ALLA KUSHNIR
JUDGE
Alla Kushnir was born in Ukraine. She attended the Ukrainian National Academy of Arts and after that she enrolled into Law School in Ukraine.
Bellydance made its way in her life and won her over when she was 19 years old. She started to participate in many festivals and workshops. As her interest grew stronger, she took up lessons with famous teachers such as Mahmoud Reda, Noguwa Fuad, Tomi King, Tito, Dina and many others.
For five consecutive years - 2004 to 2009 – she was a finalist in the International bellydance convention in Moscow. Her first appearance in the televised bellydance competition called “Hezzy ya Nawaem” was in Lebanon in 2007, where she earned the 3rd place. In 2010 she participated in the “Ukraine Got Talent” show and she made it to the finals.
The high point in her career came four years later, in 2014, when she won the 1st place in the “Al Rakesa show” in Egypt – the highest distinction in bellydance worldwide. In Ukraine she has created her own dance studio and she also organizes an important bellydance festival called “Helwa”. She also hosts her own TV program called “Bellydance with Alla Kushnir”.
Her teaching career started in 2006. With her workshops and show she has visited more than 40 countries worldwide, over the years.
She currently resides and works in Egypt.
Bellydance made its way in her life and won her over when she was 19 years old. She started to participate in many festivals and workshops. As her interest grew stronger, she took up lessons with famous teachers such as Mahmoud Reda, Noguwa Fuad, Tomi King, Tito, Dina and many others.
For five consecutive years - 2004 to 2009 – she was a finalist in the International bellydance convention in Moscow. Her first appearance in the televised bellydance competition called “Hezzy ya Nawaem” was in Lebanon in 2007, where she earned the 3rd place. In 2010 she participated in the “Ukraine Got Talent” show and she made it to the finals.
The high point in her career came four years later, in 2014, when she won the 1st place in the “Al Rakesa show” in Egypt – the highest distinction in bellydance worldwide. In Ukraine she has created her own dance studio and she also organizes an important bellydance festival called “Helwa”. She also hosts her own TV program called “Bellydance with Alla Kushnir”.
Her teaching career started in 2006. With her workshops and show she has visited more than 40 countries worldwide, over the years.
She currently resides and works in Egypt.
SONIA OCHOA
JUDGE
A Los Angeles native, Sonia has become one of the most sought after dance instructors and performers today.
At the age of 19, she commenced dance training at her local city college. After acquiring a solid foundation in classical ballet, she became well versed in a host of dance forms, equipping her with an extensive versatility and influencing the development of her own unique style.
Εξαιτίας της μεξικάνικης καταγωγής της, διερεύνησε περαιτέρω τις ρίζες της, μέσα από τη μουσική και το χορό και εντάχθηκε στο Ballet Folklórico del Pacífico, γνωστό ως Pacífico Dance Co.
Of Mexican descent, she looked to further explore her roots through music and dance by joining Los Angeles based, Ballet Folklórico del Pacífico, currently known as Pacífico Dance Co. Her ever expanding curiosity and passion for dance led her to tour with companies of various genres, featuring her as a lead dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars, which put her on the map as a major exponent in the Middle-Eastern dance scene.
In recent years, Sonia has redirected her focus by devoting much of her time and energy towards a more concentrated and deeper practice, broadening her dance repertoire. She visits India once a year to fully immerse herself in classical Indian dance studies under the guidance of the top Odissi Gurus, and spends several months a year focusing on Spanish (flamenco and classical) dance under the direction of Roberto Amaral, in Los Angeles, California. Sonia currently performs and teaches internationally, whilst researching and training locally and abroad.
At the age of 19, she commenced dance training at her local city college. After acquiring a solid foundation in classical ballet, she became well versed in a host of dance forms, equipping her with an extensive versatility and influencing the development of her own unique style.
Εξαιτίας της μεξικάνικης καταγωγής της, διερεύνησε περαιτέρω τις ρίζες της, μέσα από τη μουσική και το χορό και εντάχθηκε στο Ballet Folklórico del Pacífico, γνωστό ως Pacífico Dance Co.
Of Mexican descent, she looked to further explore her roots through music and dance by joining Los Angeles based, Ballet Folklórico del Pacífico, currently known as Pacífico Dance Co. Her ever expanding curiosity and passion for dance led her to tour with companies of various genres, featuring her as a lead dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars, which put her on the map as a major exponent in the Middle-Eastern dance scene.
In recent years, Sonia has redirected her focus by devoting much of her time and energy towards a more concentrated and deeper practice, broadening her dance repertoire. She visits India once a year to fully immerse herself in classical Indian dance studies under the guidance of the top Odissi Gurus, and spends several months a year focusing on Spanish (flamenco and classical) dance under the direction of Roberto Amaral, in Los Angeles, California. Sonia currently performs and teaches internationally, whilst researching and training locally and abroad.
JULIA FARID
JUDGE
Julia Farid is a professional dancer from Ukraine, choreographer and show maker.
