ABOUT MEAGAN MAYADA HESHAM...
Since discovering Middle Eastern dance in 1994 when she was fifteen years old, Mayada has become a dynamic teacher, a popular performer, a creative choreographer, creator and editor of Canada's first bellydance magazine: MID-BITS, and creator and host of Bellydance Talk Radio.
Mayada has taught bellydance classes at various venues including Arabesque Academy, the Royal Ontario Museum, Ryerson University, York University, as well as her own Toronto dance and fitness studio which she ran for over ten years. Mayada has also been a featured guest instructor at specialty workshops across the continent. Background and studies in fitness and personal training allow Mayada an informed perspective on the anatomy of movement, around which she designs her teaching of technique. She is also super-passionate about helping women find time for themselves, get back in touch with their beautiful bodies, and surprise themselves with what they become through dance!
Mayada has performed - as a soloist, and as a lead dancer with Arabesque Dance Company - throughout Canada and the United States. Performance highlights have included opening for many great Arabic masters (Wael Kfoury, Assi Helani, George Wassouf, Ragheb Alameh, and others), Egyptian Exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum, Caravan/Toronto (Cairo & Istanbul pavilions), United Nations Millennium Summit (New York City), Int'l Conference on Middle Eastern Dance (Los Angeles), theatrical presentations Descent of Ishtar and Isis. Mayada also spent many years performing as a regular soloist at various Arabic restaurants, clubs, and special events. She has created, directed, and choreographed for dance troupes Banat El Sharq, and Cairo Ala Nar. Her career has been tracked through media coverage on T.V. shows such as Munawaat Arabia, Diverse City, Mosaic Magazine, Eye on Toronto, Breakfast Television, Dinner Party Wars, How To Look Good Naked, City Line, and Canadian Living, and in newspapers like the Oakville Beaver, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, and more. Recently, Mayada has been working with Yasmina Ramzy Arts creating artistic dance films including Al Qamar and Ana Masr.
What are people saying about Mayada?
Since discovering Middle Eastern dance in 1994 when she was fifteen years old, Mayada has become a dynamic teacher, a popular performer, a creative choreographer, creator and editor of Canada's first bellydance magazine: MID-BITS, and creator and host of Bellydance Talk Radio.
Mayada has taught bellydance classes at various venues including Arabesque Academy, the Royal Ontario Museum, Ryerson University, York University, as well as her own Toronto dance and fitness studio which she ran for over ten years. Mayada has also been a featured guest instructor at specialty workshops across the continent. Background and studies in fitness and personal training allow Mayada an informed perspective on the anatomy of movement, around which she designs her teaching of technique. She is also super-passionate about helping women find time for themselves, get back in touch with their beautiful bodies, and surprise themselves with what they become through dance!
Mayada has performed - as a soloist, and as a lead dancer with Arabesque Dance Company - throughout Canada and the United States. Performance highlights have included opening for many great Arabic masters (Wael Kfoury, Assi Helani, George Wassouf, Ragheb Alameh, and others), Egyptian Exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum, Caravan/Toronto (Cairo & Istanbul pavilions), United Nations Millennium Summit (New York City), Int'l Conference on Middle Eastern Dance (Los Angeles), theatrical presentations Descent of Ishtar and Isis. Mayada also spent many years performing as a regular soloist at various Arabic restaurants, clubs, and special events. She has created, directed, and choreographed for dance troupes Banat El Sharq, and Cairo Ala Nar. Her career has been tracked through media coverage on T.V. shows such as Munawaat Arabia, Diverse City, Mosaic Magazine, Eye on Toronto, Breakfast Television, Dinner Party Wars, How To Look Good Naked, City Line, and Canadian Living, and in newspapers like the Oakville Beaver, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, and more. Recently, Mayada has been working with Yasmina Ramzy Arts creating artistic dance films including Al Qamar and Ana Masr.
