festivals such as Oriental Passion Festival Greece in Athens, Lets Dance BellyDance in Thessaloniki, Orient Crete Festival, Nour&Yasser in Greece, Saida&Yamil in Greece, and more.
Myriam Aamina holds a Belly Dance diploma from IDTA (INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION), an International Latin Syllabus diploma from IDTA, and an American Latin diploma.
DORA XAGORARI
JUDGE
Dora Xagorari is a professional Teacher, Choreographer, Judge and Dancer from GREECE in oriental and egyptian folklore!
She is studying the art of oriental dance the last 17 years and she is constantly training with the masters of this art!
She is awarded with numerous of Titles in International Festivals such as:
Queen of Οriental Passion Festival 2018 (Greece),
1st place Professional Raqs Sharki at the Super Crown (Ukraine)
1st place Professional Raqs Sharki &
1st place Professional Shabby Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival (Egypt)
1st place Raqs Sharki &
1st place Egyptian Folklor golden category catery of Corona festival
1st place Professional Baladi/ Shabby at Αmira festival Bellydance (Russia)
Special Award chosen by Shahrzad at Cairo Budapest Festival (Hungary)
2nd place Aiwa ya Negma Egyptian Dance Festival (Poland)
Queen of Cairo by Night 2022 (Greece)
1st place over all Professional category at Hezz ya Wezz (Bulgaria)
She is a member of Kazafy Troupe Greece by the Master Teacher Mohamed Kazafy directed by Elena Dahabeyia, she is also member of Raqs Negum by Elena Dahabeyia and Balilkas by Nabila.
The last years she formed her own group Dora's Muses that shares her passion for dance!
Her students have manage to achieve numerous of titles in competitions all around the globe such as Greece, Egypt Ukraine, Vietnam, Argentina, etc.
Additionally, she conducts workshops in Greece and abroad and collaborates with schools to create exclusive intensive trainings.
She is awarded with numerous of Titles in International Festivals such as:
Queen of Οriental Passion Festival 2018 (Greece),
1st place Professional Raqs Sharki at the Super Crown (Ukraine)
1st place Professional Raqs Sharki &
1st place Professional Shabby Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival (Egypt)
1st place Raqs Sharki &
1st place Egyptian Folklor golden category catery of Corona festival
1st place Professional Baladi/ Shabby at Αmira festival Bellydance (Russia)
Special Award chosen by Shahrzad at Cairo Budapest Festival (Hungary)
2nd place Aiwa ya Negma Egyptian Dance Festival (Poland)
Queen of Cairo by Night 2022 (Greece)
1st place over all Professional category at Hezz ya Wezz (Bulgaria)
She is a member of Kazafy Troupe Greece by the Master Teacher Mohamed Kazafy directed by Elena Dahabeyia, she is also member of Raqs Negum by Elena Dahabeyia and Balilkas by Nabila.
The last years she formed her own group Dora's Muses that shares her passion for dance!
Her students have manage to achieve numerous of titles in competitions all around the globe such as Greece, Egypt Ukraine, Vietnam, Argentina, etc.
Additionally, she conducts workshops in Greece and abroad and collaborates with schools to create exclusive intensive trainings.
GIANNA SPANOU
JUDGE
Gianna, owner of Instep dance studios at the age of eight, had her first contact with the art of dance. The first steps she made through folk traditional greek dances , while participating in various dance events, festivals and competitions.
After 10 years, she became a professional in latin, ballroom and oriental dances, by getting her first dancing instructor certification of full bronze professional American and international latin style, the american system of DVIDA®. At the same time, she s participating in seminars, competitions and festivals, with many distinguished awards.
Στο χορό bellydance/oriental έχει παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια από καταξιωμένες επαγγελματίες χορεύτριες Sadie Marquardt, Sonia Ochoa, Rhea, Soraya Shoheib, Πόλυ Προεστάκη κα.
For the oriental dance, she has participated in seminars given by famous professional dancers like Sadie Marquardt, Sonia Ochoa, Rhea, Soraya Shoheib, Polimnia Proestakis, etc.
For the last years she is a judge in big festivals and dance competitions. She is coaching children teams aged 6 to 12 years old and professional or amateur teams. She is an official member of the CID international dance council of UNESCO She is an official member of DVIDA® (Professional Dance Vision International Dance Association)
After 10 years, she became a professional in latin, ballroom and oriental dances, by getting her first dancing instructor certification of full bronze professional American and international latin style, the american system of DVIDA®. At the same time, she s participating in seminars, competitions and festivals, with many distinguished awards.
Στο χορό bellydance/oriental έχει παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια από καταξιωμένες επαγγελματίες χορεύτριες Sadie Marquardt, Sonia Ochoa, Rhea, Soraya Shoheib, Πόλυ Προεστάκη κα.
For the oriental dance, she has participated in seminars given by famous professional dancers like Sadie Marquardt, Sonia Ochoa, Rhea, Soraya Shoheib, Polimnia Proestakis, etc.
