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Soraya began studying Middle Eastern dance twelve 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 Rachel Brice, Zoe Jacks, Dalia
Carrera, Leila Gamal, Cassandra, Zahra Zuhair, Amel Tafsout, Fat Chance Bellydance, Jillina, 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).
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