She is the Head of the professional dance group “Isadora Group”, as also artistic director and organizer of the International Bellydance Festival "Isadora Cup", “Isadora Dance Festival”, "Crazy Bazaar" project and Bellydance Festival "Isadora Winter Camp".
She was awarded the 1st winner of “Randa Kamel of Course” Competition that was held in Cairo 2012, as also as in “Bellyfusion Festival”, held in Italy 2012 and “Orient Addicts Festival” Competition, held in Poland 2013.
At the moment she is travelling, giving workshops and performing all over the world.
Her motto: "There are no borders to dance. All the world can be yours. Dream. Do. Dance"
She is the Head of the professional dance group “Isadora Group”, as also artistic director and organizer of the International Bellydance Festival "Isadora Cup", “Isadora Dance Festival”, "Crazy Bazaar" project and Bellydance Festival "Isadora Winter Camp".
She was awarded the 1st winner of “Randa Kamel of Course” Competition that was held in Cairo 2012, as also as in “Bellyfusion Festival”, held in Italy 2012 and “Orient Addicts Festival” Competition, held in Poland 2013.
At the moment she is travelling, giving workshops and performing all over the world.
Her motto: "There are no borders to dance. All the world can be yours. Dream. Do. Dance"
JASIRAH
HONORED JUDGE
Professional international dancer, teacher and judge, organizer of Raks Glam Festival in Poland.
For over 16 years she has taught regular classes of oriental dance in Poland and master classes around the whole world. You could meet her already teaching and performing in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Serbia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Since 2014 member of Bellydance Evolution. In 2016 she played the main role of Cheshire Cat in "Alice in Wonderland" during a 3 month tour in China, in 2017 she played the main role of Mermaid and Florist in “Scheherazade 1001 Night” Show during the United States East Coast Tour.
She built a strong online bellydance community all over the world giving regular Zoom workshops and providing detailed tutorials on Patreon. Owner of Jasirah Dancewear brand producing training sets for bellydancers. Author and founder of the very first in the world notebook for bellydancer “My Inspirational Bellydance Journal”.
For over 16 years she has taught regular classes of oriental dance in Poland and master classes around the whole world. You could meet her already teaching and performing in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Serbia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Since 2014 member of Bellydance Evolution. In 2016 she played the main role of Cheshire Cat in "Alice in Wonderland" during a 3 month tour in China, in 2017 she played the main role of Mermaid and Florist in “Scheherazade 1001 Night” Show during the United States East Coast Tour.
She built a strong online bellydance community all over the world giving regular Zoom workshops and providing detailed tutorials on Patreon. Owner of Jasirah Dancewear brand producing training sets for bellydancers. Author and founder of the very first in the world notebook for bellydancer “My Inspirational Bellydance Journal”.
EVA CHANZICHRISTOU
JUDGE
Eva Chantzichristou began her dance journey in 2002 on the island of Crete . Since she has travelled all around USA, Europe and middle east and has been trainned with the pioneers of bellydance. Some of her teachers and great inspirations are Maria Aya, Samantha Emanuel, Fat Chance Belly Dance, Unmata, Mardi Love and Rachel Brice.
Eva has been a fulltime professional tribal fusion bellydance instructor and performer for the past fifteen years and cooperates in as many dance projects and festivals as possible in Greece and Europe. She is well known for her experienced teaching and friendly student s approach.
Her main inspiration has always been the long tradition of balkan and middle eastern people in music, dance and costuming, as well as the attractive aesthetics of the 20 s.
Eva has been a fulltime professional tribal fusion bellydance instructor and performer for the past fifteen years and cooperates in as many dance projects and festivals as possible in Greece and Europe. She is well known for her experienced teaching and friendly student s approach.
Her main inspiration has always been the long tradition of balkan and middle eastern people in music, dance and costuming, as well as the attractive aesthetics of the 20 s.
SORAYA SOHEIB
JUDGE
2nd BEST ORIENTAL DANCER IN THE WORLD OF THE YEAR 2015
Soraya was born in Greece but was raised in Kuwait till her 10th year of age, when her parents moved to Greece again, where she started classical ballet at Ms. R. Papadimitriou. She expanded her horizons towards Jazz but without putting Oriental aside. Her debut to the Greek audience, took place while she was still a teenager in a big event at Veakeion Theatre.
Later on she started travelling abroad, by doing consecutive voyages in places where Oriental is part of tradition culture. Today she is dancing and keeping her knowledge of her oriental dance. She is choreographing theatrical performances as she is an actress as well, holding a diploma from the Drama school “Praxi 7”. Her style is inspired from the Golden Era dancers that she is trying to keep their traditional dance pure and alive.
At the moment she dances at the one of the Top Restaurant in Athens “Nargile” for 9 years.