For the last years she is a judge in big festivals and dance competitions. She is coaching children teams aged 6 to 12 years old and professional or amateur teams. She is an official member of the CID international dance council of UNESCO She is an official member of DVIDA® (Professional Dance Vision International Dance Association)
EUDOKIA KALIFATIDOU
JUDGE
Eudokia Kalifatidou emerges as an exceptional dance instructor with a 16-year career at Duente Dance School. Serving as a choreographer for performances at the same school from 2008 to 2024, she has left her mark on various theatrical productions, video clips, and talent shows such as "Greece's Got Talent" in 2018.
Her diverse dance education includes attending the professional ballet dance school of Anna Petrova for a year, three years at the professional dance school of Niki Kontzaki, and a renewed ten-year commitment to Duente Dance School. Additionally, she has taken pole dancing classes, participating in lessons at Aerial Fusion Studio for a year.
Eudokia holds certifications and diplomas in Belly Dancing, Latin International, and Ballroom Dancing from the International Dance Teacher’s Association (IDTA). Her achievements in dance competitions are remarkable, having secured the first position 23 times, the second position 15 times, and the third position 10 times in various competitions, including IDTA, Athens Dance Sports, and Acropolis.
The continuous development of her skills is evident in her participation in IDTA seminars from 2008 to the present, as well as Pilates Touch seminars.
NIKI ASPIOTI
JUDGE
Niki is a professional teacher, choreographer, judge and dancer! She teaches many types of dance such as Belly Dance, Latin, commercial, contemporary and many more, while for about 16 years he has collaborated with many dance schools. For the last 10 years she has had her own Dance School in Corfu, where she mainly focuses on competitive and professional level! She holds professional degrees in Belly Dance and Latin from the National Dance Council of Greece and from the World Sports and Social Dance Organization World Dance Council - WDC, as well as being certified judge! She has been distinguished with many titles in international Competitions and Festivals! She has never stopped training and developing!
ROULA DESYPRI
JUDGE
Roula Desipri is a professional teacher, choreographer and dancer. She has been teaching Oriental for the last 12 years. She has traveled to many foreign countries participating in many oriental festivals, has taken private lessons in Cairo and attended many seminars with renowned teachers in the field. She herself and many of her students have received important awards in competitions, she has danced in galas of major festivals as well as participated in many dance performances. For the last 4 years she found a dance school in Ilioupoli, passing on her love for dance to her students.
CHRISTINA CHRYSANTHOU
JUDGE
Christina was born in Cyprus, and from the age of 7, she already showed her love for dance, prompting her family to encourage her to start. She began with traditional dances from Cyprus and Greece. She graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree in Mathematics and has since pursued a professional career in the art of dance.
She has expanded her repertoire with knowledge and certifications in Bellydance, as well as various other dance styles, including Latin American dances (Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, Tango Argentino), ISTD Modern Theater, Latin Ballroom, Hip Hop, Zumba, Burlesque, and ultimately Kizomba.
She served as the Dance Department Director at Fix In Art and has participated in festivals in Greece and the Balkans as both an instructor and a performer, either solo or with her teams.
In 2016, she founded her own dance school, DanceRoots, in Ptolemaida. After seven years of operation, medals began coming in—both for herself and her students—at various dance competitions and festivals, a trend that continues to this day.
In both 2023 and 2024, she and her team won the award for Best Additional Choreography at the World Kizomba Project. For this reason, for two consecutive years, she has been one of the four choreographers of the project for 2024 and 2025.
Finally, with her unwavering passion for dance, she continues to teach at various festivals in Greece and abroad.
EVI NIKOLAIDOU
JUDGE
ARNIKA KARRA
JUDGE
Arnika Karra, a highly experienced dance instructor and choreographer from Thessaloniki, who will be evaluating the competitors with her keen artistic eye!
She began as a self-taught dancer and later trained with renowned teachers in her city, while also attending workshops by esteemed Greek and international instructors.
For the past few years, she has been teaching in various dance schools in Thessaloniki and has been coaching the Oriental Souls dance team for the last four years.
DIMITRIS TEREZAKIS
PERCUSSIONIST
Dimitris Terezakis is actively and nationwide involved in the field of music and entertainment as a percussionist specializing in Oriental instruments. Over the past 10 years, he has been captivated by the culture of the Middle East, particularly the Oriental genre, leading him to exclusively and professionally dedicate himself to it. He has been apprenticing for several years alongside the musician and teacher Chronis Taxidis.
With notable participations in major events such as "To dance or not to dance" in 2017 at the Rhythmos stage in Athens, consecutive appearances at the BellySimo Oscar Festival in Italy as part of the Tabbal Group, and at the Enigma of Arabia Festival in Kiev. He has also taken part in "Greece's Got Talent" in 2018. His videos on YouTube and Spotify, featuring his own creations, have garnered thousands of views and listens. Dimitris will be joining us in the competition for the Live Tabla category.
With notable participations in major events such as "To dance or not to dance" in 2017 at the Rhythmos stage in Athens, consecutive appearances at the BellySimo Oscar Festival in Italy as part of the Tabbal Group, and at the Enigma of Arabia Festival in Kiev. He has also taken part in "Greece's Got Talent" in 2018. His videos on YouTube and Spotify, featuring his own creations, have garnered thousands of views and listens. Dimitris will be joining us in the competition for the Live Tabla category.