Dance Artist Biographies
With over 30 years of experience in Egyptian dance, Mayada is a performer, choreographer, producer, and mentor through her Mississauga studio and workshops. She began with YRA at the age of 14, and returns as often as she can.
Mayada Hesham
Christina began early training in classical piano, flute, ballet, and jazz. 1995- 2015 performed as a member of Arabesque Dance Co. (now YRA) and as a featured soloist. Christina has also performed Latin, Brazilian, and Afro-Caribbean dance forms.
Christina Djokoto
With two decades of solo work, Leanna has also performed with YRA for 12 years, including appearances on TV shows, films (plus immersive), and large-scale stage productions. She founded BellaDance in 2016, where she teaches weekly classes and directs The Bellas.
Leanna Mndl
Katy began Middle Eastern Dance in 2003 at Arabesque Academy (now YRA). In 2005, Katy joined the Rhythm of the Nile Dance Co., where she also taught (now EDC). She has also studied Ballet, Hip Hop, and Flamenco. In 2016, Katy returned to Arabesque Dance Co. (now YRA).
Katy Solorzano
Anastassia received her foundation in Raqs Sharqi from YRA, starting in 2006. She has performed extensively with ensembles such as the Undines, Snake Bite, and YRA. She continues honing her dance artistry with world-renowned teachers.
Anastassia Lachina
Now based in Toronto, Rhythm is a dance artist and instructor with Yasmina Ramzy Arts. She has performed in the films “Seven Gates” and “Al Qamar”. She began her dance education with Meher Malik in India and has been studying with Yasmina Ramzy since 2019
Rhythm Vekariya
Vivian is a professional belly dancer based in Toronto. She has learned Chinese folklore dance and piano since she was 6 years old. She joined YRA in 2019, and performed in the award-winning dance film “Al Qamar” which was presented at international film festivals in 2021.
Vivian Mu
Sofia is a dance artist and instructor with Yasmina Ramzy Arts. She began her Raqs Sharqi training in 2019 with Yasmina Ramzy and joined the company in 2021. Her training also includes Heels, Flamenco, Samba, Afro-Brazilian, and Mexican Folk Dance.
Sofia Filipe
Jaicyea is a strong advocate for creating and contributing to inclusive environments fostering community, diversity, and art. In that spirit she founded the dance school, Her Buddha Belly, and produces many live music and dance events. She works with YRA for theatre and film.
Jaicyea Smith
Michelle Selena started her dance journey at an early age in 2005 with roots in ballet, until belly dance truly captured her heart in 2008. Coming from Croatia, now based in Canada, she teaches under MS Belly Dance in Toronto and Richmond Hill..
Michelle Selena
Shruti grew up in India, learning and performing many Indian folk dances. She discovered belly dance at a class in Mumbai. In 2016, she began learning Raqs Sharqi from Yasmina Ramzy in Toronto.
Shruti Srinivasan
Penny Feng began her Raqs Sharqi journey in 2011 in the U.K. with the Oxford Middle Eastern Dance Society. She continued in Boston in 2015 with Nadira Jamal. In 2022, she moved to Toronto and has been studying with Yasmina Ramzy since.
Penny Feng
Letitia began Middle Eastern dance in 2005. She performed and taught professionally in Vancouver 2008-2013. She has been featured in film (Dance Matters, 2010; Robot Love, 2013, Blink, 2013). In Toronto in 2014, she continued with YRA.
Letitia Biagi
Founder & Director