|
Soraya began studying Middle Eastern dance fifteen years ago under the tutelage of professional belly dancer Tamar
based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Over the years she has continued her Middle Eastern dance education by taking master
classes and workshops with various performing artists in different areas of the dance such as Ansuya, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes,
Dalia Carella, Leila Gamal, Cassandra, Zahra Zuhair, Amel Tafsout, Fat Chance Bellydance, Jillina, Aziza and Bozenka. Besides
studying various forms of Middle Eastern dance, Soraya has studied ballet since the age of four at the Neubert Ballet Institute
in Carnegie Hall, New York City. Shortly thereafter, she had begun concurrent studies in Flamenco and Spanish Dance
at Carnegie Hall's International Studios. When Soraya's family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, she continued her studies
in ballet at the Giacobbe Academy of Dance, and in Flamenco with her mother, Maria Del Esapdin, founder, owner and director
of Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy and performing companies, Alegrias (New Orleans), Del Espadin Baile Espanol
(Houston) and Solo Sevillanas (Houston). Today, Soraya performs, teaches and choreographs Middle Eastern dance, concentrating
mostly on the Egyptian, or Raqs Sharqi, style of belly dance, and Flamenco. Career highlights include her appearances
in Modern Luxury's Houston Magazine, cover of 002Magazine, Mango Punch's Video for "Que se lleve el viento mi dolor",
performances at HCC Heinen Theater, the Jewish Community Center, Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy Flamenco
Fiestas, Miller Outdoor Theater, and Loyola University (New Orleans).
 |
 |