Our Astoria based performers plan on making this holiday market an unforgetable experience. Come for the shopping stay for the show!
At Dancesanity, their annual student showcase. Photo by Studio Flash.
Photo by Anabella Veress
Sol Dance Center (Sponsor)
Sol Dance Center was founded in 2009 in Astoria, New York by a youthful group of very talented and professional dancers committed to volunteering their time for us and provide an excellent place to learn how to dance.
Our enthusiastic programs motivate students to build a great personality, overcome shyness, and at the same time learn some of the different dance styles we offer including Salsa, Belly Dancing, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and Jazz.
We are dedicated to our community and enjoy offering a place where people can come to socialize and enjoy themselves while learning or improving upon the basics of dance.
Photo Anabella Veress
Irina Kom of De Novo Dance
Irina is a dancer whose training is primarily rooted in belly dance. She has performed and taught internationally, including Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, and France; and is grateful to Suhaila Salimpour and other teachers for the insights and education in the art of belly dance. Irina’s research in movement are informed by her studies of butoh and yoga, the disciplines that facilitate an in-depth exploration of human potential. Together with a performance artist and butoh dancer, Ian Wen, composer/dancer Aurie Hsu, and composer/technologist Steven Kemper, Irina co-founded and co-directs de novo dance company (www.denovodance.com). Deeply curious about human condition and the process of transformation and healing, Irina also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and practices psychotherapy. She teaches regular belly dance classes at Sol Dance Center in Astoria, NY.
Maiden China
Maiden China
Maiden China
Coming Soon.....
Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott is an exciting, sensual and strong dancer in NYC. He is an energetic dancer that will bring much excitement and joy to your event! He has been dancing since a young boy, starting in flamenco and then moving to belly dance. His background includes belly dance, tribal belly dance, classical Indian, Bollywood, flamenco, gypsy roma, jazz and North and West African.
Tatianna Natalyja
Tatianna is trained in traditional belly dance, tribal fusion belly dance, bollywood, tahitian ori, afro-carribean/brazilian, samba, salsa & hip hop. She continues to perform with many eclectic musical artists & various dance companies. Inspired by the universality of dance & music from various cultures, she instructs her curriculum of fusion dance, working as a dance teaching artist in several public middle schools/dance studios & performs at private & public events throughout the tri-state area. Captivated by the development of the human spirit through dance, awareness & ritual pratice, she founded & developed Urban Illumination, a company that provides products & services that help you further connect to your innate power as a spiritual being.
Lisa y Josué - Guitar Duo
The Lisa y Josué guitar duo has performed at the Aurora gallery in Chelsea, and had the honor of giving the first concert for the inaugural of its LIC location in 2009, entitled "Guitarrazón" (the way, or logic of the guitar). Lisa Spraragen is a classical guitarist who also plays and dances flamenco. Josué Perez is a guitarist and composer from Puerto Rico. He was commissioned to write and perform a solo guitar score for Sam Shepard's premiere of Eyes for Consuela at the Manhattan Theater Club, and has written many pieces for guitar which are featured on the duo's CD's. They have recorded five CD's together, the latest, Cantando así released on Nov. 24, 2014, features the tenor Ángel Feliciano with whom they have been working since 2013. Performances include Merkin Concert Hall, The Theater at Madison Sq. Garden, Columbia University, The National Opera Center, The Rubin Museum and Radio WADO, and Channel 13 City Arts.
Photo by Arthur Eisenberg
Photo by Maria Naja Richardson
Photo by Arthur Eisenberg
Debbie Lakis Cartsos - Despina
Despina was raised in Athens, Greece where she was exposed to belly dance from a young age and grew up listening to Tsifteteli. She received her first belly dance costume when she was 5 and started to perform at family gatherings. Her appreciation of Middle Eastern music, dance, and folkloric costuming is what drew her to tribal belly dance.
In 2005, Despina began studying fusion belly dance with Mimi Fontana, and in 2006 she became a founding member of Manhattan Tribal. She later went on to receive her general skills certification at Fat Chance Belly Dance from Carolena Nericcio. In 2012 Despina began studying with Irina Kom, whose style is heavily influenced by the Jamila/Suhaila Salimpour format, and Despina obtained her Level 1 certification in Jamila. She has a weakness for finger cymbals, swords and costuming!! She is also the founder and owner of D.Webb Designs.