Recently she won the 2nd title at the 1st International Bellydance Contest that took part in Cairo that she participated on behalf of Greece and Egypt. During this contest “The Bellydancer”, she was characterized by the famous Dina the Queen of Belly, ’’As the piece of silk that is dancing in the air’’…
Soraya was born in Greece but was raised in Kuwait till her 10th year of age, when her parents moved to Greece again, where she started classical ballet at Ms. R. Papadimitriou. She expanded her horizons towards Jazz but without putting Oriental aside. Her debut to the Greek audience, took place while she was still a teenager in a big event at Veakeion Theatre.
Later on she started travelling abroad, by doing consecutive voyages in places where Oriental is part of tradition culture. Today she is dancing and keeping her knowledge of her oriental dance. She is choreographing theatrical performances as she is an actress as well, holding a diploma from the Drama school “Praxi 7”. Her style is inspired from the Golden Era dancers that she is trying to keep their traditional dance pure and alive.
At the moment she dances at the one of the Top Restaurant in Athens “Nargile” for 9 years.
Recently she won the 2nd title at the 1st International Bellydance Contest that took part in Cairo that she participated on behalf of Greece and Egypt. During this contest “The Bellydancer”, she was characterized by the famous Dina the Queen of Belly, ’’As the piece of silk that is dancing in the air’’…
ELISAVET DAKOUTROU
JUDGE
Elisavet Dakoutrou was born and raised in Athens where she begun classes of classical ballet at an early age.
In 2006, she graduates from ”Niki Kontaxaki”-N.Bakali professional dance school and begins not only her ongoing teaching career in classical and contemporary dance, but also her path as a dancer by participating in various shows and festivals like Greek Choreographers Festival, Athens Fringe festival, Athens Video Dance Project etc. Meanwhile, she starts to experiment with different kinds of dance like jazz/musical theater,latin,flamenco,hip-hop, as well as with more alternative forms of dance like tribal fusion bellydance which was fascinating for her.
The last years she works intensively on tribal fusion styles by attending various dance workshops with accomplished teachers like Rachel Brice, Kami Liddle, Mardi Love, Lamia Barbara and many more, and by performing/choreographing on a stable basis in many festivals of the kind like Tribalnatyam Gr, TribalAthens Fest, Bollywood & Multicultural dance festival etc.
Lastly, her main goal and effort when she teaches, dances, and choreographes is to embody elements of the contemporary dance philosophy into the art of tribal fusion opening new paths to movement.
In 2006, she graduates from ”Niki Kontaxaki”-N.Bakali professional dance school and begins not only her ongoing teaching career in classical and contemporary dance, but also her path as a dancer by participating in various shows and festivals like Greek Choreographers Festival, Athens Fringe festival, Athens Video Dance Project etc. Meanwhile, she starts to experiment with different kinds of dance like jazz/musical theater,latin,flamenco,hip-hop, as well as with more alternative forms of dance like tribal fusion bellydance which was fascinating for her.
The last years she works intensively on tribal fusion styles by attending various dance workshops with accomplished teachers like Rachel Brice, Kami Liddle, Mardi Love, Lamia Barbara and many more, and by performing/choreographing on a stable basis in many festivals of the kind like Tribalnatyam Gr, TribalAthens Fest, Bollywood & Multicultural dance festival etc.
Lastly, her main goal and effort when she teaches, dances, and choreographes is to embody elements of the contemporary dance philosophy into the art of tribal fusion opening new paths to movement.
NATASA DANSEUSE
JUDGE
Natasa has been a professional bellydancer in Greece the last 20 years. She has been dancing in numerous Arabic restaurants in Athens, as also in social & cultural events!
Her love for bellydance led her in Egypt & Turkey where she had the chance to be educated by great well known dancers of the kind.
Her new role as a mother couldn't stop her at taking part in great Dance festivals, dancing among other talented artists!
NOTA ILIA
JUDGE
Nota Iliá. Her love for dance began in her childhood. From the age of 4 until 12, she experienced the magic of classical ballet and simultaneously engaged in traditional Greek dances. Growing up with a desire to explore the cultures of other nations, she turned to Latin and Oriental dance (oriental). Since 2012, she has been professionally involved in both dancing and teaching.
She holds a professional associate oriental degree from the Panhellenic Association of Dance Instructors in Greece (E.X.O.E) and is a certified judge. She has experience participating in international and nationwide competitions, achieving several distinctions, as well as in festivals of Oriental dance with Greek and foreign artists. She has attended workshops with internationally renowned teachers and dancers such as Dina of Cairo, Camelia Masreya (Egypt), Mercedes Nieto, Leila of Serbia, Randa Kamel (Egypt), Mohamed Kazafy, Prince Kayammer, Julia Farid, and many others.
Nota teaches Egyptian and Turkish styles, as well as traditional and modern dances of the East to all ages!
OSAMA MIMI FARAG
JUDGE
Osama Mimi Farag is a Professional Dance Instructor of Egyptian folklore and Oriental dance styles. He has the pure Egyptian tradition in his veins.