What are people saying about Mayada?
|
|
|
|
The first thing I noticed about Mayada when I began taking bellydancing classes two years ago was her friendly, encouraging smile, something that's still present today. It doesn't take long to realize why Mayada is a successful professional belly dancer and instructor. Her love of belly dancing and professionalism shines through class with every bodywave, undulation and hip circle, and her positive "you can do it" attitude is ever present. She always pays each student individual attention during class, no matter how crowded. Mayada encouraged me to be in the student gala in June, which I was very nervous about, but thanks to her reassurance, I performed and was happy I did so. Mayada makes each and every one of her students feel like they can accomplish anything with effort; something that I have experienced firsthand. - Fannie
Each time I head over to a belly dance class at Flow Fitness, I forget that I'm learning an incredible art form, and I forget that I'm getting a physical workout. The main thing on my mind seems to be that I'm heading over for some fun! the rest is a bonus ;) - Teena
Classes with Mayada are always fun. Her high energy personality is infectous as she challenges you to be the best dancer you can be and her classes cover the full range of a dancer's needs, teaching techique, physical conditioning and self expression... What more could a dancer ask for? - Stacey McKay
Mayada is absolutely fabulous. Her fast-paced class packs more in an hour then I ever though possible. Be prepared to shimmy, undulate and have fun. Studying with Mayada has made me a more confident dancer and a more proficient belly-dancer. Mayada rocks!!! - Alya (Mirage Belly Dance)
Mayada's classes are fast-paced and fun. She's always got a new move or combination in her unique style to surprise us with. My hip work has improved exponentially since I started taking her bellydance classes. - Anuka (Mirage Belly Dance)
When I came to dance at flow with Mayada I had already been taking bellydance for two years... I found Mayada's style of dance and teaching refreshing,exciting and challenging. Each class presented new fun steps that I could not wait to show off to my family and friends. Mayada has inspired me to take my love and passion for this dance form to new and exciting levels and thrive for technical perfection. I love learning with you Mayada, you rak!!! - Zenobia, student & performer
I've been taking belly dance classes at Flow for just over a year and I look forward to each class for a number of reasons. The exercise is great, the location is convenient and my instructor, Mayada is not only talented (and way more coordinated than I'll ever be), but she is a great deal of fun! I don't think I've laughed so much doing an activity that gives you a wicked workout. So far, I've been in two student galas, even creating my own costume for the last one, and I can't wait to learn the new choreography for the next gala. - Lisa Leonard
A belly dance class is the perfect way to end a long day of work. Mayada makes the classes so much fun that no matter how tired or klutzy I feel, I leave energized. - Kirsten
Mayada was my first teacher when I took beginner level at Arabesque academy. Not only is she still a teacher of mine, she is an inspiration. She is helpful, insightful, encouraging and honest. She is always willing to help her students reach their professional goals. Mayada's imagination and dedication to her students is very inspiring. Her energy is contagious and she is a joy to be around. - Leyla
Mayada's classes are lots of fun, challenging and energizing, and taught with enthusiasm. Her ability to demonstrate her work is exceptional. - Kathy Hill
Mayada has been coming to our work environment for the past month to teach us Belly Dancing. She is very professional as well as punctual. She gets everyone participating and having fun without any effort. Even the most timid of participants are shimmying, laughing and having a good time. Mayada has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. We all have so much fun that we don't realize what a workout we are getting. By the end of the class, we are all more confident and invigorated by our lessons. Mayada has a tremendous gift for teaching and dance and we are very honoured that she is willing to share that with the rest of us! - Farina Khan, Immunization Clerk (East York Civic Centre)
