El Layali Orientale
Born in London, into a mixed British and Iranian family, Leila started dancing from a young age, observing the graceful and sensual dance of her elder female relatives, family friends and belly dancers. She often dreamed of becoming a belly dancer and performing on an international platform. Until recently, she completed her academic studies and worked in the corporate world whilst training professionally in dance. Leaving the corporate world allowed her to realise her dream and push herself to a much higher level of teaching and performance.
El Layali Orientale was formed in early 2005 by Leila, and she holds regular classes in Central, North and West London, as well as Surrey. Her teaching style is communicative - by the end of their first class, each student will take something with them that they can easily translate and apply outside of class. All of Leila's students develop their own personal style, whilst increasing their confidence, becoming body-aware, having fun and learning technique.
Classes are nurturing yet challenging, safe yet fun, allowing students to progress rapidly and feel comfortable. Leila uses a range of styles (baladi, shaabi, saidi, cabaret, Turkish, khaleegi etc).
Performance-wise, Leila has an excellent connection with beats and rythms, especially with Middle-eastern instruments. Leila feels the music from within and conveys this emotion to her audience, especially to critical Middle-eastern observers.
Leila's performances have been described as playful, mischevious, expressive, feminine, magnetic, sensual and enjoyable. She plays the part of many women by showing different aspects of her character through dance.
The combination of Leila's ethnic and dance background means that she is able to offer a broad, yet specialised insight into the mysterious world of belly dance.
Leila will entertain your audience in a tasteful manner, whilst encouraging guests to learn something new or simply show everyone what they know! She will work with you to design a tailor made appearance for you, including lessons, performances, music to give your guests and fun belly dance accessories for them to try on. Leila is available for all events, including:
- performances
- private 1-1 lessons
- private group lessons
- hen nights
- mehndi nights
- weddings
- engagements
- parties
- corporate events
- baby showers
- community events
- weekly classes
- workshops
- restaurants
Private studio available.