Arabesque
Academy
Toronto's Arabesque Academy offers a varied learning
experience in a warm and professional environment. The Academy
fosters creativity and offers opportunities for students to become
soloists with
Arabesque Dance Company. Laura teaches bellydance here regularly, as well as being a member of the Arabesque Dance Company and Agency.
Aziza
One of Laura's very
favorite performers and teachers, Aziza's style is fun and warm, as well as
highly skilled and very classy. She is now based in Montreal.
Rachel Brice
The
incomparable and innovative Rachel Brice. Rachel is essentially the inventor of Tribal Fusion and a huge inspiration to countless dancers.
Sharon Kihara
Stunning Tribal Fusion dancer and excellent workshop instructor. Very much an inspiration in Monique's dancing.
Zoe Jakes
The incredible Zoe manages to have her own dark, innovative and mesmerizing style of tribal fusion while still being completely hilarious. One of Laura's favorites.
Omphalo-Stepses:
a Historical/Cheesecake Gallery
A local site, this gallery
features hundreds of great photos, ranging from historical images to
50's pinups to movie dancers. Wonderful for costume inspiration or
graphics.
Shira
Everything you ever wanted to know about belly dance. No, really.
The Henna Page
So, so much about Mehndi. Endless useful tips and many
free designs.
Friends:
Elinor aka the Uber Wench
Wonderful and fun Tribal style performer and teacher living in Halifax NS.
Pink Velvet Burlesque
Good friend and burlesque dancer extroidenaire, Miss C heads up this operation...Halifax's answer to fantastic Burlesque. Monique dances with PVB regularly.
Audra Simmons and Lavish Dance Co.
Fabulous Toronto tribal fusion dancer and Instructor who also
organizes great workshops.
Colleena
Wonderful
dancer living in Rajasthan, India. Colleena has dedicated many years
of her life to studying and living with the Khalbelia Gypsies, as
well as studying Odissi and Belly dance. Also, check out her online
store with beautiful authentic tribal jewellry.
Valizan
Valizan teaches American Tribal Style internationally and at Arabesque Academy as well as leading Shades of Araby dance troupe and dancing in Arabesque Dance Company.
Costuming:
Bhuz Swap Meet
A fantastic selection of hard-to-come-by costumes pop up on this forum. Bellydancers trade and sell their costumes here. You'll need to create an account to gain access, but trust us, it's worth it!
Melodia Designs
THE pants. Everyone either has them, or wants them. Or wants more.
The Belly Dance Store
This shop has the best supply of Sahar Okasha's daring and incredibly flattering costumes available online, as well as much more.
Bella
If you're lucky enough to be sent a password, and lucky enough to check the site when there are costumes available, you might just have a chance at getting your hands on a costume from everyone's favorite designer...BELLA!
Ebay
You know you love it. Just search
for "belly dance" and go nuts.