Osama started from very young age to dance, because of the Artistic family roots he has and after decided to turn this natural talent to his profession.
He has studied at the famous "Reda troupe" of Mahmoud Reda and "Kawmeya troupe". During this period he became a professional dancer and started his own career with performances at many places in Egypt, and especially at the touristic places like Sharm Elshikh, Hurgada, Taba, Luxor, Aswan and Cairo.
In 2003 & 2004 he won the first place at the International Folklore festival in Istanbul as the Best male Folkloric dancer. Some of the styles he does are: Raks Sharqi, Saidi, Nubian, Eskandrany & Mellaya leff, Fallahy, Bambouty & Semsemya, Shaabi, Ghawazy, Hagala, Dabka, Oriental Dance, Tanora dance.
Osama is teaching and giving permanently seminars in all Europe and around the world, in countries like China, Mexico, Egypt, Russia and more. As well, he is Official member teacher at the famous Nile Group Festival in Cairo, which is happening few times yearly.
He has studied at the famous "Reda troupe" of Mahmoud Reda and "Kawmeya troupe". During this period he became a professional dancer and started his own career with performances at many places in Egypt, and especially at the touristic places like Sharm Elshikh, Hurgada, Taba, Luxor, Aswan and Cairo.
In 2003 & 2004 he won the first place at the International Folklore festival in Istanbul as the Best male Folkloric dancer. Some of the styles he does are: Raks Sharqi, Saidi, Nubian, Eskandrany & Mellaya leff, Fallahy, Bambouty & Semsemya, Shaabi, Ghawazy, Hagala, Dabka, Oriental Dance, Tanora dance.
Osama is teaching and giving permanently seminars in all Europe and around the world, in countries like China, Mexico, Egypt, Russia and more. As well, he is Official member teacher at the famous Nile Group Festival in Cairo, which is happening few times yearly.
MALEK
JUDGE
Nikos Malek comes from Crete and began getting involved to Traditional Greek dances at the age of nine (9).
As a child and later on as a teenager, he travelled through Europe with a Greek folk dance group learning European and Latin dances.
That way, by 2000 he had acquired both the American and the International Gold Degree of Dance enchanting the audience with his unique and supreme choreographies.
The flame of both his incomparable dance and his wild imagination was pictured in Middle Eastern dances.
He attended numerous seminars next to teachers such as Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Tito, Ousama Emam, Aida Nour, Serkan, Maria Aya, 3rifily, Egyptian dance teacher Ragia Hassan and lots of others.
Until now, he continues enriching his knowledge concerning Middle Eastern dances and performing not only in Greece but also abroad.
In 2008, Nikos took part in Sultans of Raqs, a production including the 6 most important male oriental dancers. In his performances Nikos choreographes and dances tanura, tacks, sword, shamadan (candles), tribal, oriental and the modern indian dance Bollywood.
Since 2010, every summer, Nikos organises the Oriental Dance Festival "Eastern Flavor" which is included in the Events of the Municipality of Heraklion, Crete.
Nick is a member of the International Dance Council (CID - UNESCO) and the "1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece".
As a child and later on as a teenager, he travelled through Europe with a Greek folk dance group learning European and Latin dances.
That way, by 2000 he had acquired both the American and the International Gold Degree of Dance enchanting the audience with his unique and supreme choreographies.
The flame of both his incomparable dance and his wild imagination was pictured in Middle Eastern dances.
He attended numerous seminars next to teachers such as Mahmoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Tito, Ousama Emam, Aida Nour, Serkan, Maria Aya, 3rifily, Egyptian dance teacher Ragia Hassan and lots of others.
Until now, he continues enriching his knowledge concerning Middle Eastern dances and performing not only in Greece but also abroad.
In 2008, Nikos took part in Sultans of Raqs, a production including the 6 most important male oriental dancers. In his performances Nikos choreographes and dances tanura, tacks, sword, shamadan (candles), tribal, oriental and the modern indian dance Bollywood.
Since 2010, every summer, Nikos organises the Oriental Dance Festival "Eastern Flavor" which is included in the Events of the Municipality of Heraklion, Crete.
Nick is a member of the International Dance Council (CID - UNESCO) and the "1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece".
SARA TOSCANO
JUDGE
Sara Toscano is a Portuguese belly dancer,
certified teacher and one of the owners of the Theatre Avaton in Athens.She performed with the Baladi/Mahdy Emara Dance Troupe for 4 years and was a resident dancer at the renowned restaurants Arabic Lounge and Shibli-Krasnapolsky Hotel, in Amsterdam. Sara has performed extensively in Arabic parties, weddings and events including dancing with the Boban and Marko Markovic Band in Half Note; at the opening of the Buddha Bar in Mykonos; at the premier of an Egyptian movie in the iconic Tuschinski cinema or representing EgyptAir.
Also, Sara was a guest dancer at international festivals such as the Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival, The Oriental Passion Festival in Greece and the East Fest in Portugal.
