Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company

Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company is the performance branch of the Bellydance Odyssey Productions tree. Choreographed and directed by Vashti, the group performs as an ensemble with several members performing as soloists at corporate events, community events and private parties.

photo by Michael Baxter

The ensemble has a repertoire consisting of varying stylizations including an Egyptian Cabaret set and a Gypsy Fusion set. The ensemble has won First Place at the North Valley Belly Dance Competition, 2nd Runner Up at the Bellydancer of the Universe competition, 1st Runner Up at the Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant and 2nd Runner Up at the International Bellydance Convention.

photo by Sharif

Vashti is Artistic Director for the Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company. For more info about Vashti click here. Photo by Gayle Mitchell.

 

Jalilah has many years of dance experience in the Northern California belly dance scene. She began studying belly dance with local favorite, SeSe. She continued her study with Nanna Candaleria in Berkeley before her return to Santa Cruz. Jalilah is a former member of Dajti (directed by SeSe) and Sagheera, Shikha Mahasim, and Jessie's Girls (all directed by Vashti). Jalilah began collaborating with Vashti in 2002 and the two have regularly taught and performed together since. Jalilah is currently Assistant Director of the Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company. Jalilah teaches regularly at Dance Odyssey Studio. Photo by Sharif.

 

Basira has been a member of the company since 2006. She began her love for dance at the age of three with ballet.  She studied ballet for nine years along with dabbling in modern and jazz.  After years of being separated from dance, Basira was driven to rediscover dance as a result of witnessing growing prejudice against Middle Eastern people.  Being of half Tunisian/Algerian descent Basira felt motivated to learn more about her culture.  Studying Middle Eastern and belly dance fulfills the desire to connect with the beauty of her culture.  Basira has studied many different styles of belly dance from several Bay Area teachers including Anaar and Kathy Stahlman.  Although Basira loves learning the classics she is pulled by fusion stylizations as a powerful form of creative expression. Photo by Michael Baxter

Morra

Morra has been studying, performing and teaching the art of bellydance in the Santa Cruz and Bay Area for thirty years. She has performed alongside past and present great names in the world of Middle Eastern dance in the Bay Area. In the 1970s, Morra performed at many local venues as one of the principal dancers with Sirocco, as well as the Bhagdad in San Francisco. She began studying bellydance with Emira of the Jamila Salimpour School of Dance, and went on to perform alongside such greats as John Comption (Hahbi 'Ru) and Farida (Coscodos) in "Gitan American, The Journey of Dance Through Time." In the mid 1990s she joined the dance troupe Hand of Fatima, directed by Rossah, where she was one of the principal dancers. Morra has also studied Tunisian Dance with Erin M'Rabbit. Today she is excited to join the Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company and looks forward to the next chapter in her dance experience. Photo by Sharif.

Nafila Nafila's dedication to dance and movement began in early childhood with training in ballet, tap and gymanstics. This foundation was fostered by pursuing competitive gymnastics throughout her youth. As a young adult, Nafila's love of the arts and self-expression was broadened by studing art history and working in several alternative art spaces. After giving birth Nafila was drawn to bellydance as way to build community and fitness. She has never looked back. Nafila joined the dance company in 2006. Since then she has enthusiastically performed in both casual and competitive settings throughout California. Photo by Sharif.

Yasmin has been a member of the company since 2005. She first began her belly dance journey with Rita Brenner in Dallas and then began studying with SeSe in 2001 and with Vashti in 2003. Yasmin has performed as an ensemble member and soloist throughout California. Photo by Sharif.

Feb 2 :: Morra at Shiva Lounge

March 15 :: Rakkasah West

To book Bellydance Odyssey Dance Company or any of its solo artists contact Jalilah.