Biography
Sophia, Director of Born to Belly Dance, has been studying the art of Middle Eastern dance for five years and performing professionally for three. In this very short time she has been taking audiences by storm with her upbeat and dynamic performances! She has been dancing since the tender age of three when she began her 17 year journey as a ballerina. Since then, she has undertaken various styles of dance including jazz, tap, hip hop and samba.
Sophia has learnt from and performed with some of the best Middle Eastern dance teachers in the industry. She has also participated in workshops by international 'Belly Dance Superstar' Kaeshi Chai, and Australian dancers such as Amera, Terezka, Eleni, and Ruth. Sophia believes that a dancer never stops learning and is always striving to add new flavour to her performances to keep it fresh and up to date.
A show by Sophia will demonstrate her mesmerising body isolations, graceful demeanour, and her combination of the classical and modern. She takes aspects of the dance from many parts of the world incorporating Egyptian, Greek, Lebanese and Turkish
Sophia has learnt from and performed with some of the best Middle Eastern dance teachers in the industry. She has also participated in workshops by international 'Belly Dance Superstar' Kaeshi Chai, and Australian dancers such as Amera, Terezka, Eleni, and Ruth. Sophia believes that a dancer never stops learning and is always striving to add new flavour to her performances to keep it fresh and up to date.
A show by Sophia will demonstrate her mesmerising body isolations, graceful demeanour, and her combination of the classical and modern. She takes aspects of the dance from many parts of the world incorporating Egyptian, Greek, Lebanese and Turkish
Sophia
born to belly dance
Site design by Sophia
technique with a hint of South American flavour! Not to mention her dazzling professional costumes and the use of many props such as isis wings, veil, stick, zills, sword and live snake.
Sophia describes her love of dance as her 'breath' and claims that her ability to dance is 'in the blood'. Being of Greek heritage, she has grown up with the flair of cultural dance and the passion that is inherently linked with it.
Sophia graduated from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with a Bachelor degree in Communication (Public Communication) and also works within the Public Relations field. She was on the committee for The Farha Tour 2008 (see 'News') as the Public Relations Manager and enjoyed tremendous success by gaining exposure for the tour in various high profile media outlets. - Channel 7's Sunrise, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph to name just a few.
Sophia's regular appearances include:
* Mezza Grill, Mona Vale
* El Phoenician, Parramatta
Sophia has performed at numerous events and restaurants including:
* Seafolly Christmas party (2009), Royal Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Sydney
* Ninemsn Christmas party (2008), The Ivy, Sydney
* Channel 7 - Sunrise, 'Sunrise Busker' (2008), Channel 7 Studios, Sydney
* The White Party - Emporium (2008), Home Nightclub, Darling Harbour
* National Australia Bank (NAB) Sales Conference (2007), Wharf 8, Sydney
* SBS Ethnic Business Awards (2007), The Hilton Hotel, Sydney
* Christmas Party (2007), Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
* Vodaphone Christmas Party (2006), OPT Circular Quay
* Leading Edge Diamonds Conference, The Menzies Hotel, Sydney
* Entertainment Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney
* Sydney Olympic Park
* Westfield
* Celebrations for the Mayor of Bankstown, Bankstown Town Hall
* 1001 Arabian Nights Stage Show, Hurlstone Park RSL
* Weddings and Christenings at five star venues
* Zenobia Leichhardt and North Strathfield
* Erciyes Turkish Restaurant, Surry Hills
* Mythos, Leichhardt
* and many more...
Testimonials
Hi Sophia,
Just wanted to say how much our group enjoyed your performance last night at the Mezza Grill, as did all the other diners!
Although I am not much of a judge, I never really enjoyed belly dancing before seeing you perform. Of course you have the talent and physical skills necessary for the moves but I think your performance from the neck up is what makes you special. Your enthusiasm comes through in your facial expressions, particularly your smile and eye contact with the audience.
I look forward to seeing you again in Mona Vale, Parramatta or wherever!
Nick Shalley
Just wanted to say thank you to Sophia for the excellent performance at my Arabian Nights party. She put on such a wonderful performance and was a real hit with our guests. Sophia left such an impression that they all rang up and said it was the best belly dancing they had ever seen!!!
Gaurav Pruthi
Good Afternoon Sophia,
Firstly I would like to thank you very much for the great entertainment that you provided at our wedding, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the night!
The drums were amazing and they really got the party started, especially getting my guests up to dance - this really made them relax and have a great time.
The first time I saw belly dancers was at El-Phoenician Restaurant in Parramatta. I was so impressed and everyone there loved the entertainment. When I booked my wedding date I knew straight away who I wanted at my wedding and I called the restaurant to get your details as I only wanted the best, and you guys are great. All of the guests couldn’t stop commenting on how great you were and how great the costumes were, as they were just amazing.
I would recommend anyone who is looking for entertainment to come straight to you and I even handed out a few of your cards to relatives and friends who were interested.