Sara holds a diploma in World Dances, with a specialization in Middle Eastern dances, by the Rotterdam's Foundation for Arts' Education.
certified teacher and one of the owners of the Theatre Avaton in Athens.She performed with the Baladi/Mahdy Emara Dance Troupe for 4 years and was a resident dancer at the renowned restaurants Arabic Lounge and Shibli-Krasnapolsky Hotel, in Amsterdam. Sara has performed extensively in Arabic parties, weddings and events including dancing with the Boban and Marko Markovic Band in Half Note; at the opening of the Buddha Bar in Mykonos; at the premier of an Egyptian movie in the iconic Tuschinski cinema or representing EgyptAir.
Also, Sara was a guest dancer at international festivals such as the Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival, The Oriental Passion Festival in Greece and the East Fest in Portugal.
Sara holds a diploma in World Dances, with a specialization in Middle Eastern dances, by the Rotterdam's Foundation for Arts' Education.
ΧΡΟΝΗΣ ΤΑΞΙΔΗΣ TABBAL
ΚΡΙΤΗΣ
(Μουσικός εξειδικευμένος στα κρουστά. Συνθέτης μουσικής οριεντάλ (drum solos) και ιδρυτικό μέλος και μαέστρος της δικής του ορχήστρας)
O Χρόνης Ταξίδης άρχισε την ενασχόληση με τα αραβικά κρουστά από την τρυφερή ηλικία των 16 ετών. Όπως συμβαίνει συχνά σε όλους τους ανθρώπους, ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης επηρεάστηκε έντονα από την καταγωγή του. Κατάγεται από τη Μαύρη Θάλασσα, όπου η παράδοση που κληρονόμησε από τους προκατόχους του, τον βοήθησε να εξοικειωθεί με τους ανατολίτικους ρυθμούς, καθώς και με τη μουσική της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου.
«Περιτριγυρισμένος» από την απίθανη ιστορία της μουσικής που του χάρισε η καταγωγή του, άρχισε να εξερευνά και να μαθαίνει μόνος του την αραβική μουσική. Μετά από τρία χρόνια αυτο-εκπαίδευσης, ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης είχε το προνόμιο να εκπαιδευτεί στην αιγυπτιακή τεχνική δίπλα σε έναν από τους πιο σημαντικούς δασκάλους αραβικών κρουστών, τον Khamis Khenkesh.
Σήμερα, - μετά από σχεδόν 20 χρόνια – ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης δεν είναι απλώς ένας καλλιτέχνης που παίζει τάμπλα, αλλά και ένας καλλιτέχνης που παίζει νταούλι, dof, Αιτ, Sagat, Gonga και Μπόνγκο.
Από τότε που ο Χρόνης ξεκίνησε την επαγγελματική του καριέρα ως μουσικός κρουστών, έχει συνεργαστεί με διάσημους χορευτές της ανατολίτικης κοινότητας, όχι μόνο στην Ελλάδα αλλά και σε άλλες χώρες του εξωτερικού.
Έχει επίσης λάβει μέρος σε Παραστάσεις Oriental, σε μεγάλα Φεστιβάλ σε όλο τον κόσμο, και σε μεγάλες πολιτιστικές διοργανώσεις. Τα τελευταία χρόνια – σαν δάσκαλος - δίνει μαθήματα και σεμινάρια για μουσικούς και χορευτές σε όλη την Ελλάδα και πολλές χώρες του εξωτερικού, όπως στη Μόσχα (Ρωσία), στη Νίκαια (Γαλλία), στο Ταλίν (Εσθονία) , στη Λιουμπλιάνα (Σλοβενία). Επίσης στην Πρετόρια (Νότια Αφρική), στην Πάλμα Νόβα (Ιταλία), στο Βερολίνο (Γερμανία), στην Οδησσό (Ουκρανία) και αλλού. Ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της ομάδας "Tabbal" (2009 - σήμερα). Σε αυτή την ομάδα μοιράζεται το πάθος και την αφοσίωσή του για τους ρυθμούς της αραβικής κουλτούρας μαζί με άλλους μουσικούς, αλλά και τους μαθητές του.
Ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης βρίσκεται ενεργά στο χώρο της δισκογραφίας από το 2009 και είναι παραγωγός των ακόλουθων προσωπικών άλμπουμ: "Magical Destiny" (CD single)(2009), "Arabic Rhythms vol. 1" (2010), "Arabic Rhythms vol. 2" (2011), “Forest Primal Beats & Tabla Stories” (2014), ”World Of Arabic Ryhtmology” (2016).
O Χρόνης Ταξίδης άρχισε την ενασχόληση με τα αραβικά κρουστά από την τρυφερή ηλικία των 16 ετών. Όπως συμβαίνει συχνά σε όλους τους ανθρώπους, ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης επηρεάστηκε έντονα από την καταγωγή του. Κατάγεται από τη Μαύρη Θάλασσα, όπου η παράδοση που κληρονόμησε από τους προκατόχους του, τον βοήθησε να εξοικειωθεί με τους ανατολίτικους ρυθμούς, καθώς και με τη μουσική της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου.
