Oriental
ANNA DIMITRATOU
JUDGE
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.
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"
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.
YARA DAGHER
ΚΡΙΤΗΣ
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.
Έχει ξεκινήσει και δημιουργήσει σχέδια κοστουμιών σε μεγάλο αριθμό καλλιτεχνών και διάσημων χορευτών στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό. Η Yara έχει «παντρέψει» τη μόδα με τον ανατολίτικο χορό και είναι παραγωγός μοναδικών Fashion Show.
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.
Έχει ξεκινήσει και δημιουργήσει σχέδια κοστουμιών σε μεγάλο αριθμό καλλιτεχνών και διάσημων χορευτών στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό. Η Yara έχει «παντρέψει» τη μόδα με τον ανατολίτικο χορό και είναι παραγωγός μοναδικών Fashion Show.
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.
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’’…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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)
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.
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).
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
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!
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.
Bollywood
ANNA DIMITRATOU
JUDGE
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.
SUMON RUDRA
JUDGE
Sumon Rudra is an Indian Performer, Teacher and Choreographer currently residing in Greece
He holds two diplomas in Contemporary dance , one from India and the other from Greek Ministry of Culture, apparently the first Indian to do so.
He has formally trained in Ballet, Contemporary , Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu and Yoga over the years of his dance education.
An ardent Bollywood lover, he became an integral part of the 1st Bollywood dance academy in Greece, where he works as a teacher, choreographer and performer. He was an assistant choreographer and performer in the 1st Bollywood Musical in Greece and was subsequently invited to teach and perform Bollywood dance in many events and festivals in Greece and abroad like France, Bulgaria and Finland among others.
He has performed in various prestigious shows in Athens including major Greek TV Channels like Mega, Epsilon and Star. He is the first Indian choreographer in the biggest dance reality show “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 3 in ANT1 channel where he introduced Bollywood into this format of the show.
Sumon has been teaching in many schools in Athens and has conducted several workshops in Greece and abroad. He is one of the main choreographers in the biggest Bollywood festival in Greece, the “Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival” organized every summer in Athens, Greece.
He holds two diplomas in Contemporary dance , one from India and the other from Greek Ministry of Culture, apparently the first Indian to do so.
He has formally trained in Ballet, Contemporary , Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu and Yoga over the years of his dance education.
An ardent Bollywood lover, he became an integral part of the 1st Bollywood dance academy in Greece, where he works as a teacher, choreographer and performer. He was an assistant choreographer and performer in the 1st Bollywood Musical in Greece and was subsequently invited to teach and perform Bollywood dance in many events and festivals in Greece and abroad like France, Bulgaria and Finland among others.
He has performed in various prestigious shows in Athens including major Greek TV Channels like Mega, Epsilon and Star. He is the first Indian choreographer in the biggest dance reality show “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 3 in ANT1 channel where he introduced Bollywood into this format of the show.
Sumon has been teaching in many schools in Athens and has conducted several workshops in Greece and abroad. He is one of the main choreographers in the biggest Bollywood festival in Greece, the “Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival” organized every summer in Athens, Greece.
KLEONIKI KARAXALIOU
JUDGE
Kleoniki Karachaliou was born in Athens in 1981.At the age 13 she began theatre at Alimos Workshop with director Barbara Duke and after school joined the Drama School “Authority” Nelly’s Karra and graduated in 2002. In 2003 she began her studies on Indian dance with Leda Shantala.
She has attended seminars in Greece with Anthi Andreopoulou (technique Alexander), Voula Xyki (Body Knowledge, Inner Smile, 6 therapeutic sounds), Leda Shantala (Poetic Body) and Sri Venudas (Karnataka Song).
In Paris Indian Dance with Sharmila Sharma (Kathak) and Maria Kiran (Bharata Natyam) at the School Mandapa and in Rajasthan India with Hermant (Kathak).
She has worked with Barbara Duke in theatrical productions “Trainspotting”-Camel Club, “While we did not know anything about each other” – Experimental Stage of the National Theatre, “Bacchae” – Argo Theatre, “Philosophy in the Tent” – Concert PLUS and with Yannis Kalatzopoulos in the productions of “The Country Bird” – Children’s Stage of the National Theatre, “The Journey of Crazy Einstein”-Theatre Lambeti. Furthermore, in collaboration with the dancer Mata Marra they created and interpreted Indian Dance Performance Inspired by Indian classical myths and Greek poetry.
She is a member of Expressive Forms since 2007 and has participated in productions of “Christougenniasmata and Kalantismata”, ” Electra’s Quotations by Sophocles”, “Pulcinella and Smiley Forest”. She teaches Theatrical Play and Indian dance while creating and interpreting Indian dance performances.
