This high-energy drum solo opens the show with power and precision. Drum solos in belly dance focus on sharp, isolated movements that match each beat of the rhythm. In this piece, the dancers use strong hip accents, crisp locks, and dynamic group formations to express the excitement and vitality of live percussion. It’s a bold and confident introduction, showcasing technique, unity, and the spirit of sisterhood.
School: Aranya Belly Dance & Movement
Performed by: Nirali, Jasmine & Dhara
Choreographer: Dhara Thaver
Song: Miami Drum Solo - Matias Hazum

Description text goes hereThis piece explores the quiet beauty of a new day. Dancers use silk veils—long, flowing pieces of fabric—to shape the air around them. In belly dance, veils are often used to enhance movement, creating soft trails that highlight turns, extensions, and emotion. Here, the veils drift and swirl like a gentle morning breeze, echoing the calm, dreamy feeling of sunrise. Through smooth pathways and graceful shapes, this performance tells a story of tenderness, renewal, and the quiet magic of beginnings.
School: Aranya Belly Dance & Movement
Performed by: Jhoana, Lisa, Karen & Rachelle
Choreographer: Dhara Thaver
Song: Awal Suhur- Mario Kirlis

Our guests from Hamilton, Yalla Baladi, bring a powerful and bold performance to the stage. This piece tells the story of a strong woman confronting a man—she’s mad, she’s clear, and she doesn’t want to see his face again. With expressive movement and dynamic group work, the dancers deliver the message loud and proud: enough is enough.
School: Yalla Baladi, Hamilton
Performed by: Jenni, Kelly, Helga, Shirley, Morwenna & Julie
Director/Choreographer: Julie Aime
Song: Mekhasmak - Nawal

Award-winning Turkish artist Asli Rakkas brings us a joyful fusion of Halay and Oryantal—two vibrant styles from Turkey. Halay is a traditional folk dance often performed at social gatherings, known for its grounded steps and communal energy, while Oryantal reflects the playful, expressive style of Turkish belly dance. In this solo, Asli captures the feeling of a festive evening in Urfa, inviting us into the joy, rhythm, and warmth of Turkish celebration.

Choreography and Performance by: Asli Rakkas
Song: Urfalıyım Ezelden

This performance symbolizes transformation, resilience, and renewal through the imagery of the phoenix—a mythical bird that rises from the ashes. Dancers use Isis wings that extend like fiery feathers to create bold, sweeping movements that fill the stage with energy and light. With vibrant colour, powerful group formations, and expressive flow, this piece captures the beauty of rising again—stronger, brighter, and full of purpose.
School: Aranya Belly Dance & Movement
Performed by: Kathryn, Nirali, Jhoana, Deepti, Varsha, Michelle & Rachelle
Choreographer: Dhara Thaver
Song: Breaking Free- Belly Dance Evolution

This performance brings to life the folkloric Saidi style, traditionally danced in Upper Egypt. Dancers use assaya (canes) and sagat (finger cymbals) to reflect joy, playfulness, and rhythmic skill. Saidi is known for its bouncy footwork, strong posture, and lively energy. In this piece, the dancers honor cultural roots while adding theatrical flair and community spirit.
School: Invoketress Dance Troupe (Guelph)
Performed by: Mary, Diana & Peggy
Director: Ishra Blanco
Song: Sallam Allay- Hossam Ramzy

In the hush of dawn’s first breath, a single bud stirs from the slumber of soil— fragile, yet unyielding. Her petals, still curled in secrets, begin their silent unveiling, drawn by the golden whispers of the rising sun. Each movement an intimate dialogue with the light— arms reach skyward, seeking. As the wind stirs, she flows—not broken but borne— swaying through invisible currents of breath and sky, free. She is bloom and breeze, a fleeting symphony of growth and grace, dancing the eternal story: of life reaching, of light calling, of beauty that dares to open.
Choreography and Performance by: Willow
Song: The Chairman's Walz/ La Valse d'Amelie

This piece is inspired by the elegance and confidence of the peacock—a creature known for its vibrant beauty and unapologetic display. Dancers use fan veils, which are large, silk fans with flowing fabric attached, to create sweeping shapes and fluttering cascades of colour. Here, the dancers strut, swirl, and shimmer across the stage, creating marvellous formations embodying grace and pride of a peacock.
School: Aranya Belly Dance & Movement
Performed by: Nirali, Jasmine, Kelly, Kathryn & Dhara
Choreographer: Dhara Thaver
Song: Live the Dream - Emad Sayyah