«Περιτριγυρισμένος» από την απίθανη ιστορία της μουσικής που του χάρισε η καταγωγή του, άρχισε να εξερευνά και να μαθαίνει μόνος του την αραβική μουσική. Μετά από τρία χρόνια αυτο-εκπαίδευσης, ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης είχε το προνόμιο να εκπαιδευτεί στην αιγυπτιακή τεχνική δίπλα σε έναν από τους πιο σημαντικούς δασκάλους αραβικών κρουστών, τον Khamis Khenkesh.
Σήμερα, - μετά από σχεδόν 20 χρόνια – ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης δεν είναι απλώς ένας καλλιτέχνης που παίζει τάμπλα, αλλά και ένας καλλιτέχνης που παίζει νταούλι, dof, Αιτ, Sagat, Gonga και Μπόνγκο.
Από τότε που ο Χρόνης ξεκίνησε την επαγγελματική του καριέρα ως μουσικός κρουστών, έχει συνεργαστεί με διάσημους χορευτές της ανατολίτικης κοινότητας, όχι μόνο στην Ελλάδα αλλά και σε άλλες χώρες του εξωτερικού.
Έχει επίσης λάβει μέρος σε Παραστάσεις Oriental, σε μεγάλα Φεστιβάλ σε όλο τον κόσμο, και σε μεγάλες πολιτιστικές διοργανώσεις. Τα τελευταία χρόνια – σαν δάσκαλος - δίνει μαθήματα και σεμινάρια για μουσικούς και χορευτές σε όλη την Ελλάδα και πολλές χώρες του εξωτερικού, όπως στη Μόσχα (Ρωσία), στη Νίκαια (Γαλλία), στο Ταλίν (Εσθονία) , στη Λιουμπλιάνα (Σλοβενία). Επίσης στην Πρετόρια (Νότια Αφρική), στην Πάλμα Νόβα (Ιταλία), στο Βερολίνο (Γερμανία), στην Οδησσό (Ουκρανία) και αλλού. Ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της ομάδας "Tabbal" (2009 - σήμερα). Σε αυτή την ομάδα μοιράζεται το πάθος και την αφοσίωσή του για τους ρυθμούς της αραβικής κουλτούρας μαζί με άλλους μουσικούς, αλλά και τους μαθητές του.
Ο Χρόνης Ταξίδης βρίσκεται ενεργά στο χώρο της δισκογραφίας από το 2009 και είναι παραγωγός των ακόλουθων προσωπικών άλμπουμ: "Magical Destiny" (CD single)(2009), "Arabic Rhythms vol. 1" (2010), "Arabic Rhythms vol. 2" (2011), “Forest Primal Beats & Tabla Stories” (2014), ”World Of Arabic Ryhtmology” (2016).
DANA VAHIDA
JUDGE
Licensed judge, Teacher of champions the different world competitions.
Organizer of the biggest international festival in Ukraine – “Enigma of Arabia”.
Head of Oriental Art Center "Sapphire" (Kharkov).
Winner of the biggest European competitions.
Despite of her young age, Dana held a lot of workshops in Europe and Asia.
Organizer of the biggest international festival in Ukraine – “Enigma of Arabia”.
Head of Oriental Art Center "Sapphire" (Kharkov).
Winner of the biggest European competitions.
Despite of her young age, Dana held a lot of workshops in Europe and Asia.
PENNY BAILI
JUDGE
Choreographer –Teacher and Performer,
Dance editor and examiner of syllabus in belly dance for professional and amateur exams by Panhellenic Club of Dance teachers.-E.X.O.E.
Teacher in Keti’s Sharif team A-Z Teachers
Federal judge in dance competition.
Certificates by:
Dance Teachers & Sports Dancers Society Of Greece
A-Z Original Teacher Training
A-Z Advanced Teacher Training
Her dancing way began in her 7 years with traditional Greek dance- Latin and Ballet.At 13 years she started belly dance and a year later went to Cairo to attend specialized seminars from prominent choreographers like Keti Sharif, Mahmoud Reda, Hadia ,Nour, and more other, and continue today with regular trips there.
She teaches at dance studios for 14 years now and the last 5 years has its own studio in Athens.
At times teaches at various seminars in Greece and abroad.
Has worked with many famous artists like Omar Farouk Tekbilek, Natasha Atlas, Cairosonic - Mahmoud Fadl and more other.
She has also participated in many famous tv broadcasts.
Dance editor and examiner of syllabus in belly dance for professional and amateur exams by Panhellenic Club of Dance teachers.-E.X.O.E.
Teacher in Keti’s Sharif team A-Z Teachers
Federal judge in dance competition.