In Paris Indian Dance with Sharmila Sharma (Kathak) and Maria Kiran (Bharata Natyam) at the School Mandapa and in Rajasthan India with Hermant (Kathak).
She has worked with Barbara Duke in theatrical productions “Trainspotting”-Camel Club, “While we did not know anything about each other” – Experimental Stage of the National Theatre, “Bacchae” – Argo Theatre, “Philosophy in the Tent” – Concert PLUS and with Yannis Kalatzopoulos in the productions of “The Country Bird” – Children’s Stage of the National Theatre, “The Journey of Crazy Einstein”-Theatre Lambeti. Furthermore, in collaboration with the dancer Mata Marra they created and interpreted Indian Dance Performance Inspired by Indian classical myths and Greek poetry.
She is a member of Expressive Forms since 2007 and has participated in productions of “Christougenniasmata and Kalantismata”, ” Electra’s Quotations by Sophocles”, “Pulcinella and Smiley Forest”. She teaches Theatrical Play and Indian dance while creating and interpreting Indian dance performances.
DEVESH MIRCHANDANI
JUDGE
Devesh Mirchandani is a Mumbai based choreographer and dance teacher.
He is a member of the Indian Film and Television Association Bollywood and part of the choreography team “Dance with Madhuri”.
His dance training includes Indian Folk Dances, Kathak and Contemporary – Bollywood dance.
As a teacher, he has been offering dance lessons in India for sixteen years whereas for the last three he has expanded his activities internationally – having travelled to countries like Russia, Spain, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Paris, Dubai for workshops and shows.
He has participated on dance reality shows (“Just Dance”, “Jhalak Dikla Ja”, “Dance India Dance”) and is highly appreciated by the Bollywood stars Sharukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
He has participated in commercials for well-known brands and is also known as a celebrity dance trainer.
His YouTube channel is followed by 400,000 subscribers and his videos have been viewed more than 75 million times in total.
His adaptation of the popular folk dance that is shown in his Ghoomar video – holding currently almost 3 million views, has gone viral and was played on the Indian news channels.
More of his choreographies have gone viral, such as the ones for the very popular Bollywood songs Udi Udi Jaye and Lovely.
AMIT PATEL
JUDGES
Amit Patel, a native of Fremont, CA, is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director living in Los Angeles.
As a first generation Indian American, he strives to fuse his cultures by bringing together different disciplines of dance. With this in mind, he fused his Eastern culture and Western training to bring an unconventional style of dance called “Indian Contemporary.” Amit is more notable, however, for his rebellious pieces in heels, known as “Bollywood Heels,” which challenge the norms of sexual identity in dance.
His dance training consists of Bollywood Fusion, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and an extensive training in Contemporary and Modern Dance.
His professional experience includes 10+ years as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher for the Mona Khan Company, as well as a professional dancer, and choreographer for Bliss Dance Company for 6 years. He has also taught internationally, for the Nordics largest Indian Dance Festival in Tampere, Finland; as well as in England, Spain, France, and Greece; teaching both Bollywood Heels & Indian Contemporary.
His work at MKC earned him a place to perform on many national platforms, including: the Indiaspora Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C honoring President Obama’s second Presidential term; the top 48 of America’s Got Talent out of 70,000 acts; the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival; and a performance shoot for the international Emmy award winning show “India” on the Spanish T.V Network, Univision.
His goal as an artist is to create a dance movement that has the potential to unite, inspire, and empower people across cultures.
CAROLINA RUBIO
JUDGES
Choreographer, dancer and teacher of Bollywood, indian dances, creative and oriental dance. In 2009 I met Sunny Singh, choreographer and dancer of Indian film industry, with whom I have been training at advanced and professional level, both in Madrid and in Barcelona. In 2012 I joined his company, performing in shows, events and TV shows until 2015. I had the pleasure of attending master classes with the living legend of Indian cinema, Saroj Khan, at Indian Dance Weekend Festival. Also, with renowned choreographers Bosco Caesar.
JEYA RAVEENDRAN
JUDGES
Jeya Raveendran is a Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher. Jeya's many accomplishments include leading his dance team to the semi-finals of the British reality TV show Got to Dance and introducing the local public to the gaana genre; choreographing and performing for multiple productions at the London O2 arena, including the Vijay TV Star Nite; as well as co-producing and judging, alongside Indian film choreographers, the British Tamil dance competition, Nadana Rajas. In addition, he holds the distinction of being the only Tamil to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
His collaborations and work has amassed a following with dance lovers on his Youtube channel with over 500K subscribers. He has been teaching dance around England through his academy; Jeya Raveendran Dance Academy [JRDA] and internationally, continuing to spread his dance revolution across Europe and beyond.
