Banat al-Beled is one of the most popular Middle Eastern dance troupes in the Baltimore-Washington area. Over the years, Banat al-Beled has built a solid repertoire of both folkloric and nightclub-style dances, derived from such different cultural influences as the African-nuanced dancing at traditional Saudi Arabian women’s parties, the melding of Spanish and Arabic culture in Andalusian Spain, the proud line dances of the Levant, the night clubs of Cairo, and the “melting pot” of American belly dance.
Troupe Members
Amira
Amira is one of those magical performers who lights up a room when she dances. Natural grace and skills in several different types of dance make her shows a joy to watch — fascinating and full of variety. She can be elegant, poignant, full of joy, or cheeky and mischievous, depending on the music and the mood of the audience. Whatever her style or mood, she is always exciting to watch.
Anisa
Anisa is an exciting and engaging performer who is admired for her precise technique. Whether it’s folkloric, oriental, or fusion dance, she’s got something to say.
Bashusha
Bashusha, a classically-trained musician, loves to interpret the intricate rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music in her dance. She also enjoys including works of American greats such as Louie Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis and Carlos Santana in her shows. Always elegant, her performances have been described as warm, inviting and “like getting a big hug”.
Flissy
Flissy’s expertise is in group improvisational belly dance, which she has been teaching and performing since 2009. Her performances are marked by a relaxed, regal presence. She is a Certified Datura Style Teacher and FatChance BellyDance sister studio, and a RYT-500 yoga teacher who specializes in teaching yoga to belly dancers.
Geela Harri
Geela Harri has a flirty, slightly impudent stage presence that makes an audience sit up and take notice.
Jennifer Lakshmi
This dancer must have been born holding a dance veil in her hands. She’s a poet in real life, and her dancing is pure poetry, too.
Leyla Fahada
Leyla is a popular local performer. When she’s not dancing with her troupe, you might see her at the Cazbar restaurant in Baltimore, or performing with the band Telesma.
Nabilah
Nabilah’s ballet background gives her an elegant carriage and lovely long lines.
Scarlett
Scarlett is always a joy to watch. If you let this sassy dancer loose on a stage, she will captivate the audience and steal their hearts.
Shahzadee
Shahzadee is one of Latifa’s favorite dancers: elegant and naturally graceful, like poetry in motion.
Sidouri
As her namesake told Gilgamesh, Sidouri believes that our purpose is to eat, drink, dance and enjoy life. She performs with fire and unusual props, but bases her dance in folkloric and classic orientale. Audiences have commented on her striking eyes and dramatic expressiveness.
Talis
Talis is a bellydancer who is deeply inspired by American Tribal Style, vintage and theatrical styles, and spiritual dances. She is also a member of the Transcendence Bellydance Collective.
Zareen
Zareen is an enchanting dancer with a dazzling smile who loves to share the joy of dance with her audience.
» Watch Banat Al-Beled perform at Art of the Belly 2016
What Audiences Have to Say About Banat Al-Beled
“Style, precision, and lots of pizzazz! This troupe has it all.”
“Wow! The costumes were stunning.”
“I had a great time and learned a lot about dance.”
“You make me homesick for Egypt!”