We laughed, we exercised, we jiggled parts that we've never jiggled before - and most of all, we had a lot of fun! Mayada's workplace dance lessons were very enjoyable. With her clear explanations and variations, her class was great for first-time dancers and non-beginners alike. Thanks Mayada! - Vicki Wong (East York Civic Centre)
Thank you very much for the time you spend teaching us bellyance & Latin. You are th BEST teacher. So laid back that it makes it comforting to be in your class. Love & admiration, - Denise & Sandy
We want to thank you for the beautiful dance performance at our wedding reception. Your show was really exceptional and all our guests enjoyed it very much. Your hardwork and kindness have been appreciated by the both of us. Thank you for making our special day truly memorable! - Maryam & Muhammad
Each time I head over to a belly dance class at Flow Fitness, I forget that I'm learning an incredible art form, and I forget that I'm getting a physical workout. The main thing on my mind seems to be that I'm heading over for some fun! the rest is a bonus ;) - Teena
Classes with Mayada are always fun. Her high energy personality is infectous as she challenges you to be the best dancer you can be and her classes cover the full range of a dancer's needs, teaching techique, physical conditioning and self expression... What more could a dancer ask for? - Stacey McKay
Mayada is absolutely fabulous. Her fast-paced class packs more in an hour then I ever though possible. Be prepared to shimmy, undulate and have fun. Studying with Mayada has made me a more confident dancer and a more proficient belly-dancer. Mayada rocks!!! - Alya (Mirage Belly Dance)
Mayada's classes are fast-paced and fun. She's always got a new move or combination in her unique style to surprise us with. My hip work has improved exponentially since I started taking her bellydance classes. - Anuka (Mirage Belly Dance)
When I came to dance at flow with Mayada I had already been taking bellydance for two years... I found Mayada's style of dance and teaching refreshing,exciting and challenging. Each class presented new fun steps that I could not wait to show off to my family and friends. Mayada has inspired me to take my love and passion for this dance form to new and exciting levels and thrive for technical perfection. I love learning with you Mayada, you rak!!! - Zenobia, student & performer
I've been taking belly dance classes at Flow for just over a year and I look forward to each class for a number of reasons. The exercise is great, the location is convenient and my instructor, Mayada is not only talented (and way more coordinated than I'll ever be), but she is a great deal of fun! I don't think I've laughed so much doing an activity that gives you a wicked workout. So far, I've been in two student galas, even creating my own costume for the last one, and I can't wait to learn the new choreography for the next gala. - Lisa Leonard
A belly dance class is the perfect way to end a long day of work. Mayada makes the classes so much fun that no matter how tired or klutzy I feel, I leave energized. - Kirsten
Mayada was my first teacher when I took beginner level at Arabesque academy. Not only is she still a teacher of mine, she is an inspiration. She is helpful, insightful, encouraging and honest. She is always willing to help her students reach their professional goals. Mayada's imagination and dedication to her students is very inspiring. Her energy is contagious and she is a joy to be around. - Leyla
Mayada's classes are lots of fun, challenging and energizing, and taught with enthusiasm. Her ability to demonstrate her work is exceptional. - Kathy Hill
Mayada has been coming to our work environment for the past month to teach us Belly Dancing. She is very professional as well as punctual. She gets everyone participating and having fun without any effort. Even the most timid of participants are shimmying, laughing and having a good time. Mayada has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. We all have so much fun that we don't realize what a workout we are getting. By the end of the class, we are all more confident and invigorated by our lessons. Mayada has a tremendous gift for teaching and dance and we are very honoured that she is willing to share that with the rest of us! - Farina Khan, Immunization Clerk (East York Civic Centre)