Certificates by:
Dance Teachers & Sports Dancers Society Of Greece
A-Z Original Teacher Training
A-Z Advanced Teacher Training
Her dancing way began in her 7 years with traditional Greek dance- Latin and Ballet.At 13 years she started belly dance and a year later went to Cairo to attend specialized seminars from prominent choreographers like Keti Sharif, Mahmoud Reda, Hadia ,Nour, and more other, and continue today with regular trips there.
She teaches at dance studios for 14 years now and the last 5 years has its own studio in Athens.
At times teaches at various seminars in Greece and abroad.
Has worked with many famous artists like Omar Farouk Tekbilek, Natasha Atlas, Cairosonic - Mahmoud Fadl and more other.
She has also participated in many famous tv broadcasts.
JASMIN KALATHAKI
JUDGE
Jasmin is an ATS® & Fusion Bellydance artist, instructor, choreographer, performer, director of Merkabah Troupe,
producer of TRIBALNATYAM Gr Festival & Persephone Unveiled Show in Athens , and the first Sister Studio A.T.S.® FCBD® in Greece!
Η αγαπη της για το χορό ξεκίνησε σε μικρή ηλικία με κλασικό και ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς. Μεγαλώνοντας, το ενδιαφέρον της εξελίχθηκε οδηγώντας τη να πιστοποιηθεί ως επαγγελματίας δασκάλα σε Ballroom και Latin, ενώ την ίδια στιγμή ερωτεύτηκε το Bellydance το οποιο ξεχώρισε!
Her love affair with dancing started when she was very young with Classical dance and Greek traditional dances. Growing up, her interest for dancing evolved , becoming a certified professional Ballroom and Latin teacher, while at the same time she fell in love with Bellydance which she favored above all having a true passion for it! She has studied for countless hours with some of the biggest and best teachers in the world!!
In 2011, she became certified by Suhaila Salimpour’s School of Bellydance Level1,in San Francisco, CA, where she also she took part as a performer in TribalFest 11. She has been teaching the art of bellydance for the last 15 years in recognized dance schools in Greece and abroad. She has also been a founding member in many Bellydance troupes and has given countless performances.
Her latest studies took place in Barcelona in 2016 where she got certified in the FCBD® General Skills, Teacher Training & the Business of A.T.S.® by Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin!
Η αγαπη της για το χορό ξεκίνησε σε μικρή ηλικία με κλασικό και ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς. Μεγαλώνοντας, το ενδιαφέρον της εξελίχθηκε οδηγώντας τη να πιστοποιηθεί ως επαγγελματίας δασκάλα σε Ballroom και Latin, ενώ την ίδια στιγμή ερωτεύτηκε το Bellydance το οποιο ξεχώρισε!
Her love affair with dancing started when she was very young with Classical dance and Greek traditional dances. Growing up, her interest for dancing evolved , becoming a certified professional Ballroom and Latin teacher, while at the same time she fell in love with Bellydance which she favored above all having a true passion for it! She has studied for countless hours with some of the biggest and best teachers in the world!!
In 2011, she became certified by Suhaila Salimpour’s School of Bellydance Level1,in San Francisco, CA, where she also she took part as a performer in TribalFest 11. She has been teaching the art of bellydance for the last 15 years in recognized dance schools in Greece and abroad. She has also been a founding member in many Bellydance troupes and has given countless performances.
Her latest studies took place in Barcelona in 2016 where she got certified in the FCBD® General Skills, Teacher Training & the Business of A.T.S.® by Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin!
AMIRA BALKIS
JUDGE
Amira Balkis is a Greek belly dance performer, instructor and choreographer.
Beginning her dance education as a student of the renowned Deanna Rhea, she has attended uncountable seminars and workshops by some of the greatest instructors and performers in the field (like Mohamed Kazafy, Khaled Mahmoud, Nour and many others).
Up to now she counts a multitude of cooperations with international and Greek artists and participations as a distinguished member of their groups (Kazafy Troupe, Leyla’t Hob, A-Rom-A etc.) She accomplished her International Dance Teachers Association Diploma “with Honours” and during the last years she has been repeatedly elected Secretary of the Greek Labour Organization of Oriental Dancers.
For over a decade she has been successfully active in show business. She has performed in some of the most popular night clubs, participated in numerous national and international festivals (Nile Festival, Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Oriental Passion etc) and has also been hosted in TV shows as well as performing as a guest star in private events.
Her unique style is a mixture of elegant charm and sensuousness, with notes of theatricality, however retaining her creative originality, which breathes out a sense of dynamic lusciousness.
Teaching complements her passion and commitment for belly dance. She is patient and very meticulous with her work. She has long been an associate of many renown dance schools in Athens, where she teaches and gives a wide range of seminars.
As the instructor of her own group “Loulouda”, she has many times led her students to successfully strive for one of the first places in dance competitions, not only as a troupe, but also in their solo performances. Obviously, Amira has very often climbed up the winners’ podium herself.
