Leela |
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Leela began her studies in dance, theater and the arts in
Chicago, studying at the Art Institute and Ruth Page
School of Ballet. She was also in every high school
theatrical production they would let her near; both
onstage & backstage, under the stage, designing the
stage, costuming, choreographing, lighting, directing
and generally making a nuisance of herself! Yes, she is
proud to have been a Theater Geek!!
She designed and produced a line of intricately
hand-painted and decorated ballet flats, and moved out
to LA in 1983, where she became involved in large scale
fund-raising for the public schools in Glendale, and
learned to conceive, design and create large events
that involve hundreds of people working together
toward a single goal. She also found a creative outlet in
graphic design work including business cards,
letterheads, and logos for friends, which then grew up
into a full fledged graphic design business.
Her first bellydance class was 10 years ago, after
attending a mother-daughter Mehndi tattoo party given
by some friends; the Mehndi artist brought a Bellydancer
with her, and she had everyone all up dancing in a big,
beautiful circle, playing the finger cymbals, shaking their
hips together and really getting into the movements.
ENCHANTED, she started classes and had a Troupe
together for Cairo Carnivale in a year and started
teaching classes. She currently has over 700 students!!
Leela's Troupe, SalomeJihad, began performing at every
street fair, art fair, food fair, community festival, school
assembly and juice bar ribbon cutting they could find,
and had a BALL!! She began producing Arabia Exotica
events in September 2001 with guest artists and her
Troupe, and has been growing steadily since. Her
Instructional Video/DVD productions began shortly
thereafter, and she recently launched a line of
Fashion/Fusion Bellydance/Club Wear called "Leela's
Bellydance Treasures".
Leela brings fun and excitement to her popular teaching
style, deeply engaging each dancer in her individual
experience and the shared magic of the group as well.
She looks forward to more fun, more ideas and MORE
DANCING in the future!
Chicago, studying at the Art Institute and Ruth Page
School of Ballet. She was also in every high school
theatrical production they would let her near; both
onstage & backstage, under the stage, designing the
stage, costuming, choreographing, lighting, directing
and generally making a nuisance of herself! Yes, she is
proud to have been a Theater Geek!!
She designed and produced a line of intricately
hand-painted and decorated ballet flats, and moved out
to LA in 1983, where she became involved in large scale
fund-raising for the public schools in Glendale, and
learned to conceive, design and create large events
that involve hundreds of people working together
toward a single goal. She also found a creative outlet in
graphic design work including business cards,
letterheads, and logos for friends, which then grew up
into a full fledged graphic design business.
Her first bellydance class was 10 years ago, after
attending a mother-daughter Mehndi tattoo party given
by some friends; the Mehndi artist brought a Bellydancer
with her, and she had everyone all up dancing in a big,
beautiful circle, playing the finger cymbals, shaking their
hips together and really getting into the movements.
ENCHANTED, she started classes and had a Troupe
together for Cairo Carnivale in a year and started
teaching classes. She currently has over 700 students!!
Leela's Troupe, SalomeJihad, began performing at every
street fair, art fair, food fair, community festival, school
assembly and juice bar ribbon cutting they could find,
and had a BALL!! She began producing Arabia Exotica
events in September 2001 with guest artists and her
Troupe, and has been growing steadily since. Her
Instructional Video/DVD productions began shortly
thereafter, and she recently launched a line of
Fashion/Fusion Bellydance/Club Wear called "Leela's
Bellydance Treasures".
Leela brings fun and excitement to her popular teaching
style, deeply engaging each dancer in her individual
experience and the shared magic of the group as well.
She looks forward to more fun, more ideas and MORE
DANCING in the future!
| "When all else fails, just keep moving!!" New Teacher, new moves, or new dance style? Don't get frustrated! Try Leela's tips to feel instantly more 'on top of it': 1) Start with the feet! Concentrate on the foot pattern, and the direction of movement. Then, add hips and arms. 2) Ask the teacher to slow it down a little, or talk you through a more detailed break down of the movement. 3) Sneak a look at the girls in the front row; If they have been with the teacher for some time, or are slightly more experienced that you, sometimes you can better interpret what's going on in class from THEIR bodies. Try it, it works! 4) When all else fails, just keep moving! Don't get bogged down if one thing just never gels for you in class - try it again in a week, or two weeks, and you may be surprised by your progress! -- Leela |
WORKSHOPS Sponsored by Leela: 4 Fabulous Workshops |
Leela and SalomeJihad |
| For the last 6 years, Leela has produced a theatrical show of grand proportions! Arabia Exotica has included local raq stars like Princess Farhana and Rania. This year will feature Jenna, Aubre, BellyQueen of New York and lots more! |
| Sunday, October 7th at the Avalon |
| For Videos, classwear, Leela logo items and funky fun wear, visit www.LeelaBellyDance.com |
| October 6th & 7th |