VINATHA SREERAMKUMAR
JUDGE
Vinatha Sreeramkumar is a dancer, choreographer and entrepreneur from Chennai, India based in Madrid, Spain. She has been trained in Bharatanatyam and classical South Indian music (Carnatic) and Sanskrit theatre in Dr. Raghavan centre for performing arts, from the age of 4. After her arrival in Madrid, Vinatha has been part of several important dance festivals in Spain and went on to establish her own dance and yoga school (Espacio India), dance company with professional dancers and her theatre production. She also launched her YouTube channel which today has more than 9.2 million views in total and close to 43000 subscribers. She has received worldwide praise for her Kuthu dance videos, a dance form that originates from the streets of south India. She has taught workshops in different cities in Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Italy, France, Greece, India and Hungary and has taken her students to India in summer 2018 to be trained with artists in Chennai. She was also chosen as Miss India Spain 2011-12 and represented both India and Spain at the Miss India worldwide pageant in Suriname, South America.
TINA TAMBE
JUDGE
Dr. Tina Tambe is a Kathak Performer of Jaipur Gharana Style, Choreographer and a Teacher. Awarded with Nalanda Nritya Nipun by Nalanda Dance & Research Center, Singarmani by Sur Singar Samsad and Pt. Kartikram Kalanidhi Puruskar, Tina (Previously Tina Deole) holds Nritya Alankar from A.B. Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai, Master of Arts(M.A.) in Dance (Kathak) from Devi Ahilya University, Indore and Doctorate in Dance from Vikram University, Ujjain.
PRASANTI JENA
ΚΡΙΤΗΣ
Ευλογημένη από το Θεό, η Jena Prashanti, είναι η προσωποποίηση της χάρης και της κομψότητας. Mαθήτρια του γκουρού Pandit Sri. Rabindra Kumar Swain, πήρε το δίπλωμά της στον κλασικό χορό Odissi το 2008. Δεν σταμάτησε όμως σε αυτό. Συνεχίζει τον χορό Odissi, υπό την καθοδήγηση του γκουρού Smt. Sujata Mohapatra.
Η Jena έχει κερδίσει σε διάφορα Φεστιβάλ και Παραστάσεις, τίτλους όπως “Nritya NAIVEDYA”, “Odissi PRATIVA”, “KALAKAR SAMMANA” και αναδείχθηκε σαν ένα από τα πιο ταλαντούχα και αναγνωρισμένα πρόσωπα στον κόσμο του χορού. Ο κατάλογος των βραβείων που έχει κερδίσει σε Διαγωνισμούς χορού σε κρατικό και διεθνές επίπεδο, είναι ατέλειωτος.
Έχει εμφανιστεί σε πολλά φημισμένα στάδια όπως Amaravati Nrithyotsav 2016, PATOTSAV, Odissi Dance Recital at Marigold Balaji Temple Premises Pune and National Youth Wing Festival (2009) Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
Έχει παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια του κλασικού χορού Odissi υπό την καθοδήγηση των γκουρού Ratikanta Mohapatra και Sujata Mohapatra από το SRJAN, του γκουρού Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi NRITYABASA (2007, 2014,2015). Έχει επίσης παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια Kuchipudi με τη διάσημη διεθνή χορεύτρια Smt. Srimoyi Vempati (2013) που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Nitr, και διοργανώθηκε από το «Bharatanatyam and perfoming arts» στη Rourkela, καθώς και Σεμινάρια του χορού Odissi, υπό την καθοδήγηση της Smt. Sujata Mohapatra (2016) που έγινε στο Sparsh Studio for Performing Arts, στην Καλκούτα.
Η Jena είναι δασκάλα χορού και χορογράφος. Έχει διδάξει INS Chillika και έχει χορογραφήσει για πολιτιστικές γιορτές στην Nitr.
Ο χορός της Jena έχει εκτιμηθεί και αναγνωρισθεί από κριτικούς και κοινό και η απλή και ταπεινή της προσωπικότητά αντανακλάται, αφού είναι μια πραγματική καλλιτέχνης.
Η Jena έχει κερδίσει σε διάφορα Φεστιβάλ και Παραστάσεις, τίτλους όπως “Nritya NAIVEDYA”, “Odissi PRATIVA”, “KALAKAR SAMMANA” και αναδείχθηκε σαν ένα από τα πιο ταλαντούχα και αναγνωρισμένα πρόσωπα στον κόσμο του χορού. Ο κατάλογος των βραβείων που έχει κερδίσει σε Διαγωνισμούς χορού σε κρατικό και διεθνές επίπεδο, είναι ατέλειωτος.
