Shamadan (Candelabra) Solo w/Live Music at Alhambra
Improvised Raqs Sharqi solo at Alhambra Palace - Part I
Improvised Raqs Sharqi solo (Back Bend) at Alhambra Palace - Part II
Improvised Taqsim - Raqs Sharqi solo at Alhambra Palace - Part III
dancing atop a darbuka/derbake/doumbek drum with sagat/zils (finger cymbals)
dancing with veil poi (voi) at Alhambra Palace Restaurant
dancing at Alhambra Palace Restaurant
dancing with fan veils at Alhambra Palace Restaurant
performing shamedan (candelabra) solo at Alhambra Palace Restaurant, Chicago
Inspired by her Armenian-Lebanese roots, Rose embodies the true heart of Middle Eastern belly dance, engaging in the traditional art of improvisation – becoming one with the music in the present moment. Rose’s brilliant smile, grace, and irresistible stage presence mesmerize audiences at restaurants & hookah clubs weekly throughout Chicagoland, as well as at private events – e.g. weddings, birthday parties, & corporate events – across the world. With dance training in Egypt & Lebanon, Rose’s shows may include shamedan (candelabra), cane, finger cymbals, & more, as well as the zaffe (wedding procession); dabke; and Sa’idi, Khaleeji, & Iraqi dances, based on her client’s preferences & vision.
25 reviews
Berin S.
October 24, 2025Rose was the best performer at our RPM Events wedding!! Had a blast and kicked off the dance floor seamlessly! I worked with her to pick specific songs to perform to, and she knocked it out the park. Rose gave us some our favorite memories from the evening, and our guests raved about her. It was the perfect touch to our Turkish-American wedding. Thank you Rose!!!
Hired as: Belly Dancer, Middle Eastern Entertainment
Cheryl
February 28, 2025If you want a belly dancer Rose will provide you with amazing night very sweet and professional very classy
Hired as: Belly Dancer
Rose, Middle-Eastern Dancer
Thanks so much for having me perform at your husband's birthday, Cheryl! You and your family were such a treat, great vibes and so enthusiastic during my show! Wishing you all the best!
Cristina L.
October 28, 2024Her performance was superb! The audience were delighted about her dances and we love the fact that she goes from tables to tables and invites guest to participate. She was very friendly and has an exceptional talent! Will recommend to others.
Hired as: Belly Dancer, Middle Eastern Entertainment
Rose, Middle-Eastern Dancer
Dear Cristina, thank you so much for having me perform at your birthday party for you and your family and friends, and for this lovely review! I had such a wonderful time dancing with you all — such a fun crowd! So glad you all enjoyed the show. Hope to perform for you all again in the future!
Nicole C.
March 12, 2024Rose danced at our wedding reception for our intimate wedding gathering of 50+ people at the Morton Arboretum this past Sunday. Everyone could not stop complimenting her dance moves, her elegance, her wardrobe, and her ability to bring the audience into the performance towards the last couple minutes. As the bride, she made me feel extra special by including me to dance with her with one of my favorite songs by Nancy Ajram. Rose communicated well before the event to determine the layout of the space to plan what kind of performance would make the most sense and followed-up before the event with our wedding coordinator so she would know all the details as well. She is super professional, kind, and an absolute delight to hire. I would highly recommend her for any event. The age group of our wedding varied from 19 to 78 and everyone adored her. She will work with your taste to make sure the music/vibe you want is represented. Again, just could not recommend her enough! Thank you, Rose 🌹
Hired as: Belly Dancer
Rose, Middle-Eastern Dancer
Wow, dear Nicole! Thank you so much for this fantastic review, and shoukran jezilan for the honor of performing on your special day for you and your loved ones. It was so lovely to perform for you all and share in our Lebanese (and culturally diverse!) heritage. I so appreciate your clear communication of your vision for the performance, ensuring that you and your guests would move and be moved by the music. You all were such a fun crowd to perform for, and I particularly loved getting to dance with you and all the guests who joined us on the dance floor. Truly a wonderful night to remember! Thank you again and alf mabrouk!
Karen C.
January 7, 2022If I could give 10 stars I would! Very polite, fun, got everyone involved, even my husband who turned 50 and don't dance!
Hired as: Middle Eastern Entertainment
Rose, Middle-Eastern Dancer
Aww, thanks so much, Karen! I’m so glad I convinced him to dance with me! :D You all were so much fun! Thanks for this wonderful review!
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English, Spanish
Gig length: 15 - 60 minutes
After studying classical ballet, among many other dance forms, since childhood, Rose began
her Middle-Eastern "belly dance" training with the award-winning Sonya of Arabesque Chicago,
Kamrah, and the widely-renowned Middle-Eastern dance artist, Surayah Al-Muddaris.
Rose has trained under Surayah for years, performing her extensive repertoire in troupe Firqit
Surayah both at Chicago’s Alhambra Palace Restaurant (the U.S.’s largest Middle-Eastern
performance venue) twice-weekly and private events throughout the Midwest on a regular basis.
As a lead soloist in Surayah’s legacy troupe, Rose performs her own improvised solos (please
see video of shamedan (candelabra) solo), as well as group choreographies, at Alhambra with
live musicians every Friday and Saturday night.
Rose often teaches and leads classes and troupe rehearsals featuring a wide array of dances
ranging from Sa’idi (Upper Egyptian - صعيدى) cane dance to Lebanese/Palestinian folk dance
(dabke - دبكة), in addition to traditional "belly dance" (Raqs Sharqi - رقص شرقي) techniques.
Collaborating with the Alhambra Palace Dancers and Band, Rose helps create
professional, family-friendly troupe shows that wow Alhambra’s diverse audiences every weekend.
Rose also trains under and performs with the esteemed belly dancer, Angelina of Chicago, the
protégé and daughter of master performer, instructor, and choreographer, Dahlena, who has
performed and taught her unique style to dancers and audiences all over the world for decades.
While in her father’s native Lebanon in 2015, Rose studied Raqs Sharqi under Helena
Cremona, a protégé of the late Middle-Eastern dance legend, Nadia Gamal, who rose to fame in
Golden Age of Belly Dance (the 1950s-1970s).
Rose earned her level-two certification in Journey Through Egypt, a dance ethnology program
led by the internationally-recognized dancer and lecturer, Sahra Saeeda Kent, M.A., in 2017, and speaks Arabic at a beginner level.
Rose’s technique is underpinned by her extensive classical training and performance
experience in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern/contemporary dance, various folkloric dances,
improvisation, somatic movement practices, and yoga. As an undergrad, Rose studied styles
ranging from Katherine Dunham (Afro-Hatian) Technique to classical Indian Kathak, earning a Dance Minor from Skidmore College in 2012.
This diverse technical foundation gives Rose a strong stage presence and a style marked by
precision, fluidity, and grace. Rose’s musicality, energetic awareness, and beaming smile allow
her to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level as she revels in and shares the joy of Middle-Eastern dance with audiences worldwide.
stereo (speakers) / sound system
Belly Dancer