Asala

Asala specializes in Egyptian bellydance, various Arab and Persian folk dances, and Bollywood dance. A seasoned artist in the DC area since 2007, she regularly entertains weddings, corporate events, festivals, fundraisers, and birthday celebrations. Her effortless musicality and seamless improvisation are the foundation to her dynamic, interactive performances. Asala has performed alongside British pop star Thomas Dolby, Lebanese star Ragheb Alama, Moroccan pop star Mohamed Reda, and Iranian pop stars The Black Cats, Andy Madadian, and Mansour. Throughout her youth, Asala played team sports, participated in 4-H equestrian competitions, select choir/acapella and musicals, and played the flute and saxophone. While attending Alfred University, she discovered her passion for dance. She trained in bellydance, swing dance, salsa, modern, and butoh (a form of Japanese dance theater). Following graduation, Asala moved to DC and continued to train in bellydance with Nazira, a master bellydance teacher with 25+ years of performance experience in classical Egyptian style. Nazira and her husband, Shawkat Sayyad, a master of classical Arabic music--oud, vocals, violin, mentored Asala in classical techniques, expressions, rhythms and dance history. In the fall of 2008, Asala joined Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC), expanding her training to classical and folkloric dance styles from Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. She has performed with SRDC in numerous festivals, stage productions, museum performances and has traveled nationally and internationally. Although Asala is now primarily a soloist entertainer, she occasionally has the honor of joining SRDC as a guest artist. Her diverse training allows her to craft unique shows that range from authentic, classical bellydance, Persian dance, Bollywood, etc., to modern interpretations or fusion/experimental performances. Her effortless musicality and expertise in improvisation, ensure that every show will be dynamic and exciting for all ages.