Έχει εμφανιστεί σε πολλά φημισμένα στάδια όπως Amaravati Nrithyotsav 2016, PATOTSAV, Odissi Dance Recital at Marigold Balaji Temple Premises Pune and National Youth Wing Festival (2009) Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
Έχει παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια του κλασικού χορού Odissi υπό την καθοδήγηση των γκουρού Ratikanta Mohapatra και Sujata Mohapatra από το SRJAN, του γκουρού Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi NRITYABASA (2007, 2014,2015). Έχει επίσης παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια Kuchipudi με τη διάσημη διεθνή χορεύτρια Smt. Srimoyi Vempati (2013) που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Nitr, και διοργανώθηκε από το «Bharatanatyam and perfoming arts» στη Rourkela, καθώς και Σεμινάρια του χορού Odissi, υπό την καθοδήγηση της Smt. Sujata Mohapatra (2016) που έγινε στο Sparsh Studio for Performing Arts, στην Καλκούτα.
Η Jena είναι δασκάλα χορού και χορογράφος. Έχει διδάξει INS Chillika και έχει χορογραφήσει για πολιτιστικές γιορτές στην Nitr.
Ο χορός της Jena έχει εκτιμηθεί και αναγνωρισθεί από κριτικούς και κοινό και η απλή και ταπεινή της προσωπικότητά αντανακλάται, αφού είναι μια πραγματική καλλιτέχνης.
DANIEL PAUL
JUDGE
Daniel Paul was born in Chennai, India. He started learning at the age of 13. His guru was John Britto from Chennai. He has trained in many dancing styles from different parts of the world, Bollywood being his favorite dance style. He trained and performed with many Bollywood and Kollywood stars and he has danced over 1000 Stage shows.
He is the CEO and founder of “Danny’s Bollywood Dance Crew”. He started teaching Bollywood in Finland since 2009 and he has been the pioneer of Bollywood Dancing in Finland and he has been a TV celebrity and also theatre choreographer. He has 4 different branches of his own dance school in Finland. He has choreographed in local and international shows. Some of the highlights are as follows:
“So you think you can dance (Finland)
“Got to dance” (Finland)
“Dancing with the stars” (Finland)
“Finland’s got talent” (2012, 2016)
“New year Senator square eve (MTV)
and countless number of television, public and private shows.
Daniel Paul’s classes are full of life, fun, laughter and most importantly lots of sweat.
His choreographies are fast with a lot of comical elements and stories.
His motto is “Smile, smile and smile”!
He is the CEO and founder of “Danny’s Bollywood Dance Crew”. He started teaching Bollywood in Finland since 2009 and he has been the pioneer of Bollywood Dancing in Finland and he has been a TV celebrity and also theatre choreographer. He has 4 different branches of his own dance school in Finland. He has choreographed in local and international shows. Some of the highlights are as follows:
“So you think you can dance (Finland)
“Got to dance” (Finland)
“Dancing with the stars” (Finland)
“Finland’s got talent” (2012, 2016)
“New year Senator square eve (MTV)
and countless number of television, public and private shows.
Daniel Paul’s classes are full of life, fun, laughter and most importantly lots of sweat.
His choreographies are fast with a lot of comical elements and stories.
His motto is “Smile, smile and smile”!
ILONA KOLACHANA
JUDGE
Ilona has been studying Indian traditional styles and Bollywood dance for more than 10 years, and she has 7 years of experience in teaching Bollywood dance. For the past 5 years she has been focusing on studying Kathak and Rajasthani dance, and she has been also lucky to learn Bhangra, Kollywood and Gujarati folk dances with experienced teachers. Ilona has studied Kathak in “Lucknow Gharana style” in Finland mainly with Hanna Mannila, Rajasthani dance with several teachers in India and with Judit Abraham in Hungary, and Gujarati folk dances with Chetan Jethava in India. Ilona studies Kathak influenced Bollywood with Hemant Devara.
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.
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 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 latest 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 in many festivals of the kind like Tribalnatyam Gr, TribalAthens Fest etc.
The last years she works intensively on this specific kind of dance, while at the same time she dances and choreographs, trying to embody elements of the philosophy of contemporary movement and dance into the art of tribal fusion.
ENAKSHI VYAS
JUDGE
Enakshi Vyas is the founder and artistic director of Elite Naach Academy. Formally trained since childhood in Jazz, Tap, and Kathak, she brings a fresh touch to traditional forms of dance by mixing a diverse range of styles into her choreography. Her subsequent training includes Bharata Natyam, West African Folk Dance, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, various Indian Folk styles, and Bollywood dance. Since the inception of Elite Naach Academy she's had the privilege of working with a variety of other artists through tours, collaborations, and workshops around the world.
