Lesa

Lesa is a Middle Eastern dance artist that has been performing professionally throughout Northern and Southern California for the past nine years.

Known for her fluidity and grace, Lesa seamlessly blends percussive, powerful movements with sultry, mesmerizing subtleties. Her ability to interact and captivate audiences differentiates her from other dancers, and makes for an unforgettable performance.

Lesa is a dedicated improvisational dancer that specializes in Turkish and American style cabaret. She has also studied Egyptian and Tribal style belly dance. During her involvement with the UCSB Middle East Ensemble and dance troupe Seher, she performed these different styles of belly dance along with many styles of folk dancing and classical Persian. While studying Darbuka and dance, Lesa presented her skills as a supportive troupe member, as well as an outstanding soloist.

Through her travels overseas, Lesa has had the privilege to study the dance and cultures of such countries as Turkey, Greece, Morocco, and Spain. Lesa currently resides, performs, and teaches in Santa Barbara, California.

Lesa may be reached at lesa@lesabellydance.com, 805-705-0009, or www.lesabellydance.com.

Suzanne

Suzanne has been well known on the local middle Eastern dance scene for the past 25 years. She has appeared at most of the major restaurants that have offered live shows: The Plaka, Moonangel, Sabra Cafe, and Chef Karim's. She has also participated in several local stage shows.

Suzanne is known for her Egyptian cabaret style - one that is lively and fast-paced that offers intricate hip work, romantic veil movements and slow, sultry rhythms. She projects a joy of movement, a sincere appreciation and comprehension of the music, a sense of drama, and underlying everything - a wicked sense of humor! She delights, fascinates and transports her audience into an alternate, exotic reality. She likes to share her expertise with the members of the audience and will often invite both men and women to participate.

Suzanne may be reached for private parties via email at sfarwell@sbfoundation.org.

Shalimar

With elegance and grace, Shalimar brings an air of refinement to the art of bellydancing. She’ll melt your heart with her smile and lure you onto the dance floor for a truly magical Morroccan evening at Chef Karim’s. A consummate performer, Shalimar has a life long background in Theatre Arts and television. Some of her bellydance experiences include:

• Chef Karim’s, Santa Barbara - solo weekly performer 8 years
• Marrakesh Restaurant, Los Angeles - solo weekly performer 2005 to present
• L’Arganier, Paris - Guest solo performer May, September, October 2006
• Mamounia, Los Angeles - solo weekly performer 2003 to 2005
• Koutoubia, Los Angeles - solo weekly performer 2003 to 2005
• Cafe Dahab, Los Angeles - guest performer 2003 to 2007
• Spider Club, Los Angeles - -solo performer Charity Event May 2004
• Adam Basma - Television appearances 2003 to 2005
• Troupe Isis, Casablanca Ball, Santa Barbara - 2003, 2004, 2005
• Multi-cultural event, Oak Park - 2003, 2004
• Television appearances for Cultural awareness with Nashwa Monir
• Baccara, Santa Barbara - featured dancer in Moulin Rouge

Private parties and charity events, list upon request