Najla Belly Dance
Belly Dancer in Seattle, WA
Why hire Najla Belly Dance?
With over a decade of experience performing at private parties, Najla will liven up any event. By the end of the performance, most of the room will be up dancing! Her authentic and highly artistic performances will entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Najla's passionate and graceful style has made her a favorite performer of Oriental and Hula Dance in the Seattle area and abroad. She is known for her natural and precise technique, unique choreography, and playful attitude. She is the Artistic Director of award winning Fleurs d'Egypte Dance Company. Her experience spans twelve countries and over a decade. She was also selected to tour with the Belly Dance Superstars.
Just truly a memorable, classy and sensuous performer
Najla performed for my brother's 50th- we wanted a fun, artistic but sexy performer. Najla was just perfect! She was a delight to work with- flexible, clear and straightforward around details, and a truly artistic, talented and captivating performer. Najla engaged the guests and adapted to a mixed crowd. I would highly recommend her!
Hired by: Kelan K.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Event Date: March 30th, 2013
Event: Birthday Party in Bellevue, Washington
Services provided: Belly Dancer
About
Najla's love and fascination with oriental dance began in her mid-teens. As a child she studied ballet, tap and jazz. After her first belly dance class she was instantly hooked. Within two years she began dancing at nightclubs and private events in the Seattle area. Soon after she utilized her skills to dance and travel in Greece and was featured at the Taj Mahal Discoteque in Rhodes. She performed seven nights per week for the summer of 2002. In the fall she went to Athens and was hired at Red Marrakech Moroccan restaurant, one of the most upscale and atmospheric restaurants in Athens.
In 2004 Najla traveled to Egypt and spent six weeks studying authentic Egyptian style dance. In Egypt Najla attended performances of the top dancers including Dina and Lucy and got a feel for the Egyptian style belly dance hotel show. She trained intensively with renowned choreographer, Raqia Hassan.
After returning from Egypt, Najla began performing at five star hotels in the Caribbean including The Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix. In 2005 she moved to Paris, France and soon had a tightly booked schedule. She performed frequently at the top restaurants and nightclubs including Au Pied De Chameau. She danced at the premier party for Disney's Aladdin II, and was featured on French television. Najla frequently returns to Paris for performances at L'Ourika.
Since 2007 Najla's company has placed 2nd at an International dance competition in Las Vegas, and she has completed extended performance contracts in Guangzhou, China, Alanya, Turkey, and on Norwegian Cruise Lines. In China Najla performed frequently at the famous Chimelong Amusement Park, including a performance for the mayor of Guangzhou.
Recently in Seattle Najla has shared the stage with artists including Thomas Dolby and Pamela Moore, and been featured at some of Seattle's most popular events including the Venice Is Sinking Masked Carnival Ball.
Today Najla continues to dance and be based in Seattle. She is the founder of Fleurs d'Egypte Dance Company, which performs many international dance styles. She also performs Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian with Sunshine From Polynesia Dance Company. Najla teaches group and private lessons, and performs at numerous venues. She is available for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, international hotel contracts and resort performances. She is always searching for opportunities to further her career as an International dance artist.
A typical belly dance show is 30 minutes long and includes a theatrical entrance with veil, finger cymbals, and a percussion solo, followed by a dance with the guest of honor and extensive audience participation. The show is great for all ages and backgrounds. Props including wings of Isis and sword may also be incoroporated upon request. I provide a professional costume and a sound system.
A 30 minute hula show includes a 20 minutes of Hawaiian hula and 10 minutes of Tahitian dance. It includes two unique perfromances and two basic lessons, plus an opportunity to try out Hawaiian implements. I also provide shell necklaces for all children.
A one hour show includes two 20 minute shows with a break and costume change in between. Styles can be all belly dance, all hula, or a combination of belly dance, hula, samba, or international cabaret.
A cabaret performance includes feather fans, jazzy chair dancing, and French Can Can.
Personnel
Najla Raqs: Dancer and Choreographer
Influences
I have been influenced by classic Egyptian dancers including Fifi Abdou and Suhair Zaki as well as modern influences such as the Belly Dance Superstars. I am also a huge fan of Moulin Rouge style cabaret.
What to Expect
Typical Gig Duration: 15 - 120 minutes
See Najla's Google reviews here: https://plus.google.com/101960609762125581755/about?hl=en
A typical show is 25-30 long and consists of a theatrical entrance with veils, zills, and a drum solo, a dance with the guest of honor, and plenty of audience participation. I provide costumes, music, and a sound system if necessary.
Stage/Setup Requirements:
10'x10' open space
Additional Notes:
Adequate lighting, flooring and a performance space of at least 10'x10' are required.
Set/Song/Sequence List:
Fast Egyptian Intro w/veil
Taxim
Sword or Baladi
Percussion solo
Dance with guest of honor
Audience interaction
Mini-lesson in a circle
Finale
Experience
2006: 120 gigs
2007: 120 gigs
2008: 100 gigs
2009: 100 gigs
2010: 200 gigs
2011: 150 gigs
2012: 150 gigs
2013: 20 gigs (so far)
View Complete Calendar
http://raqsnajla.com/schedule.php
Available for Your
Anniversary Party, Awards Night, Baby Shower, Bachelorette Party, Bar/Lounge, Birthday Party, Casino, Christmas Party, Club/Nightclub, Concert Venue, Corporate Event, Cruise, Dinner Dance, Ethnic Celebration, Festival, Fundraiser, Holiday Party, Hotel, Launch Party, Parade, Private Party, Restaurant, Retreat, Sweet 16 Party, Wedding Cocktail Hour, Wedding Reception, Workshop
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