Thank you again and I will definitely call you for future events!
Kylie Whitehead
Hi Sophia
Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful dance/routine on Friday night at my husband's 60th. You were amazing and very entertaining. I heard nothing but praise from my guests as being the best that they had seen.
Best wishes as you continue to entertain.
Teresa Vumbaca
Sophia, we were so grateful for your amazing performance with Lisi and the drummers. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! Thank you so much for helping make my sister's 50th so lively and memorable!
From your dynamic entrance from the gardens right to your very last move you were nothing but captivating! Your performance was both beautiful and incredible and it is obvious that you enjoy expressing yourself through this beautiful form of dance.
By the way, after your performance, people were raving about how amazing you were....
I'm so glad I found you and thank you for your patience, advice and cooperation when we were organising the performance.
Cate Harding
Sophia describes her love of dance as her 'breath' and claims that her ability to dance is 'in the blood'. Being of Greek heritage, she has grown up with the flair of cultural dance and the passion that is inherently linked with it.
Sophia graduated from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with a Bachelor degree in Communication (Public Communication) and also works within the Public Relations field. She was on the committee for The Farha Tour 2008 (see 'News') as the Public Relations Manager and enjoyed tremendous success by gaining exposure for the tour in various high profile media outlets. - Channel 7's Sunrise, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph to name just a few.
Sophia's regular appearances include:
* Mezza Grill, Mona Vale
* El Phoenician, Parramatta
Sophia has performed at numerous events and restaurants including:
* Seafolly Christmas party (2009), Royal Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Sydney
* Ninemsn Christmas party (2008), The Ivy, Sydney
* Channel 7 - Sunrise, 'Sunrise Busker' (2008), Channel 7 Studios, Sydney
* The White Party - Emporium (2008), Home Nightclub, Darling Harbour
* National Australia Bank (NAB) Sales Conference (2007), Wharf 8, Sydney
* SBS Ethnic Business Awards (2007), The Hilton Hotel, Sydney
* Christmas Party (2007), Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
* Vodaphone Christmas Party (2006), OPT Circular Quay
* Leading Edge Diamonds Conference, The Menzies Hotel, Sydney
* Entertainment Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney
* Sydney Olympic Park
* Westfield
* Celebrations for the Mayor of Bankstown, Bankstown Town Hall
* 1001 Arabian Nights Stage Show, Hurlstone Park RSL
* Weddings and Christenings at five star venues
* Zenobia Leichhardt and North Strathfield
* Erciyes Turkish Restaurant, Surry Hills
* Mythos, Leichhardt
* and many more...
Testimonials
Hi Sophia,
Just wanted to say how much our group enjoyed your performance last night at the Mezza Grill, as did all the other diners!
Although I am not much of a judge, I never really enjoyed belly dancing before seeing you perform. Of course you have the talent and physical skills necessary for the moves but I think your performance from the neck up is what makes you special. Your enthusiasm comes through in your facial expressions, particularly your smile and eye contact with the audience.
I look forward to seeing you again in Mona Vale, Parramatta or wherever!
Nick Shalley
Just wanted to say thank you to Sophia for the excellent performance at my Arabian Nights party. She put on such a wonderful performance and was a real hit with our guests. Sophia left such an impression that they all rang up and said it was the best belly dancing they had ever seen!!!
Gaurav Pruthi
Good Afternoon Sophia,
Firstly I would like to thank you very much for the great entertainment that you provided at our wedding, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the night!
The drums were amazing and they really got the party started, especially getting my guests up to dance - this really made them relax and have a great time.
The first time I saw belly dancers was at El-Phoenician Restaurant in Parramatta. I was so impressed and everyone there loved the entertainment. When I booked my wedding date I knew straight away who I wanted at my wedding and I called the restaurant to get your details as I only wanted the best, and you guys are great. All of the guests couldn’t stop commenting on how great you were and how great the costumes were, as they were just amazing.
I would recommend anyone who is looking for entertainment to come straight to you and I even handed out a few of your cards to relatives and friends who were interested.
Thank you again and I will definitely call you for future events!
Kylie Whitehead
Hi Sophia
Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful dance/routine on Friday night at my husband's 60th. You were amazing and very entertaining. I heard nothing but praise from my guests as being the best that they had seen.
Best wishes as you continue to entertain.
Teresa Vumbaca
Sophia, we were so grateful for your amazing performance with Lisi and the drummers. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! Thank you so much for helping make my sister's 50th so lively and memorable!
From your dynamic entrance from the gardens right to your very last move you were nothing but captivating! Your performance was both beautiful and incredible and it is obvious that you enjoy expressing yourself through this beautiful form of dance.
By the way, after your performance, people were raving about how amazing you were....
I'm so glad I found you and thank you for your patience, advice and cooperation when we were organising the performance.
Cate Harding
ABN: 76 493 883 416