Beginning her dance education as a student of the renowned Deanna Rhea, she has attended uncountable seminars and workshops by some of the greatest instructors and performers in the field (like Mohamed Kazafy, Khaled Mahmoud, Nour and many others).
Up to now she counts a multitude of cooperations with international and Greek artists and participations as a distinguished member of their groups (Kazafy Troupe, Leyla’t Hob, A-Rom-A etc.) She accomplished her International Dance Teachers Association Diploma “with Honours” and during the last years she has been repeatedly elected Secretary of the Greek Labour Organization of Oriental Dancers.
For over a decade she has been successfully active in show business. She has performed in some of the most popular night clubs, participated in numerous national and international festivals (Nile Festival, Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Oriental Passion etc) and has also been hosted in TV shows as well as performing as a guest star in private events.
Her unique style is a mixture of elegant charm and sensuousness, with notes of theatricality, however retaining her creative originality, which breathes out a sense of dynamic lusciousness.
Teaching complements her passion and commitment for belly dance. She is patient and very meticulous with her work. She has long been an associate of many renown dance schools in Athens, where she teaches and gives a wide range of seminars.
As the instructor of her own group “Loulouda”, she has many times led her students to successfully strive for one of the first places in dance competitions, not only as a troupe, but also in their solo performances. Obviously, Amira has very often climbed up the winners’ podium herself.
ERIFILI NIKOLAKOPOULOU
JUDGE
Sha has attended in many workshops given by Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Zoe Jakes etc.
Teacher and main influence for her is Mira Betz. In her personal fusion style she mixes dances she loves: Flamenco, Odissi and Graham.
In her technique she includes the methods she teaches: Yoga and Feldenkrais Method.
She has recieved the yoga teaching diploma with scholarship by the Kripalu Center in USA and has been taught the Feldenkrais Method with scholarship in Switzerland. In addition, she has participated in many dance festivals in Greece (Vyronas, Lykavettos) and abroad (Oerol, Bansko).
From 2007 to 2011 was the dancer for Palyrria music band.
Her personal site is www.atomyoga.eu
Teacher and main influence for her is Mira Betz. In her personal fusion style she mixes dances she loves: Flamenco, Odissi and Graham.
In her technique she includes the methods she teaches: Yoga and Feldenkrais Method.
She has recieved the yoga teaching diploma with scholarship by the Kripalu Center in USA and has been taught the Feldenkrais Method with scholarship in Switzerland. In addition, she has participated in many dance festivals in Greece (Vyronas, Lykavettos) and abroad (Oerol, Bansko).
From 2007 to 2011 was the dancer for Palyrria music band.
Her personal site is www.atomyoga.eu
VALENTINI MOSXOU
JUDGE
Valentin was born and raised in Piraeus. From an early age he started with traditional and folk dances from all over Greece. He then dealt with Latin American dances: American style where in 2002 she took her professional diploma and later with International Style with the teacher and coach of Kostas Christodoulou.
She won the 1st place in a national championship in the category 3dance Latin. In 2004 she began oriental dances with the teacher and coach Maria Athanasiadou. In 2006 she received her diploma from the Egyptian Embassy in Oriental-raqsharki. At the same time, he taught harmony of oriental music, as well as veil, cymbals, rattan, sword and shamantan (candle).
In 2007, he won the 1st place at the Pan-Hellenic Championship Oriental-raqsharki. She has attended many seminars of both Latin American Dances and Bellydance and Bollywood Seminars by internationally acclaimed teachers .
ΤValentine also dealt with flamenco, roman havasi, and the hula. In recent years he has been engaged in the dance of Bollywood and is a certified teacher of 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece. .
Valentin - teacher and choreographer - teaches dance schools, gyms, clubs, etc. and has created 2 amazing Bollywood Dance teams that have been awarded International Competitions with their own choreographies.
At the same time, he has danced in infinite performances and festivals and has taken part in Indian film, Bollywood musical, Flash mob and video clips.
She won the 1st place in a national championship in the category 3dance Latin. In 2004 she began oriental dances with the teacher and coach Maria Athanasiadou. In 2006 she received her diploma from the Egyptian Embassy in Oriental-raqsharki. At the same time, he taught harmony of oriental music, as well as veil, cymbals, rattan, sword and shamantan (candle).
In 2007, he won the 1st place at the Pan-Hellenic Championship Oriental-raqsharki. She has attended many seminars of both Latin American Dances and Bellydance and Bollywood Seminars by internationally acclaimed teachers .
ΤValentine also dealt with flamenco, roman havasi, and the hula. In recent years he has been engaged in the dance of Bollywood and is a certified teacher of 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece. .
Valentin - teacher and choreographer - teaches dance schools, gyms, clubs, etc. and has created 2 amazing Bollywood Dance teams that have been awarded International Competitions with their own choreographies.
At the same time, he has danced in infinite performances and festivals and has taken part in Indian film, Bollywood musical, Flash mob and video clips.