Beginning of my Career

A more certain future with the theater…

Passionate about dance since childhood, I discovered improvisation and theater in college. Dramatic arts then broadened my vision of the performing arts.

Believing that I had a more certain future in theater than in dance, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Animation Theater and pursued a Masters in Dramatic Arts, Creation and Directing. I was interested in the Théâtre de Carbone 14, body language and dance in the theater. In my thesis, I developed the concept of Image Theater.

At the same time, I danced in amateur belly dance troupes and I improved my skills during master classes here in Quebec, and then in the United States and Egypt.

Dare to listen to your intuition…

After my studies, I taught theater at UQAM, and I became general manager of the Auberges du Cœur du Québec Support Fund. Then a friend informed me that there was a belly dance audition at La Menara Restaurant. A strong sense of enthusiasm took hold of me … and I showed up for the audition.

 

Destiny was waiting for me…

Theater was a detour and a very enriching complement. I possessed in me all the elements that would propel me into an exciting career and, this career started with a sudden spark at my audition at La Menara.

The new owner, Mr. Karim Filali, after my audition said: perfect! If you’re ready to start, you’re going to dance full time, you’re the star dancer. This is where the adventure began… I danced 3 to 5 nights a week for almost 20 years, celebrating and sharing my joy with the audience, pure happiness!

I have had the privilege of making thousands of people happy. I am appreciative and filled with gratitude.

 From Cardio Belly Dancing to Samia Baladi Academy…

I then taught belly dance in a sports center, and I created and developed the training method known as Cardio Belly Dance, which has gained many followers in Quebec. A year later, I opened my dance school.

Since then, I live and share my passion as a solo dancer, teacher and choreographer here in Quebec, and I have been fortunate to perform in Toronto, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Paris and Aswan.

My proudest achievements

  • Star dancer at Céline Dion et René Angélil’s wedding in Las Vegas
  • Star dancer for almost 20 years at Menara Restaurant.
  • Guest artist at Rachid Taha’s shows, closing evening in front of 100,000 people at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and at his show at Spectrum during the Francofolies de Montréal.
  • Solo dancer in Egypt accompanied by 25 musicians. One of my biggest dreams come true!
  • Guest teacher for Star Académie (2005-2009) invited by choreographer Geneviève Dorion-Coupal, with whom I have frequently collaborated: show at the Musée de Civilization de Québec, Celebrations television show presented by Loto-Québec, the musical review “Dalida, Une vie”, Chantale Chamandi’s show, the Browns shoe fashion show…
  • Guest artist to accompany several internationally renowned musical groups at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and at the Francofolies de Montréal.
  • Guest artist in television as a dancer, teacher and choreographer, in order to promote belly dance – 26 television appearances over a period of 15 years…
  • Member of Union des Artistes since 1998.

Learn more…

When a book, a record and a costume change everything… Or when a gift changes everything…

When I was little, I danced and invented shows with my sister; our duo name was The Guitar Sisters! We performed birthday shows for our friends and neighbors. And it was this gift from my mother, which I believe, awakened in me a fascination with dance and cultures: a book of steps and movements, a record, and a Hawaiian dance costume. I can still see myself at the living room table, studying this book and doing choreography. In first grade, I performed my number at the year-end show. Due to my enthusiasm, my mother enrolled me in the same dance school as my sisters where I familiarized myself with all styles of dance.

Talent noticed and a child’s joy…

Rather shy by nature, I realized that dancing allowed me to express myself and share with others. I was only 12 years old when I started a troupe by bringing my friends together to create a dance and variety show, like Michel Fugain’s Big Bazar for women. Maybe you remember: Attention ladies and gentlemen in a moment it will begin … Happy with this experience, I registered without talking to my mother, to the auditions of the Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal… which was over 230 km from my home. I will never forget the kindness of the founding director of this internationally recognized dance company, Ms. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, who took the time to tell me that she noticed my talent.

Conveying passion…

Silver medalist in figure skating, dance component, I became an instructor for a few years. And in the summer of my 16th birthday; I tought jazz ballet and body expression in day camps in my hometown.

Meeting with the public …

In college, I joined a dance troupe and toured different CEGEPs, which allowed me to experience the thrills felt behind the scenes and the enthusiasm for sharing with others the pleasure of dancing and creating something collective. Of my own initiative, in parallel with my studies, I put on a solo number to accompany the fanfare of my city on the music of Ravel’s bolero.

Discovering belly dance…

The only dance class that fit in my schedule, 2 sessions in a row. Not convinced that belly dance was for me, I went to see the teacher perform in a restaurant and it was then that I understood all the beauty, the complexity, and the festive aspect of this dance. I was far from knowing that this dance would one day transform my life, lighting it up.

During this same period, I discovered contemporary dance, improvisation and theater…