We laughed, we exercised, we jiggled parts that we've never jiggled before - and most of all, we had a lot of fun! Mayada's workplace dance lessons were very enjoyable. With her clear explanations and variations, her class was great for first-time dancers and non-beginners alike. Thanks Mayada! - Vicki Wong (East York Civic Centre)
Thank you very much for the time you spend teaching us bellyance & Latin. You are th BEST teacher. So laid back that it makes it comforting to be in your class. Love & admiration, - Denise & Sandy
We want to thank you for the beautiful dance performance at our wedding reception. Your show was really exceptional and all our guests enjoyed it very much. Your hardwork and kindness have been appreciated by the both of us. Thank you for making our special day truly memorable! - Maryam & Muhammad
|
Some of the places Mayada has performed over the years:
Restaurants & Nightclubs: Ivory Nightclub Exchange Nightclub Paparazzi Nightclub Luxor Nightclub Ay Caramba Nightclub Fez Batik Nightclub C-Lounge Lolita's Lust Downtown Cervejaria Platinum Nightclub This Is London Nightclub Ambrosia Restaurant Karoon Restaurant Mirage Restaurant Sahara Restaurants 1 & 2 Haifa Restaurant Whitehouse Restaurant Hungry Fisherman Restaurant Ouzeri Restaurant Laxmi Indian Restaurant Biljana's Restaurant Macedonian Nights Layal El Shark Om Kalsoum Coffee Shop Anatolia Restaurant Encore Restaurant Gypsy Co-op (Layali Arabesque Night) Aladdin's Palace (Scarborough & Ajax locations) Maza Restaurant (London, Ontario) Fez Restaurant (Hamilton, Ontario) Rendezvous Restaurant (Oakville, Ontario) Aladdin's Den (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Events (selected): Caravan 1997 & 1998 (Cairo & Istanbul Pavilions) Inaugural Meeting of Board of Education Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Royal Cdn. Military Inst. Awards Royal Ontario Museum - Egyptian Art Exhibit Annual Peruvian Independence Day Festival - City Hall Nick Nikolaid's Annual Liberal Party Barbeque Seneca College Multicultural Day Northern Secondary School's Multicultural Show Fitness & Model Expo (FAME) 2003 & 2004 - Metro Toronto Convention Centre Arabian Nights New Year's Eve Parties (various years) - Inn on the Park St. Lawrence Market Festival Word On The Street Festival Egyptian-Canadian Club Parties Luminat'eau 2008 - Harbourfront Centre Peruvian Independence Day Festival yearly from 1998 - 2014 - Nathan Philips Square with Arabesque Dance Company: Toronto Street Festival Hot & Spicy Festival - Harbourfront 'Ya Hala' Arab Heritage Weekend - Harbourfront Gypsy - A World Party Call of the Nile: Harbourfront Ctr. Dance of the Almeh: Harbourfront Descent of Ishtar: Harbourfront Centre Canadian National Exhibition (Int'l Stage) Niagara Folk Arts Festival: St. Catharines, Ontario Casbah Canada Show: Calgary, Alberta MEDA Showcase: Victoria, BC Millennium Summit of United Nations: New York International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance: Los Angeles Corporate Events for Companies Including: Pfizer, Apotex, Moneris, Wal-Mart, CIBC, Playtex, Hakim Optical, The Bay, Easter Seals, MAC, Shoppers Drug Mart, MAC Television & Film Appearances: City Line (City TV) Breakfast Television (City TV) Eye On Toronto (CTV) Mosaic Magazine (Rogers 10) Hora H (CFMT) Canadian Living (CTV) Munawa'at Arabia (CFMT) Arab TV (Rogers 10) TFO TV The Hero (Indian Movie) Abolengo Music Video Body & Health Show (Global) Girlz TV (YTV) Brave New Girl How To Look Good Naked Canada Rich Bride, Poor Bride Dinner Party Wars Parties & Weddings at These Banquet Halls (selected): - Le Jardin - Paradise Banquet Centre - Westin Harbour Castle - La Pentola - The Old Mill - The Estates of Sunnybrook - Fantasy Farm - Casablanca Banquet Hall - Hollywood Princess - Dynasty Star - Qssis Banquet Hall - Spirale Banquet Hall - Mississauga Convention Centre - La Contessa Banquet Hall - The Sutton Place |
|
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS:
Victoria has been bellydancing for over 20 years and has enjoyed performing and teaching across Ontario.
|
Andrea started learning bellydance in Toronto in 2015 and participated in various showcases. She joined Mayada's Dance Studio over a year ago and continues to grow in the beautiful art of bellydance as well as teach it. In addition to bellydance, her musical and dance interests include Tango, Salsa, and Bachata.
|
Vineetha The Bollywood dancer who fell in love with Bellydance!
Vineetha has performed over 600 shows in 7 countries. She has shared the stage with several Indian movie stars such as Nora Fatehi. |
